ABOUT GLENDALE ADVENTIST MEDICAL CENTER
Glendale Adventist Medical Center (GAMC) is part of Adventist Health System/West, a Christian nonprofit that operates 20 hospitals and more than 260 clinics on the West Coast and in Hawaii. The organization is founded on Seventh-day Adventist values.
In the Los Angeles suburb of Glendale, GAMC offers general medical treatments and Glendale Adventist Alcohol and Drug Services (GAADS), where individuals struggling with substance abuse and dual diagnosis can access residential and outpatient treatment, and continuing care services. Medical detox is available through Adventist Health Glendale, which is among 11.7 percent of substance abuse treatment facilities in the state accredited by The Joint Commission.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
The GAADS residential program specializes in clients who are resistant to treatment, prone to relapse, or lack emotional and social support. There are 12-step meetings on-site six days per week; clients also engage in daily meditation and exercise, process groups, reading and writing assignments, relapse prevention training, and yoga for a period of typically three to four weeks. Families are invited to participate in treatment, and all clients leave with an aftercare plan, which may include transitioning to an outpatient program.
Outpatient treatment uses 12-step programming, group therapy, and education. A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is offered at three intensities: three, six, or 13 hours per day. An intensive outpatient program (IOP) typically involves attendance four times a week for eight weeks. The structured continuing care program includes group counseling and 12-step participation for up to a year.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
The GAADS team includes consulting psychiatrists, physicians, registered nurses, addiction counselors, and family therapists. To date, the seven individuals polled on the matter praised the effectiveness of staff.
Staff Experience and Training: 4.9/5
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
Clients in residential treatment receive nutritious meals and have free time in the evening to use the on-site Jacuzzi, ping pong table, pool table, and television. The individuals polled on the specific metric gave exemplary ratings for the quality of the facility.
Facility Cleanliness and Upkeep: 5/5
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
Five alumni who submitted reviews to Best-rehabs.com provided highly favorable opinions of GAADS to date. Several reviewers noted the treatment they received saved their life or succeeded where other facilities had failed, such as an anonymous alum who wrote: “It was the last treatment center I was in after 5 other tries. We were immersed in writing on steps, talk therapy, & coping skills. Excellent program.”
Alumni also repeatedly reported that treatment was tough. Although awarding five-star ratings for the effectiveness of group counseling and the respect shown to clientele, Rosemary wrote: “This is not a ‘vacation’ rehab facility. It is a way to get and stay sober.” Alum Marc added: “The staff are amazing, cannot say enough about how much they actually care.”
Secondary review sites yielded mainly favorable feedback to date: 3.5 out of five stars based on seven reviews on Yelp and two three out of five-star ratings on Facebook.[1][2] Some alumni echoed Best-rehabs.com reviewers, indicating treatment had saved their life and succeeded whereas other facilities had failed. They praised the caring staff, range of treatment modalities, and tools provided, such as Alicia on Yelp: “I am so grateful! to GAADS! With the tools I have learned I apply to life and troubled situations and will stayed sober….” Negative comments concerned rudeness, mismanagement, micromanagement, and weakness of the 12-steps approach.
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
Two loved ones polled by Best-rehabs.com to date provided positive feedback about GAADS. They rated numerous metrics with perfect five-star ratings, including administrative/discharge policies, counseling options, family participation, and the likelihood they’d recommend the facility. Both rated treatment of co-occurring disorders four out of five stars. They reported some weak points, such as holistic offerings.
On secondary review site CiteHealth, GAADS received high praise – perfect five stars based on one review from an anonymous loved one to date.[3] This parent described the experience of their son, who achieved sobriety after residential treatment followed by outpatient care: “The variety of therapy for individuals, patient groups and family meetings was excellent. We learned about the entire syndrome of addiction.”
FINANCING
GAADS has contracted care agreements with most insurers including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and United Behavioral Health. The facility also offers financial assistance options to eligible clients. The four individuals polled on the matter generally approved of the facility’s cost.
Affordability: 3.5/5