Advantage Behavioral Health Systems provides client-centered, community-based services to individuals and families suffering from mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse issues. The rehab offers a variety of programs and resources, including detox, crisis stabilization, residential treatment, and outpatient programs, as well as job training and school-based treatment. Treatment is offered to children, adolescents, and adults.
ABOUT ADVANTAGE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SYSTEMS — WOMEN’S SERVICES
Advantage Behavioral Health Systems (ABHS), based in Athens, Ga., is a publicly funded organization that offers a comprehensive menu of behavioral health, mental health, and addiction and recovery services. The center offers CARF-accredited residential and outpatient services for substance abuse. This review focuses on the Women’s Services location, which provides residential substance abuse treatment for pregnant women and women with children.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
According to the center’s website, the first step of treatment at ABHS is an assessment as the basis for a treatment referral. The assessment addresses life stressors, attitude, emotional stability, and alcohol and/or drug use. Then the results of the assessment are used to determine a treatment plan for the patient. Treatment recommendations are based on the guidelines from the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Level of Care.
The Women’s Services Program strives to help residents identify and reach their recovery goals, as well as meet any objectives set by external agencies. It also assists clients with developing parenting skills, finding housing, and obtaining employment.
The main treatment modalities are group counseling and education, geared to address the needs of women in recovery. 12-step principles are also introduced. In addition, the facility offers a PEER Recovery Program.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
Advantage Behavioral Health Systems’ website indicates the managerial staff includes a master’s level counselor, a Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialist, and nurses. The PEER Recovery Program uses peer coaches.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
According to the center’s website, children under 12 may stay on-site with their mothers during treatment, but alumni reviews indicate that other visitors are not allowed.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
Of the five alumni surveyed by Best-rehabs.com at the time of this writing, four provided mostly positive reviews. The four alumni who left positive reviews indicated they would recommend the center, and many praised the “caring” and “great” staff. Alum Ashley, for example, enjoyed the treatment overall but would have liked more visiting options. Those polled on family participation gave the facility exclusively four- and five-star ratings.
In the sole negative alumni review sourced by Best-rehabs.com to date, the alum wrote: “I am APPALLED at the level of disrespect and apathy the people who work here exhibit.” She described being in a waiting room for hours and spending a week and a half unsuccessfully trying to get a prescription refilled.
On Advantage Behavioral Health Systems’ Facebook page, which the facility can manage and which covers the entire scope of the organization in addition to Women’s Services, Advantage Behavioral Health Systems received 3.1 out of five stars from 15 reviews to date. [1] Alumni praised the effectiveness of the treatment program and the staff but mentioned poor administrative practices.
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
At the time of this writing, the three loved ones polled by Best-rehabs.com provided mostly positive reviews. The loved ones provided four- and maximum five-star ratings for the facility’s treatment effectiveness.
They rated the center highest for the staff’s level of training and experience with a four-star rating and two five-star ratings. Yet, they rated the center just two out of five stars for its exercise and leisure options.
WHAT STAFF SAY
On Indeed, the facility earned 3.5 out of five stars from 13 reviews. [2] Former and current employees liked their co-workers but felt unsupported by management and thought their pay was too low.
FINANCING
According to the center’s website, there’s an $85 fee for an initial assessment. The facility accepts insurance, including Medicaid, Medicare Part B, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and United Heath Care. Additionally, on-site financial counselors can help incoming residents identify all available financial resources.
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