ABOUT COOLEY DICKINSON BEHAVIORAL HEALTH UNIT IN NORTHAMPTON, MA
Cooley Dickinson Behavioral Health Unit, located in Northampton, Mass., offers inpatient treatment to adults struggling with mental illness. The facility’s website states that Cooley Dickinson is intended for people who are unable to care for themselves or who present a risk to themselves and others. The facility operates as a department of Cooley Dickinson Hospital and is located inside the hospital.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
The facility’s website does not provide detail on specific treatment methods used, but states that the program aims to help clients of Cooley Dickinson Behavioral Health develop coping skills such as being assertive, making healthy decisions, becoming self-reflective, and eating, exercising and sleeping well.
The treatment program includes daily treatment groups that meet up to 12 hours a day. To be admitted, clients require a crisis evaluation by the hospital’s Clinical and Support Options (CSO) team. If Cooley Dickinson is not a good fit for the client, the facility will provide referrals to other organizations. Families are included in the treatment program through a weekly support group. Families and friends are also encouraged to visit during daily suggested visitation hours. This facility offers unique treatments and therapy including aromatherapy and weighted blankets.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
There is currently no information provided by the facility regarding its living arrangements and related offerings. One alum surveyed ranked the facility four out of five stars for accommodations & amenities, and another gave Cooley Dickinson one out of five stars.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
The treatment team includes psychiatrists, registered nurses, counselors, social workers, occupational therapists, chaplains, peer support specialists, nutritionists, and therapy dogs. The Cooley Dickinson Behavioral Health Unit website states that the facility’s treatment team also includes people who have coped with mental health issues of their own.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
At the time of this writing there have been two alumni polled by Best-rehabs.com. One alum had very positive things to say about the facility, and the other had very negative things to say about the facility. The first anonymous reviewer gave the facility one out of five stars for treatment effectiveness, one star for accommodations & amenities, and one star for meals & nutrition. He strongly disagreed that there are many counseling options to choose from, that the facility is adequately equipped and staffed to treat co-occurring mental health problems, and that facility staff are experienced and well-trained. He did not list any strengths of the facility, and reported that he was discharged from the facility “in the middle of a psychiatric crises.”
The second reviewer gave Cooley Dickinson four out of five stars for treatment effectiveness, accommodations & amenities, and meals & nutrition. He expressed that he entered the facility for a behavioral disorder, completed treatment obligations, and then transitioned to an outpatient facility. The reviewer said he would recommend the program to friends and family seeking treatment, and added additional commentary stating, “They literally saved my life by providing a safe space for me to heal.”
There are currently no third party reviews available for this facility.
FINANCING
There is currently no information provided by Cooley Dickinson regarding its costs. However, one alum polled by Best-rehabs.com reported that the facility was worth the cost. Another anonymous alum gave the program one out of five stars for affordability. Clients are encouraged to contact the facility directly for additional information regarding financing.