The substance abuse and mental health treatment philosophy at Harbor Oaks Hospital is firmly grounded in current best practices and evidence-based research. It acknowledges that chemical dependency and mental health disorders are treatable diseases that can be acute or chronic, progressive, and potentially fatal. These disorders often co-occur, having a direct physical, emotional, spiritual, and social impact on individuals and their families. When combined with other behavioral and/or medical health difficulties, the impact of these disorders is further heightened.
ABOUT HARBOR OAKS HOSPITAL
Harbor Oaks Hospital, located in New Baltimore, Mich., provides residential and outpatient rehabilitation services for individuals of all ages seeking treatment for substance use or psychiatric disorders. The facility also offers medically monitored detox and dual diagnosis treatment.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Harbor Oaks Hospital employs a range of traditional and holistic methods to treat its patients. The treatment process begins with a comprehensive assessment to determine each client’s needs. Initial assessments can be accessed on a 24-hour walk-in or appointment basis, and clients can expect to meet with a medical doctor within their first day.
The facility offers various levels of treatment, including inpatient care focused on addiction or mental health treatment. It also provides an intensive outpatient program (IOP) for chemical dependency, which meets three afternoons a week for 12 weeks, as well as a partial hospitalization program (PHP) that focuses on psychiatric care.
All programs involve individual and group counseling sessions utilizing evidence-based modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing. Substance abuse-related treatment incorporates The Hazelden Curriculum and integrates 12-step fellowship into programming.
Clients may also engage in art therapy, recreational activities, and pet therapy, as well as attend mental health and addiction education classes. Family counseling is also incorporated into treatment, and medication management is available for clients with primary or co-occurring mental health concerns.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
The treatment team at Harbor Oaks Hospital includes psychiatric nurses, medical doctors, master’s-level therapists, substance abuse counselors, psychiatrists, child psychologists, social workers, and behavioral health technicians. The facility is accredited by the Joint Commission.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
Photographs on the facility’s website depict a clinical setting with a 30-bed hospital. Residential clients share twin-bedded bedrooms. Some group and waiting areas have access to natural lighting. The facility includes a small recreation room and a gym with a small basketball court and space for practicing yoga. Smoking is permitted in designated outdoor areas.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
Feedback from 31 alumni about their experience at Harbor Oaks Hospital has been extremely varied. However, more recent alumni feedback tends to be more positive. Alumni described the program as offering good support, teaching helpful coping skills, and promoting accountability. Many reviewers also reported achieving sobriety through the program.
However, one alum mentioned issues with the food being overly salty and the beds being uncomfortable, while another felt that the environment could be more welcoming. Some reviewers also indicated that they found the staff to be rude and inattentive.
On Google, Harbor Oaks Hospital has an average rating of 2.5 out of five stars based on 88 reviews at the time of this writing. Many reviews raise significant concerns about treatment, with some alumni characterizing their experiences as a “nightmare” and feeling worse off than before.
Of the seven reviews on Yelp, six rated the facility with one out of five stars, while one gave it five stars. Many reviewers on Yelp also commented on the poor conditions of the hospital, with several noting noncompliance with ADA regulations by the facility and staff.
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
At the time of this writing, three out of five reviews from loved ones about Harbor Oaks Hospital on Best-rehabs.com expressed concerns about the quality and quantity of therapy and perceived disengagement of staff. However, one loved one mentioned that staff were accountable, although they felt they could be more welcoming. Another positive reviewer noted that the staff were well-trained and informed. The most recent review, however, described the facility as having a “Very prison-like environment.”
WHAT STAFF SAY
The sole employee polled by Best-rehabs.com to date had positive opinions about the facility, giving perfect five-star ratings for the hospital’s ability to resolve conflicts, the safety of the facility, and the effectiveness of lead counselors. The employee remarked that it was the “Best job I ever had.”
On Indeed, Harbor Oaks Hospital has an average rating of three out of five stars based on 33 reviews at the time of this writing. Experiences of staff members seemed to vary based on their department and role. While some former employees, such as an Intake Manager, described the facility as a “Wonderful place to work,” many behavioral health associates expressed dissatisfaction with inadequate compensation and a sense that their value was reduced to meeting management’s metrics.
On Glassdoor, the facility has an average rating of 2.6 out of five stars based on 21 reviews. Employees mentioned issues such as mandatory overtime, difficult patients, and nonexistent morale. One employee even stated, “Your license is on the line, understaffed, poor patient care due to lack of staff, management does not care.”
FINANCING
Harbor Oaks accepts various private insurance plans, state-funded insurance (like TriCare and Medicaid), and Medicare. Self-pay options are also available.