ABOUT LAKESIDE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SYSTEM
Located on 37 acres in a suburb of Memphis, Tenn., Lakeside Behavioral Health System provides treatment for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. Services include medical detox, residential and outpatient programs, and aftercare. The center also has an residential program for individuals with mental and behavioral health disorders as well as specialized tracks for professionals.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
The process begins with a comprehensive evaluation, during which a therapist identifies the level of care that best meets the client’s needs.
After detox (if necessary), clients enroll in the residential program or choose from several outpatient options including a partial hospital program (PHP) and an intensive outpatient program (IOP). Treatment is based on the 12-Steps and includes individual, group, and family therapy, plus activity therapy and educational groups on topics including stress management, relapse prevention, and spirituality. There also are special services for those struggling with trauma and/or suicidal feelings.
Aftercare provisions include ongoing access to staff, continued individual and group therapy, and family support, plus 12-step referrals.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
According to the facility’s website, the treatment team includes a medical director, psychiatrists, professional nurses, a community counselor, social workers, and therapists. The physicians and psychiatrists work at Lakeside as independent contractors.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
Other than indicating that the facility has 345 beds, the center does not provide information regarding its living arrangements and related offerings. Photos on the website show a bright dining hall with floor-to-ceiling windows, a lounge with ping pong table and library. The tree-lined grounds overlook a lake.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
Alumni reviews ranged from positive to negative, though most feedback was mediocre at best. Of the more than 20 former clients who responded to the Best-rehabs.com survey with numerical ratings, less than half gave the overall effectiveness of the program high four and top five stars.
Some alumni praised the staff as “friendly” and “very helpful” as well as the facility’s counseling options. Some considered their stay at the facility helpful, such as J.M., who told Best-rehabs.com: “Lakeside helped me out.” Others had a different impression of their experience. For example, an anonymous reviewer told Best-rehabs.com it was “a waste of time and money and added more stress to my situation. It did nothing to improve anything.”
Some reported a need for more one-on-one therapy, additional exercise offerings, and better food. Others had stronger complaints, especially about the high cost of treatment.
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
Reviews from loved ones skewed were mixed, but largely positive. Of the more than 20 individuals who responded to the Best-rehabs.com survey at the time of this writing with numerical ratings, close to three-quarters gave high four and top five stars to overall effectiveness of the program and the other major categories of accommodations and meals.
An anonymous reviewer wanted Best-rehabs.com to know about “the great programs and staff” because “It helped a close loved one.” Another anonymous pointed out “the excellent care” their mother received and would “strongly recommend” the center. Another anonymous loved said the “counseling was great” and added the program “works if you apply yourself.”
Some praised the detox program and the physical facility. Yet others complained about the high cost. A.B.D shared with Best-rehabs.com: “They are in this for MONEY” and an anonymous reviewer suggested: “I think the treatments should focus on more long term improvement than just monetary help.”
FINANCING
According to its website, Lakeside accepts most major, private, and government-issued insurance plans. Physician fees are billed separately, since the facility’s physicians are independent contractors.