Menninger is a mental health care system for all ages, including dual disorders/addictions.
ABOUT THE MENNINGER CLINIC
Located in Houston, Texas, The Menninger Clinic provides inpatient and outpatient-based programs for adults and adolescents (ages 12 to 17) struggling with a psychiatric disorder. The center also treats clients struggling with co-occurring disorders, eating disorders, and other addictive and/or destructive behaviors. In addition, Menninger provides specialized programs for professionals and young adults (ages 18 to 30).
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Before beginning treatment, clients meet with a nurse and a psychiatrist to identify issues through a biopsychosocial assessment. Menninger does not accept involuntary admissions. The typical inpatient program lasts between three and six weeks, which varies depending on the client’s symptoms and progress during treatment.
Utilizing evidence-based treatment methods, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectic behavioral therapy (DBT), treatment for primary psychiatric disorders includes a schedule of group psychotherapy sessions, individual therapy, medication management, expressive arts therapy, and other therapeutic activities such as meditation, massages, and pet therapy. Electroconvulsive therapy may also be recommended to treat severe depression, and families are invited to participate in family counseling and education along with a free 1-day family education session.
Along with counseling sessions, treatment for clients with a dual diagnosis utilizes the 12-Steps and in-house internal medicine services. Additionally, Refuge Recovery, SMART Recovery, and Teen Recovery meetings are offered at the hospital. Along with core treatment components, clients also participate in wellness and exercise programs, and an interfaith chapel holds services on-site.
For adult alumni, the program operates a supportive living facility. There are also two community integration programs, designed to help individuals adjust back to life in the community. One program features a day-program with mentored apartment living, while the other offers an in-home wraparound clinical services, and is available for clients who remain living in the Houston area.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
Under the leadership of a board of directors, Menninger employs a highly qualified team of medical doctors, psychiatrists, nurses, mental health associates, senior social workers, rehabilitation counselors, a fitness consultant, and a support team of behavioral health technicians.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
All residents stay in private rooms with their own bathroom, and some bedrooms are handicapped accessible. Menninger offers a range of on-campus amenities, including a café that serves Starbucks coffee, a meditation garden, a volleyball court, and a saltwater pool. The facility also has a Wellness Center, which features state-of-the-art fitness equipment and a full-sized basketball court.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
At the time of this writing, seven alumni were polled by Best-rehabs.com. Most alumni were dissatisfied with their stay at the facility. Alum J.D. gave the facility a one- out of five-star rating for treatment effectiveness and a two- out of five-star rating for accommodations & amenities and meals & nutrition. When asked for commentary, A.K. wrote “Menninger caused me more trauma than therapy during my 6 week stay….I have so many complaints about this program i don’t know where to start…The only thing they care about is their financial bottom line.”
Alum D.S. felt that the program was not worth the cost, writing “Do your homework before you invest in the treatment here. It served as a high class re hab. Nothing but that. With out patient opting in and participating the program is worthless other than re hab which can be done for a fraction of the cost.”
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
At the time of this writing, six friends and family members of clients were polled by Best-rehabs.com. On average, friends and family gave the facility a 3.6- out of five-star rating when asked if there were many counseling options to choose from depending on the client’s preference; and if the facility’s cell phone and visitation policy was fair. The gave a 4.4- out of five-star rating when asked if the facility staff were experienced and well-trained and a four-out of five-star rating when asked if they would recommend the facility to friends or family.
Most recent reviews regarding the facility’s effectiveness were negative. One spouse wrote that her husband “was there nine weeks and was discharged the same as he was admitted. The clinic did not help him at all and they knew he was not well.” One parent noted that the nursing staff was “top notch” but they found “that the overall conceptualization of our child’s case by the clinicians didn’t match up with what we or the nursing staff observed.” While this parent “had a very unpleasant experience with Menninger” and “would not recommend them” one anonymous friend or family member stated that the facility was very helpful, writing “My brother was treated here for alcohol addiction and seems recovered so far, one year later.”
When asked about the facilities weaknesses, several friends and family members wrote that the facility was costly: “Expensive,” “A bit expensive,” and “Expensive.”
WHAT STAFF SAY
There was one former anonymous staff member who was polled by Best-rehabs.com at the time of this writing. This employee was a full-time member of the counseling staff. The anonymous staff member reported that there were eight licensed medical professionals who were on staff at the facility and no medical professionals who were contractors.
FINANCING
Currently, the cost for inpatient treatment is $1,700 per day for the Adolescent Treatment Program. The Compass Program for Young Adults and the Hope Program for Adults each cost $1,800 per day. The Professionals Program is $1,900 each day. The Menninger Clinic does not accept insurance to cover the cost of treatment, however, the facility does offer financial assistance for qualified individuals.