ABOUT VALLEY BAPTIST MEDICAL CENTER – BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES
Valley Baptist Medical Center provides a 37-bed psychiatric wing that offers inpatient and outpatient-based behavioral health services for adults (ages 17+) struggling with chemical dependency, a primary psychiatric disorder, or co-occurring mental health disorders. The center is one of 187 (38.3 percent) treatment facilities in the state with specifically-tailored programming for dual diagnosis.
Located in the community of Brownsville in southeastern Texas, along the Mexican border, Valley Baptist Medical Center’s inpatient treatment goal is to effectively stabilize the client and refer them to a less-intensive level of care.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Upon admission, clients first undergo a “psychiatric, physical and psychosocial assessment” to guide clinicians in forming an individualized treatment plan. According to the facility’s website, “individual strengths and needs dictate individualized treatment interventions specific to that patient.” To stabilize the client, the facility’s treatment program combines pharmacological intervention with evidence-based treatment approaches.
During inpatient treatment, clients adhere to a structured schedule of counseling sessions, educational classes, and stress management workshops. Utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, the hospital facilitates individual and group therapy sessions. Counseling sessions are designed to address and modify the link between irrational thinking patterns and behavioral concerns.
The medical center also provides educational classes for loved ones to include family in the recovery and treatment process. In addition to therapeutic programming, clients with mental health disorders also receive ongoing medication management.
Once a client is stabilized, clinicians may encourage the individual to transition to the hospital’s intensive outpatient program (IOP). IOP consists of group, individual, and family counseling. If necessary, the medical center offers transportation to patients enrolled in the outpatient program.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
While no information is provided on the facility’s website concerning the treatment staff’s credentials, hospital-based psychiatric units typically employ a multidisciplinary team comprised of psychiatrists, licensed professional counselors, psychiatric nurses, and behavioral health technicians. The two alumni polled by Best-rehabs.com to date both provided five out of five stars for the staff’s level of training and experience.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
According to the facility’s website, the 37-bed psychiatric unit provides clients with a “professional and caring environment.” Clients enjoy the comfort of private rooms and have 24-hour access to nursing and medical attention. The facility also has access to weight-loss and exercise facilities. The two former clients polled by Best-rehabs.com at the time of this writing both offered a five out of five star rating for the facility’s cleanliness & maintenance.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
The two former clients polled by Best-rehabs.com to date both felt the facility was highly effective. The alumni gave the facility five out of five stars for its treatment effectiveness, affordability, facility cleanliness, and treatment for co-occurring disorders. One alum listed, “Very helpful great staff” as the most important facility strength.
Both alumni also approved of the facility’s admission and discharge procedures, giving this category four- and five-star ratings. While one alum submitted a four-star rating for the facility’s counseling options and wrote that the staff “Know what they are doing,” this alum also gave a low, two-star rating for the level of family participation and criticized the facility’s phone policies.
On its unofficial Facebook page, the facility earned a 3.3 out of five-star average rating from six reviewers.
WHAT FAMILY & FRIENDS SAY
At the time of this writing, Best-rehabs.com has not yet received any reviews from loved ones of alumni. On Google, however, the facility earned one four- and two five-star ratings. Loved one D.V. wrote, “My son was supervised very well. The only concern was he was heavily medicated that he didn’t remember any of my daily visits. Doctor kept in touch by phone, and social worker did as well. I was pleased with service.” E.A.C. added, “I really appreciate all the love and caring, extremely extra great comforting progress, all the doctors, nurses and staff members.”
WHAT STAFF SAY
Although Best-rehabs.com has yet to receive employee feedback to date, secondary sources revealed overall employee satisfaction. On Indeed, 101 current and former employees awarded the facility an average rating of 4.1 out of five stars. Note, this encompasses all of Valley Baptist Health System’s offerings, in addition to the Behavioral Health Services. Many reviewers cited coworkers and the positive environment as facility strengths. “This is a nice company where you will work with nice people and will enjoy teamwork,” a registered nurse and representative reviewer wrote.
FINANCING
Valley Baptist Medical Center accepts a wide range of insurance providers and plans. The list of accepted providers can be found on the website and includes major providers including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, United Healthcare, and more. The medical center also accepts Medicaid and Medicare, and financial assistance may be available to qualified individuals.
VBMC accepts payments for services that are not covered by insurance policies by cash, personal checks, and credit cards. There are financial counselors available to help clients understand billing processes as well. Clients without insurance can work through the financial assistance program.
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