Salt Lake Behavioral Health

Salt Lake Behavioral Health Salt Lake City Utah

Salt Lake Behavioral Health is a psychiatric hospital providing mental health and substance abuse treatment for adolescents and adults. Treatment options include medical detoxification, dual diagnosis, inpatient programs and outpatient care. Programming includes cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, group therapy, 12-step groups, yoga, life skills training, and relapse prevention techniques.

ABOUT SALT LAKE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Salt Lake Behavioral Health (SLBH) is a private psychiatric hospital located less than 10 miles south of Salt Lake City, Utah. The facility offers a medical detox program plus inpatient and outpatient care for adults struggling with substance abuse and mental health problems. The hospital also offers a specialized dual diagnosis program.

TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT

Treatment begins with a free assessment, which is used to develop an individualized treatment plan. Treatment revolves around a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, a therapy model that helps clients recognize the substance abuse cycle and progress from it.

As a psychiatric hospital, SLBH also uses evidence-based treatment methods, including motivational interviewing (MI), group therapy, and skills groups that revolved around the 12-Steps, relapse prevention, and relaxation techniques among others. According to the facility’s website, holistic treatment options include music therapy/expression, pet therapy, spiritual counseling, and yoga.

SLBH’s intensive outpatient programs meet three to five days per week, which includes structured group therapy and general psychiatry.

In addition to substance abuse treatment, SLBH offers a dedicated residential program for servicemen on active duty who are struggling with PTSD and a specialized geriatric program for Alzheimer’s and dementia. There are two programs, one for men and women.

STAFF CREDENTIALS

According to the JCAHO-certified facility’s website, staff at SLBH include two psychiatrists, an addictionologist, a nurse practitioner, and physician assistants. Three reviewers polled by Best-rehabs.com to date rated the staff’s level of experience and training an average of 4.6 out of five stars.

ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES

SLBH is a 118-bed facility. Photos published on its website show a fitness room, dorm-style bedrooms, a lounge, a kitchen, and nondescript decor. 13 reviewers polled by Best-rehabs.com to date rated SLBH’s accommodations and amenities on average three out of five stars and its meals and nutrition on average 3.7 stars.

WHAT ALUMNI SAY

13 reviewers polled by Best-rehabs.com to date recommended SLBH with an average three out of five stars. Of nine alumni polled by Best-rehabs.com, six were positive and three were very negative. Positive alumni consistently rated its treatment effectiveness four out of five stars or higher, with comments praising the kindness of its staff. Alum E.M. wrote: “The first days can be challenging and rules might seem pointless but it all serves a therapeutic purpose.”

The three negative reviewers had poorer experiences with staff. Two criticized the unprofessional treatment from staff. Alum C.S. complained of poor treatment from a nurse, writing: “He told me that I was delusional … He was so unprofessional and inappropriate.”

WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY

Of the four loved ones polled by Best-rehabs.com all gave negative reviews of SLBH to date, rating its treatment effectiveness only two stars out of five stars or less. Loved ones’ comments criticized SLBH’s lack of resources, low staff, and poor treatment. Loved one Kylee complained of an incident where a nurse startled her husband, writing: “My husband who is an OIF Veteran suffers from severe PTSD and has a fear of people walking behind him, amongst many other things. Frightened he turned around and yelled. The nurse laughed at him.”

FINANCING

According to the facility’s website Tricare and Medicare are accepted, along with private insurance policies such as Blue Cross, Aetna, and Cigna among more. Financial assistance covering up to 100 percent of the cost of treatment is available.

Updated November 2017

Reviews about Salt Lake Behavioral Health

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    • I was inpatient here two years ago, the experience was terrible, like others say it is like a prison. After I continued after care treatment because I like one of the physicians. I paid upfront each time I went. I constantly asked them where my bills were. They said their billing system was down. A year later I receive a high bill, with NONE of the payments I made in office deducted, also since they are completely inept as a business, they filed all last years claims and my insurance denied them, because they were filed so much later. I am paying a lot of money for their incompetence. I have been going back and forth between the center and their billing company, needed to fax over proof of payment for all those visits. The director has not gotten back to me. This is happening to a lot of patients. I’ve never felt like I need to seek legal advice until now, this is wrong, unethical, and this kind of stress is the last thing that their patients need. I’m not going here anymore. I wish there was someone to contact to hold them responsible for running business poorly.
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    • All about the money! Patients are often released before they are ready or held longer than they should be. Se. Please go somewhere else for help!
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    • I was recently released from this facility and it was horrific. The nurses and techs were good, but the Physician's Assistant who oversaw my treatment was harsh and lacked compassion while the therapist overseeing my case was on a power trip. I was a voluntary admit because I felt unsafe and knew what I could handle. I've been in intensive therapy for over a year because I knew I needed help and worked hard to get it. When admitted, I waited 4 hours before they completed the intake process. During this they rarely came out or updated me on the status of my admission. When I was FINALLY admitted, a nurse took me up to the floor. Upon arrival, a (very nice) nurse informed me that I was placed on the wrong floor because of a lack of beds on the correct floor and that he would try to get me moved as soon as possible. Nobody had informed me of this beforehand. Instead of being put on a general psych unit for people with depression and mood disorders, I was put on crisis stabilization for people with severe mental illnesses, psychotic disorders, etc. This floor was extremely restricted because the patients were unsafe to be in the general public. While on the crisis unit, I met with an AMAZING psychiatrist who, along with my input and consultation with my (highly qualified) outside therapist, felt that I needed to be discharged within 24 hours. Then the PA came in and told me that it didn't matter what he said, it was a team decision, and I probably wouldn't get discharged when he wanted because he was just a resident (even though she didn't have an MD soo....). She told me she would meet with me the next morning after the team meeting. I was moved to the correct unit and still hadn't met with any sort of therapist. The next day my team met and decided (against other professional recommendations) to keep me for further observation. Nobody informed me, despite me asking to talk with someone on my treatment team. I asked repeatedly to make a treatment plan, and I was told they would get to me eventually. I had a family meeting over the phone. The therapist told me it was a thorough plan and I communicated effectively, despite never talking with me about my issues. The therapist also yelled at the nurses, including the nicest nurse who everybody loved. I finally met with the PA at 4 PM, which is most definitely not morning. She told me that I was doing much better and I would be released the next morning. Despite me advocating for my needs and explaining I wouldn't have a ride in the morning, she refused to discharge. When i asked why, she said they wanted to observe me for at least 24 hours (which I had been, just not 24 hours on THAT unit). When i called her out, she said it was because they were short-staffed and there wasn't a doctor to sign off on my discharge. When i asked about a patient advocate, she said the advocate had 24 hours to reach me so it wouldn't make a difference. It was terrible, I never met with a therapist until discharge, the PA was horrid to me and other patients (threatening a unit transfer for standing up for themselves), and I was kept longer than medically recommended, despite being a voluntary admit. This was a terrible experience and made me worse. I hope something changes there because it is not an effective form of treatment.
  • Treatment Effectiveness
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    • I needed a low fat and no dairy diet because of medical problems and not one thing was done so that I can eat even though I told staff multiple times. I barely ate while I was there. They don't give you your medicine until your second day there, sometimes longer. I mean any medicine. There was one prescription I didn't get until I left. You are not at all a priority. You feel unimportant and are often ignored. You are only allowed to take a shower between 7 and 8 am even though there is a lot more free time than that. You get a lot worse before you get better.
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    • I was able to get in the same day. A downfall was that it was COLD!! I was given medication to assist in withdrawals and cravings right away.
  • Treatment Effectiveness
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    • Salt lake behavior health have the best staff! They are all compassionate and caring. Plus, they offer rides to get to and from Iop, breakfast, and a safe environment. Great place to help those with addiction, ptsd, and mental disorders.
  • Treatment Effectiveness
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    • I was a patient at this facility for well over 45 days and I have the up-most respect for the therapists, nurses, doctors and technicians. After reading some of the comments posted, I can only assume the person(s) writing caused their own dismay by acting out or refusing therapy. This is a psychiatric hospital, not a 5 star hotel. Get real. Sure, the 1st few days were hard on me, but once I realized there was a process and schedule to follow, I was good to go. I faced my fears, trauma and nightmares during group discussions; if you cannot put one foot forward and the effort of participating, don’t bother coming. It’s a long, hard road to follow and is challenging, but well worth it. Two therapists I had direct contact with were just awesome and they CARED about your treatment! I did not meet one person associated with SLBH that did not care about your treatment, to include the technicians’, they had it hard, constantly running to get a person a cold pack, a hot pack, laundry needs, towel, I can go on and on. The techs work 12 hour shifts (as well as the nurses), so if you ran into a cranky one, oh well – they are run to death and deserve to be cranky once in a while, they took care of your needs. I will end this by thanking each and every one of you associated with the women’s strong floor and a special thanks to the cafeteria personnel!
  • Treatment Effectiveness
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    • My husband checked into SLBH for substance abuse and PTSD, February 14, 2017. His first day, he enjoyed himself. He was given the run down, including rules and daily activities. The following day when he went to ask a nurse about getting fruit after breakfast to bring up to his room, she snapped at him and told him it wasn't allowed. He shared with her that he had been told otherwise and suggested that the nurses be on the same page so that patients aren't confused. The previous day he was told by another nurse it was ok. Later that day he and other patients were loading the elevator from the lunch room to return to their floor when the same nurse was aggressive to him. My husband who is an OIF Veteran suffers from severe PTSD and has a fear of people walking behind him, amongst many other things. Frightened he turned around and yelled. The nurse laughed at him...When they got to the day room, he apologized to the group and both nurses if he had frightened anybody. He called the facilities patient advocate and left a message. She later came to visit him. He shared his story and she wrote it down and told him she would look into the allegations. He came to the other patients during a group meeting and asked anyone who had seen what had happened or overheard her negative conversation if they would be willing to write a statement about it. He has 6 written statements from these witnesses. This morning, February 16, 2017, he was awoken at 7am by the charge nurse, and told, "I expect you to apologize to Teresa." My husband declined his demand and was ordered into the group room to talk to them male nurse. Je asked what had happened and my husband explained he talked to the patient advocate already. He told him he wanted to know the story...When my husband called me with these allegations, I was enraged. I reached out to the patient advocate. After leaving two voicemails, she finally returned my call. She told me she had investigated and checked the cameras and that my husbands story was false. When I tried to explain to her the multiple concerns I had, she cut me off and said, "are you going to keep talking or do you wanna listen to what I have to say?" Taken back I explained to her that she had no reason to speak to me like that as I had not once raised my voice to her or even uttered a swear word. I asked to see this "footage" and she said it's for staff viewing only and if I wanted to see it, I'd need the help of authorities. After her disrespect, it was clear how this situation was being handled and I demanded my husbands release. Upon his release a nurse tried to take his folder containing his witness statements and other personal journaling. Shortly after his release, it was clear he was beyond scared and distraught from his time there. I am so appalled with this facility and their care for their patients who go in there looking for help to battle their inner demons and in turn end up battling real life demons with the masks of nurses and doctors. I had read the multiple reviews on this facility before my husband was admitted and was skeptical but trusted it based on another Army wife's experience. We both went into this with an open mind and heart. I pray to God that anyone who attempts or even succeeds in putting their loved one here thinks twice. Anyone who has experienced this same treatment or similar treatment, feel free to reach out to me.
  • Treatment Effectiveness
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    • Love the IOP program! It has saved and changed my life in so many ways! It is like no other program I have ever done and I have done alot so thats huge! Such amazing staff doctors and therapist here, they really care and it shows. Thank you for giving me hope when I had none and helping me change my life for the better. I highly and 100% recomend this facility! If it wasnt for them I wouldnt be here today. ♡
  • Treatment Effectiveness
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    • I love the people in this Hospital. They are always striving to do their best. There is a clear understanding that patients are going through their hardest times and that they are there to receive the help they need. It’s not always easy or pleasant to overcome addition and mental health issues. Patients are under treatment plans and schedules that require them to take responsibility over their own improvement instead spending the day in bed. It’s hard work. The first days can be challenging and rules might seem pointless but it all serves a therapeutic purpose. When you are dealing with probably one of the hardest challenges in your life, you want a team of professionals that don’t only care for your immediate well being but also for your long term recovery
  • Treatment Effectiveness
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    • Though there were a couple staff members who were sensitive and supportive, the overall experience was terrifying and brutalizing and the care was completely inappropriate. There are just not enough resources to provide effective care. There is no options for women who do not want to be around men. No individual or family therapy. Visitation was denied when it was most needed. Group therapy is a bad idea for people in crisis without a diagnosis. The doctor would not talk to the family who had important information to provide and questions to clear up. It was an enormously scarring experience both for the family... and the patient.
  • Treatment Effectiveness
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    • Nightmare! I can't believe I had to pay for the horrid treatment I received. First of all, the female physician's assistant that did my quick evaluation before I was able to see the psychiatrist showed no empathy whatsoever. She met with me for 10 minutes and told me I was crazy and psychotic. She thought she knew everything about me. Secondly, the male nurse that I had during the daytime was very unpleasant. I would ask him a simple question and he would yell at me. He made me and several other patients cry. I felt extremely uncomfortable around him. He would lie constantly. I needed my Leave of Absence paperwork filled out and faxed to my employer and I asked him several times to do so but he never did. I finally had the medical family practice doctor fill out the paperwork and then he handed it to the male nurse to fax. The male nurse claimed he had never seen the paperwork even though I had talked to him about it many times. I told him the paperwork was due that day by 5:00pm and he didn't care. If he ever did fax the paperwork it was past the due date. He made me furious! The day I was supposed to leave he told me that there was no way in heck that I would be discharged. I calmly told him I had met with the psychiatrist and the nursing supervisor the night before and they both cleared me to leave. He told me that I was delusional and that I hadn't met with anyone. He was so unprofessional and inappropriate. His behavioral was unacceptable. The nurse supervisor that worked during the night and the psychiatrist I met with were both amazing but it doesn't make up for what I had to go through. It was traumatic and I'm so happy to be out of that atrocious facility. I will never recommend Salt Lake Behavioral Health to anyone and I certainly will never go there again.
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    • My daughter was in this facility for 3 days. It was traumatic for her. The nursing supervisor was excellent and the psychiatrist was good but we will never go back!!!
    Counseling was great but family involvement was a weakness. Very good facility for mental illness treatment.
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    • I went in because of an ativan overdose which caused extreme anger. They treated me with kindness and respect. Group, Recreational and one on one therapy were amazing.
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    • This place is horrific! I have never seen anything like the madness that went on i this institution. Notice how the good reviews come from employees? Believe me, it is a terrible place if you are mentally ill.
    I was shocked and appalled at the way some of the nurses and cna staff treated some of us. At one point I felt worse while in there then I did before I went there to get help. Some of the staff are clearly irritated and jaded and have no business working in the Mental Health field. There were several people on staff, during my 7 day stay, that made up for the other staff that were not nice. I checked myself in because I felt something happening and saw the warning signs, as I have made attempts in the past, and wanted to get help before it got bad...so, this is not just about me..there were a few people in there at the same time as me that had just made attempts to take their life and were mistreated by some of the staff as well. I spoke up for myself as well as others while I was in there and got threatened to be moved to another unit with people that were violent...something I am not! I was told they were 50% staffed and that they were overworked....to me, that is horrific for the people that pay a lot of money to get the help they desperately need! I really hope someone will see this comment and that something gets done! Do what you say on your website Salt Lake Behavioral Health and realize the importance of getting good Mental Health services and care less about it being a business and how much money you can make!
  • Treatment Effectiveness
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    • Horrible facility. Please do not put someone you love in the hands of this facility. They will need more counseling when and if they get out than they needed when they were admitted.
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    • They made it worse.