ABOUT THUNDERBIRD TREATMENT CENTER
Thunderbird Treatment Center of Seattle, a branch of the Seattle Indian Health Board (SIHB), offers short-term and long-term residential treatment for Native American adults struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. It is one of only 68 residential facilities in the state of Washington. The facility also offers detoxification using culturally relevant healing practices such as sweat lodge sessions and talking circles, although there is no mention of medical detox. Thunderbird is state-licensed and nationally accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
At intake, clients complete an initial chemical dependency assessment to identify individual needs. Thunderbird Treatment Center blends evidence-based treatment methods with traditional Native American medicine. Along with healing practices to ease the discomfort of detoxification, the treatment center consults with traditional Native American medicine liaisons who integrate cultural activities into treatment. Clients also have access to the medical services of SIHB.
During residential treatment, clients follow a structured schedule of group counseling, individual therapy sessions, and addiction education classes. Along with core programming, clients attend health education classes and take part in arts and crafts projects.
While Thunderbird Treatment Center does not provide on-site outpatient services, SIHB does offer an outpatient program through its Seattle-based Leschi clinic. Alumni of the residential program may be encouraged to use the outpatient program as a “step-down” aftercare service.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
According to its website, Thunderbird Treatment Center employs a “staff of professional medical providers.” Traditional Indian medicine liaisons also consult with the treatment center. The four individuals polled on the topic gave approved of the the staff’s level of experience and training.
Staff Experience and Training: 4/5
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
There is currently no information provided by the facility regarding its living arrangements and related offerings. However, individuals polled on the matter felt the facility was clean and well-maintained.
Facility Cleanliness and Upkeep: 4.5/5
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
At the time of this writing, most of the eight alumni polled by Best-rehabs.com reported positive experiences. One former client, D.A., stated she “hit bottom” before being sent to treatment, and the government chose the facility for her. The alum gave the facility an overall rating of four out of five stars and wrote: “It was a helpful and pleasant experience, although that is different for different people.” Offering five-star ratings for the facility’s lead counselors and effectiveness of group counseling, Charles wrote: “I was equipped with tools I use to this day approaching 23 months clean and sober.”
Alum N.B., however, did not have a positive experience and gave the facility an overall rating of just two out of five stars for its treatment effectiveness. N.B. offered positive five-star ratings for meals and nutrition and for frequency and consistency of the group meetings, as well as four stars for the facility’s visitor policy. However, N.B. added: “The staff are made up of addicts (totally normal) but a few used drugs…”
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
Best-rehabs.com has polled two loved ones of former clients at the time of this writing. One survey respondent, H.W., had a colleague attend the facility. H.W. gave Thunderbird Treatment Center five out of five stars for all metrics evaluated, including facility cleanliness and level of staff support. Only holistic treatment offerings received a lower rating at three stars.
Another loved one polled, M.D., gave the facility more mixed ratings. M.D. gave the facility four stars for treatment effectiveness, accommodations, and meals and nutrition. However, they offered two stars for the level of family participation, for the staff’s level of training and experience, and for its holistic offerings.
When asked, on a scale from one to five, whether they would recommend treatment at Thunderbird Treatment Center to others, M.D. offered four stars, adding: “More like a detox than rehab.” He added extra commentary, writing: “The staff were very helpful, and seemed to be genuinely invested in the recovery of the patients there.”
FINANCING
Thunderbird Treatment Center accepts a range of public and private insurance plans, as well as Medicaid, and Medicare. Direct care services are billed on a sliding scale basis. The eight individuals polled on the facility’s appreciated the facility’s cost.
Affordability: 4.6/5