ABOUT NORTHWOOD HEALTH SYSTEMS IN WHEELING, WV
Northwood Health Systems, located in Wheeling, W.Va., offers detoxification and outpatient treatment to children, adolescents, adults, and senior citizens struggling with emotional problems, intellectual disabilities, mental illness, and drug and alcohol addiction. Northwood Health Systems has three other primary clinic locations in Weirton, New Martinsville, and Moundsville, W.Va.. Residential services are offered at other locations.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
The facility’s mission is to provide cost-effective, quality care to assist clients in achieving their highest possible quality of life. To be admitted, clients must contact the facility to schedule an initial evaluation.
Throughout treatment, clients in the detoxification program receive daily visits from a psychiatrist or physician extender, have access to nursing staff 24 hours a day, and participate in individual and group therapy. Following detoxification, clients are encouraged to continue treatment in the facility’s Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Clients in the IOP benefit from individual and group counseling several days per week. Clients of Northwood Health Systems may receive medication including Buprenorphine (Suboxone) and Naltrexone (Vivitrol) when appropriate.
The facility also offers a DUI Training Program for individuals who have received a DUI citation. This six week program meets once a week for three hours. Northwood Health Systems offers transportation for established clients to and from outpatient appointments.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
The treatment team at Northwood Health Systems includes psychiatrists, psychologists, advanced practice nurses, physician assistants, outpatient therapists, nurses, social workers, and addiction specialists.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
At the time of this writing there has been one alum polled by Best-rehabs.com. The reviewer mentioned a few negative aspects of her experience, but spoke highly overall of Northwood Health Systems and said she would recommend it to others. The anonymous client gave the facility four out of five stars for treatment effectiveness, three stars for accommodations and amenities, and one star for meals and nutrition. She felt that there were not many counseling options to choose from, but strongly agreed that the facility is adequately equipped and staffed to treat co-occurring mental health problems and that facility staff are experienced and well-trained. The reviewer felt that a strength of the facility was that staff always took time to help clients. She felt that the facility could improve upon the food served and should offer more time for exercise. She also added, “I think it’s a good facility.”
On the facility’s Google page, there is an overall rating of two out of five stars based on two total reviews.[1] On the facility’s Yellowpages.com listing, there is an overall rating of one out of five stars based on one review.[2] The reviews are negative, and center around complaints regarding staff and billing. Alum K.A., who gave one star, had a bad experience in Northwood’s detoxification program. She wrote, “Most of the people working show no signs of caring and have crappy attitudes. All around, an awful experience…They expect you to sit in group, in uncomfortable chairs for 13 hours a day and it had no benefit whatsoever.” B.W., another alum, also expressed dissatisfaction with the facility. He gave one star and wrote, “Dont let them scam you in their billing services. they charge you for procedures that didnt happen.”
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
At the time of this writing there has been one friend or family member of a client polled by Best-rehabs.com. The reviewer said Northwood Health Systems helped her fiance and that she would recommend the facility to others. The anonymous loved one gave the facility four out of five stars for treatment effectiveness, four stars for accommodations and amenities, and four stars for meals and nutrition. She agreed that there are many counseling options to choose from, agreed that the facility is adequately equipped and staffed to treat co-occurring mental health problems, and agreed that facility staff are experienced and well-trained. She felt that a strength of the facility was that they “help people with addictions.” When asked about weaknesses of the facility, the reviewer said she could not think of any. She also added, “My fiancé received treatment there and they helped him deal with the withdrawals.”
FINANCING
There is currently no information provided by the facility regarding the cost of detoxification or outpatient treatment. The DUI Training Program costs $440. Northwood Health Systems accepts insurance including Medicaid, Medicare, and Highmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield of WV. The facility offers financial assistance to clients who have total income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level and have applied but are not eligible for Medicaid or other insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace.