ABOUT WVU MEDICINE – CHESTNUT RIDGE CENTER
Chestnut Ridge Center, part of West Virginia University School of Medicine, offers short-term inpatient, a partial hospitalization program (PHP), and outpatient-based services for children, adolescents, and adults struggling with mental health issues and/or chemical dependency. The psychiatric hospital also provides an opioid-specific recovery program and medically-monitored detoxification for adults. Specialized detoxification for pregnant women is available.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Upon admission, patients undergo a multidisciplinary psychiatric and substance abuse assessment to determine the most appropriate level of care. The goal of the hospital is to stabilize its patients and refer them to less intense plans of care.
The adult addiction inpatient program includes a combination of 12-step immersion, evidence-based therapeutic methods, and strong family participation. Clients attend 12-step meetings, as well as participate in individual therapy and group counseling sessions. Life skills training, medication management, addiction education, and relapse prevention are also included in the program.
An opioid-specific program also incorporates medication-assisted therapy with Suboxone to minimize withdrawal symptoms and alleviate cravings. Meanwhile, the intensive outpatient program meets three days a week for an average of 12 weeks and combines group therapy, family therapy, and medical groups.
To treat primary mental health disorders, Chestnut Ridge Center offers partial hospitalization and inpatient programs which combine counseling services with medication management. Through therapeutic sessions, child and adolescent programs address relevant developmental issues.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
Chestnut Ridge Center employs a large, multidisciplinary staff comprised of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, rehabilitation specialists, mental health specialists, registered nurses, and dieticians.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
As a hospital, Chestnut Ridge Center offers a therapeutic, clinical, and safe atmosphere conducive to patient stabilization, with separate, designated units for adults, children, and adolescents. According to 12 Best-rehabs.com survey responses, most respondents approved of the cleanliness of the facilities with four out of five stars.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
Five alumni polled by Best-rehabs.com showed mixed opinions of Chestnut Ridge Center’s programs. Ratings for the staff’s level of experience and training were four out of five stars and family participation 3.6 out of five stars. Alumni reported a lack of holistic inclusion and exercise options with 1.4 stars for both.
Alumni generally approved of the staff, but offered varying complaints. One anonymous alum told Best-rehabs.com: “Good counselors were a strength,” but added, “No free time to think…unwind…relax…all treatment…to many group sessions not enough one on one.” Another alum simply said: “Helpful staff. Scary place to be.” A third alum, Mary, felt the program could be longer, while another anonymous alum complained about the meals.
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
Eight loved ones also provided polarizing feedback. Many agreed the staff was a strength, with seven reviewers rating their experience and training 3.8 out of five stars, while the program’s holistic offerings and visitor policy received mediocre ratings of three and 3.14 stars, respectively.
While loved ones generally appreciated staff, some commented on family involvement and reported ineffective treatment. An anonymous parent of a patient wrote to Best-rehabs.com: “The staff is well trained and genuinely cares about patients. The facility does not offer treatment that works.” Discussing family involvement, another anonymous loved one wrote: “They kind of leave you out of decisions on what treatments would be best for your loved one.”
WHAT STAFF SAY
One staff member reported excellent treatment with a highly experienced staff, although they did admit cost as a weakness. Citing staff as the program’s strength, one former employee described the staff as “caring” and Chestnut Ridge Center as a “successful program” in a Best-rehabs.com survey.
FINANCING
Chestnut Ridge Center works with a range of major insurance providers and accepts Medicaid and Medicare for the addiction partial hospitalization program. Financial assistance may be available to qualified patients.