ABOUT AURORA PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL
The Dewey Center at Aurora Psychiatric Hospital in Wauwatosa, just outside Milwaukee, Wis., provides residential and partial hospitalization programs (PHP) for adults and youth struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. Treatment is holistic, integrating evidence-based psychotherapy with spiritual and physical care. The facility also provides short-term inpatient care, detox, and an opiate recovery program. Affiliated Aurora outpatient clinics include the Milwaukee and Kenosha Behavioral Health Centers.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Clients can begin their treatment with Aurora Psychiatric Hospital through telephone-based triage services. Individuals needing stabilization for mental illness or addiction symptoms are admitted to the inpatient program. Longer-term treatment is provided through a 28-day residential program, a three-to-ten-day PHP (full days), or a one-month intensive outpatient program (IOP).
Personalized treatment plans can incorporate dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring substance use and depression, anxiety, or eating disorders. Motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are combined with a community positive reinforcement approach for residential clients. Residents learn to address their struggles collaboratively and to build support networks. Clients in the specialized program for opioid dependency also receive medication-assisted treatment to help minimize the discomfort of withdrawal and curb cravings.
Along with recreational activities, clients can expect to participate in mindfulness exercises, yoga, and spiritual and nutritional guidance, while receiving medication management and psychiatric services.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
The Aurora Psychiatric Hospital treatment team includes board-certified addiction psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists, and master’s-level therapists. Of the 16 individuals polled by Best-rehabs.com to date, the five survey respondents polled on the matter tended to approve of the staff’s aptitude.
Staff Experience and Training: 3.8/5
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
The Dewey Center is a 30-room residential facility on Aurora Psychiatric Hospital’s 30-acre wooded campus. Expanded in July 2018 to include a fitness center and chapel, according to local ABC affiliate WISN, the center’s clinical, but comfortable setting is surrounded by landscaped gardens and walking trails. Pet therapy dogs regularly visit Aurora patients, and the facility has active alumni support groups.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
Feedback received by Best-rehabs.com to date for Aurora Psychiatric Hospital from eight former clients was split between positive and critical. The most repeated concerns expressed were the facility’s costs and lack of aftercare services. Strengths mentioned most frequently related to the staff and the program’s individualized treatment plans.
Alum Emily offered perfect five-star ratings for the facility’s family participation and its ability to treat co-occurring disorders. “I’ve been clean 4.5 years thanks to this program and my dedication to continuing in aftercare programs,” she wrote.
A mix of 33 alumni and loved ones contributed to an average rating of 3.6 out of five stars on Google.[1] Former clients mirrored high ratings on Best-rehabs.com of the facility’s accommodations and setting. A majority of alumni comments represented staff as understanding, supportive, and committed to clients’ recovery; fewer than 10 percent disagreed. In a representative review, alum M.H. wrote: “The staff there made me feel human and not like a addict.”
Yet, around one-quarter of alumni comments concluded that the program was not helpful, one citing limited one-on-one therapy and another describing activities lacking in depth. Two alumni noted the program’s high cost, while nevertheless concluding it was worth it.
Of 11 total Yelp reviews (eight from alumni) for Aurora Psychiatric Hospital, three reported issues with the admissions process, and three perceived an over-reliance on medication in treatment. However, a majority of alumni shared positive reviews of accommodations and staff.[2] [3]
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
To date, Best-rehabs.com has received feedback for this facility from six loved ones. Two of the more critical reviewers rated accommodations highly but cited concerns with treatment outcomes. While some loved ones were critical, individuals polled on the matters tended to praise the facility’s cleanliness, the level of family participation, and amount counseling options.
Cleanliness and Upkeep: 4.8/5
Family Participation: 4.4/5
Counseling Options: 4/5
“They did a great job, I don’t feel our son will fall back into that situation again,” one parent wrote.
Two of three friends and family reviewers on Yelp indicated the staff was unprofessional, while the third described Aurora Psychiatric Hospital as “beautiful” inside and out.
WHAT STAFF SAY
The two staff reviews received to date by Best-rehabs.com were split between positive and negative. However, on Indeed, 14 reviewers rated Aurora Psychiatric Hospital 4.7 out of five stars on average, most frequently describing a supportive, cooperative environment committed to helping clients.[4]
FINANCING
Aurora Psychiatric Hospital accepts dozens of insurance plans and private pay, according to the agency’s website. The five individuals polled on the matter tended to approve of the facility’s cost. However, some survey respondents did cite issues with insurance policies.
Affordability: 4/5
[1] GoogleReviews
[2] https://www.yelp.com/biz/aurora-psychiatric-hospital-milwaukee
[3] https://www.yelp.com/notrecommendedreviews/aurora-psychiatric-hospital-milwaukee
[4] https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Aurora-Psychiatric-Hospital/reviews