Reviews of Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center - Mental Health (Psychiatrist)

Vanessa Flora-Nakoski

My review is in regards to their outpatient facility. I went to this facility for psychiatric services. Pros: professional psychiatrist who treated me with respect and compassion Cons: horrible hours of operation, unclear billing procedures, and a lot of heavily Christian messaging around the facility Overall, I enjoyed working with my particular doctor (Dr. Marissa Leslie), but the institution over all was a pain. I left over a year ago, but for the past year, I've apparently been receiving mail at an address that wasn't even current when I still was registered as a patient and only just found out that I even owe them this week (I found out through my old landlord, so I didn't even hear from them). Unacceptable.

Elaine Joray

I may be using outpatient services, but after reading the reviews 99% negative - I am worried.

Lauren Anon

It was called Potomac Ridge when I was last there. It's disorganized and some of the nurses, social workers, and some doctors have an attitude problem. They must think Potomac Ridge is an asylum from the 19th century. There are other hospitals in Montgomery county, most of which I'd recommend before Potomac Ridge. Psychiatric hospital beds are limited so our hospitals don't need to offer much to keep patients in their beds. Not to mention the cigarette smoking ban in place for the past 20 years.

Anonymous .

Great staff! Very informative and intelligent. Had my niece get admitted there last week and although she was not happy, our family was. We were very satisfied and my niece is already showing signs of improvement! Thank you!!

J Renee

Rude as HELL receptionists

jean

My son was there recently and was treated like he wasn't a real person. Staff there have an attitude and talk down to the patients. This place is awful. If this is what help looks like- it is very sad. We got to do better than that.

Kat V

It was not the first time I had been in a place like this, but it was the last. Unlike other places I had been, the staff was friendly and cared. They did not radically change my meds, they did not drug me so I couldn't function, and they didn't get upset and lock me away when I cried. My days in this place were incredibly hard and filled with sadness and tears, but they were also filled with friends, jokes, board games, basketball, music, dogs, hugs, love, therapy, and people who listened. It has been several years now, but my roommate and I still keep in touch and support each other when things get rough. I cannot help but think if I had been here years earlier it would have saved me a lot of grief. The staff was wonderful and caring, and my family and I will be forever grateful. I have wanted to donate but haven't had the money. I truly was saved by this place. It's a religious hospital but they don't force any amount of it on you (thankfully) but they have plenty of services available should you like to take part. I remember my days here fondly (though I would never like to go back) and I truly think this was the first step in a new direction for me. Update: I was in an inpatient ward.

Deva Adams

I came to visit my little sister because she's in here for extreme reason and is recovering. However I was told that because I'm not 18 I can't visit her because she's on a blue level. All I wanted to do was make sure my little sister is okay but this program sucks and I don't like how they operate. Family should be able to see family members no matter what but I guess not.

andrew deusa

Absolutely no interest in patient care only about money their staff is constantly quitting stay away I have lost a therapist and a psychiatrist because their company is so bad

David Springer

If anyone recommends that you or a loved one stay at any of the Adventist (psychiatric) "Wellness Centers" they don't have your best interest in mind. My child spent 4 days at the Gaithersburg, MD facility and the entire ordeal was an absolute nightmare. We were told by the specialist that Adventist Wellness Centers would provide much-needed mental health care for our son but in reality Adventist did nothing but provide a room, inedible food and 10 minutes of mental health care in a group setting once a day. Our experience was absolutely dreadful and there is no question that being forced to stay at a Adventist Health & Wellness Center will be a setback for the mental health of anyone who has the misfortune of staying there.

Corinne Dolan

If you genuinely care for the safety and well being of whoever you are considering sending here you wont. I as a preteen after getting out had a irrational fear of peers after being jumped on numerous occasions. I could not sit with my back to people for about a year. Adjusting to normal life after this was a constant and horrifying struggle. The therapist jenny was fantastic but most of the other "counselors" if you would consider them that were horrendous. I saw another review stating a young girl was raped here I can tell you that was most likely accurate. I knew of several employees sleeping with young girls here. One was fired after I reported him for doing so with other girls. They couldn't supply basic human toiletries and would not allow you to bring your own. My first arrival we were made to use dial hand soap as shampoo, conditioner, and body wash for three months. A kind employee went out of his was to once buy us actual shampoo and I cried I was so happy. The soap broke me out in hives several times. I was put on 8 different medications for all ridiculous diagnoses it turned out I didn't need and were affecting my health. I've worked for a long time with a well trained doctor to lower me to 3 and im living a healthy life. I've contemplated a very long time on sharing my experience here and I'm finally doing it. The location I was in was the cambridge facility.. The impatient program. I give you I was a troubled child but the abuse people go through here is inhumane. I could go on and on but I think this is enough. If id offer any advise to struggling parents id recommend Kidspeace it's in PA and though that might be quite a far distance from you is worth it. Your child will receive a decent education, life skills, and a new outlook on the perspective of the people who care about them. Thanks for reading

Disabled Lives Matter 2016

It's nothing wrong evaluating your therapist too see if they have your best interest in improving your life. Some therapist is a poor therapist there are many indicators especially if they are abusive, make such discriminatory statements, racial profile and then try to compare your life with their own experiences, etc. "What works for them might not work for you" this includes gossiping about your clients there is no anonymity at Adventist Behavioral Health outpatient clinic. If a therapist refuse to assist you with ADA/reasonable accommodations that is a red flag. Many people with common mental health conditions have a right to a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). When requesting accommodations, clients may sometimes need supporting documentation from their mental health providers. How can a therapist deny the law of reasonable accommodation and the mental health provider refuse to play a role in the accommodation process for their client. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. Title III of the ADA, 42 U.S.C. §12182, provides that “No individual shall be discriminated against on the basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations of any place of public accommodation by any person who owns, leases (or leases to), or operates a place of public accommodation.” The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) enforces the ADA, and promulgated regulations (28 C.F.R. Part 36) to implement Title III of the ADA on July 26, 1991. Therefore, the ADA prohibits you and/or your agency (Adventist Behavioral Health) from discriminating against persons with disabilities. This therapist obviously incompetent to the laws and displaying such nefarious and discrimination shouldn't be allowed at Adventist Behavioral Health,

Lena Coles

I wish there were 0 stars.

Heueu Ueueu

It's like the CIA's Project MKUltra.

Jay

Had to give at least 1 star to leave a comment. This is the last place you want to take your loved one. Staff is rude and arrogant (including the doctors) very unorganized and unprofessional. I was hung up on by the nurse and they don’t care about the patients. Nobody will let you speak with anyone of importance so it starts at the top. IMO Dr. Peters has to be the worst doctor ever and if not he’s in second place. The social worker is the only person that seemed to do her job. Unfortunately she can’t do everything there. Please don’t send your family members there. It needs to be shut down

Josh Shark

I used the outpatient services. This place is a joke. Go somewhere else. -I'm still trying to resolve a billing issue from May 2018 (its Jan 2019 when I posted this) and my credit has been affected because of it. -Office manager doesn't return calls. -I've showed up to scheduled appointments only to be told I didn't have an appointment that day, so my time and sick leave were wasted. I've seen this happen to someone else while waiting for the psychiatrist. -Psychiatrists are cold and not personable. I went through 3 psychiatrists in less than 2 years because they left to work somewhere else. I'm guessing there's high turnover for this place. Once I get my billing issues sorted, I will not be coming back.

Heather Huppmann

I spent a week in the Montgomery unit earlier in the year. I was so afraid, as this was my first visit to an inpatient hospital. The staff was very loving and friendly. The nurses were caring, the doctors fantastic, I had psychosis my second day there, the staff managed it perfectly. My peers were fun and friendly. When I was being discharged, I cried because I felt like I was leaving friends and family that I may never see again. They only con I had was a social worker named Rachel. She was pompous, rude and screamed at one of my peers and shouted his personal information down the hall for everyone to hear. I feel like her outbursts set people back in progress. She needs to be moved to a job where she doesn’t have to interact with people, or receive better training.

Katherine Figley

Can I give zero stars?! We just got our son released 5days ago. It was a horrible experience beginning to end. 1. We arrived and I was forced to waste time filling out paperwork I had already filled out because “it was faxed to the hospital” I had the originals and gave them to the admitting staff but was told I HAD to fill them out again . We were referred up to Adventist by our local ER that had all the paperwork on hand to save time and effort. 2. The facility is not clean. This was evident from the moment we arrived. Very very dirty and run down they make a half hearted effort in the waiting room. But it’s clearly not regularly cleaned. The same coffee spill was on a table in the waiting rooom from day 1 to 10 days later when my son was released. My son was kept on the shanendoah unit. Mostly 8 years of age to pre- teen. When I raised concerns with the head nurse I was told “she was not a cleaning person” and the children were expected to clean up after themselves. Alright fair enough but still they are kids go behind them and make sure they clean it properly. The day room (also the room where the kids did group therapy and ate meals) had an over flowing trash can, food all over the tables that had clearly been there a while, the furniture was filthy and the same movie was on the tv every single time I came to visit. 3. My son was attacked by another patient (head was squeezed and he came home with bruises on his arms) 4. When I would call for a report (about once a day) I was given “he slept he took his meds” then they hung up. 5. The “family meeting” was a joke I was told I was uncooperative when the only suggestions given for a safety plan were already things we had in place and were practicing regularly at home and in outpatient therapy. 6. They over drugged my son and lied to me about it. When I was able to visit he was spaced out all the time. I also raised concerns regarding the dosage for one of the meds he was being given, my concerns were ignored and again I was accused of being uncooperative. 7. The visiting hours are 5:15-6:15. We live and work in the dc metro area. Traffic sucks. It was nearly impossible to get to see my son on a regular basis. I begged them to adjust the time because we live far away and was again ignored. 8. They released him with no report for his psychiatrist. It was a horrible experience top to botttom do not send your family to this place. Just don’t.......

The Fuentes Family!

About a year ago, my ex wife was submitted into this place. She had severe depression and had suicidal thoughts. She was admitted for 7 days, forcibally because of her suicidal thoughts. I visited her everyday, but it was just horrible. The staff are not even professionals. When she left the center. Nothing changed. Thus why we are seperated. I was lied about insurance covering everything and smacked with a bill after it all happened. Please, if you love your loved one, don't admit them here. I beg you. They won't help your loved one to change.

Kevin McIntire

I was never part of the inpatient program, only outpatient. I was part of the substance abuse outpatient program where Sheila Waters told myself and my peers that "wearing a rubber band and snapping It against your skin when you have an urge to smoke" was an effective treatment. We were all people that had formally self harmed. That level of unprofessionalism is not only negligent to those receiving treatment but is honestly scary considering how many individuals go through that program that have most likely injured themselves in that exact way. I also saw a psychiatrist and a psychologist in their facility. My psychologist, Leticia was the best part of my experiences. She was everything one could hope for in a mental health professional. The main reason I am writing this though is because of what happened with a payment. I was billed for service having been provided on September 1st 2014. Anyone with a calendar can see that that date was Labor Day and thus the office was closed. On top of that, my psychiatrist (who I'm said to have had an appointment with) was out of the office that whole week on vacation. After countless times of informing the office that there was no appointment (I had my insurance company involved as well) they went to a collection agency for the payment (which has been changed in amount at least 4 times in the past year). I should not have to worry that because my name is in a system I might have a collection agency hunting me down. The whole operation is a sham and needs to be overhauled.

L G

Do not bring your family member here. Staff is unprofessional, there is no communication, and they just give patients drugs so they don’t have to deal with them.

Rosie Marie

My 16 yo son was in the Chesapeake Unit for two weeks. My husband and I were impressed by the staff and our son’s progress. It is a very safe place- they have a lot of technicians that keep watch over the teens. The boys’ and girls’ rooms are on opposite sides of the unit. Bedtime is 9:30pm with structured days. So, our son was on a really good schedule that helped him transition back into a school schedule. The MD was so helpful! Dr. Lennon worked with us on picking out meds that would help our son, and that our insurance would cover (and that would be the least expensive). The social worker made sure we had all the follow up appointments upon discharge. She picked providers (a psychologist and a psychiatrist) within our insurance network, and those within close distance to our home. She let us know of all the free resources within the community and she even contacted them for us. It was an unexpected and difficult time, but the staff made our experience so much better. I highly recommend this place for a safe place where your teenager can heal, stabilize on meds, and recover.

Michael Ballew

The people who work here generally don't care for the patients admitted there

Kim Jones

I spent time in the Montgomery County unit 2017, because I tried to end my life. I enjoyed my time here. Staff was friendly and tried to help as much as possible. The facility is kept clean, you are given personal items if needed, meals are offered three times a day and I felt safe. Even with the facility being locked down there was still a sense of freedom because we were able to do what we wanted most of the day. My only recommendation would be for staff to investigate, a little more, to make sure those in their care, have a safe place to go once they are released.

sherard cooley

My son was just released from Adventist behavioral health 5 days ago, and he is the same as he went into the facility. I was trying to get them to point to some of the problems he was having a rough time with, which they did not decide to discuss it till the day he was released, even though he showed them a negative reaction that day. They stated no matter what they are still sending him home. 10 minutes into the car ride from his release he started the fussing and disrespect up again. 2 days later he's getting smart with his grandparents. Now we are back to the same stubborn child we had, not a single result. But Adventist got their check tho. Do not send your child here.

Meghan Wienecke

Terrible. Staff is very unprofessional and dont even seen to care that they are. Would give a zero if possible. Was supposed to be given a tour however the person giving the tour was on leave. She had been gone for 2 weeks but the staff could not find someone competent enough between those 2 weeks to replace them. Was in the lobby waiting for 3 hours. The person supposed to be giving the tour instead was no where to be found and no one knew where she was apparently. Don't know how you lose someone who works here for 3 hours but this institution has found a way. Absolutely embarassing.

Marshall Mathers

Worst mental facility I have had the misfortune to come in contact with. I was hospitalized here about two years ago in the Senaca unit and while I was put in contact with one of the best psychiatrists I've encountered (still my psychiatrist to this day) the staff here for the most part are horribly impolite. You are sometimes left waiting for your meds and a doctor to see for days. Almost (and I say almost) every staff member is dismissive, rude and in every sense of the word, terrible. My friend has been here multiple times since I was discharged and was very upset to see the staff has not changed one bit. Maybe in fact had gotten worse. And this was the staff at the front desk! I was not a patient and they treated me very badly. I walked in two days ago to visit my friend in the Montgomery unit and said "Hello, I was here to visit my friend in the M. unit" and she very offensively responded "You WAS or you ARE?" I kept a very polite composure the entire encounter and said "I'm sorry, I am." She shoved a clipboard in front of me and said "Sign in". I did just that and accidentally started walking away with the pen in my hand. She then almost shouted at me "Sir is that your pen?!" I said "Oh excuse me" and returned it. I understand being stressed in an environment like this but they do not need to act like this, especially to non-patients. They never responded to my multiple thank you's despite being very polite to them. I can only imagine what it's like for the patients in there now. Please DO NOT send your loved ones here if at all possible. The rehabilitation is almost a joke. Again, the staff at the front desk were very unprofessional and downright offensive. If I could give negative 10 stars, I wouldn't hesitate. This place SUCKS.

Aiesha C

As for the adolescent behavioural unit, if you loved your child you would think twice before sending them here, most preferably not at all... Ive been here multiple times and it did not do me any good and I am going to give an honest review so keep reading if u wanna know the truth 1. This place is not clean. They have someone to come and "wash" the floors everyday, but it's just someone using a dirty mop and wiping water around but I've never seen the floors be buffed/waxed, they empty the trash but I've never seen them disinfect or wipe down the showers or change the curtains, despite how many people have used them... 2. I was having an episode, crying, hurting myself, right next to the nurses station and I was ignored for almost 2 straight hours, when a staff did approach me while I was laying on the floor the opened a door and allowed other patients to walk over me, then a nurse approached me and told me I was having a "tantrum" and that she was going to deal with me exactly the way she deals with her kids. I was told that if I didnt stop self-harming I would be sedated against my will and put in seclusion...although they had been ignoring me for an hour.. 3. This place is traumatizing and even if you are here for something like suicidal thoughts you have to be around people who are psychotic and aggressive, people who will be rude and insult you, try to fight you and scream at you, a lot of times just because they see you doing good or if you're positive. They won't show you that side if you visit the unit, but it gets violent.. 4. Staff are clearly afraid of certain patients, and pacify them just so they don't have to deal with actually disciplining them. I remember clearly, the first time I went there, there was a female patient that was violent. She choked another patient, wrote slurs on her door, and ripped up her decorations. She was given no punishments at all, and she was ALLOWED to do these things because it was part of her "treatment plan". 5. You will not learn much. I remember we had a evening skills group about HAND WASHING. You'll probably soak up information like a sponge.. "Oh, music is a coping skill! Running is a coping skill!" I can't speak for others but I'm not sure how many people actually put that info to use when they leave. 6. I know that no mental hospital is gonna be that high quality but me and the other teens really deserved better. There are good staff here, staff who care about the teens and people who are dedicated. But from past allegations of sexual abuse and mistreatment from staff, it's not worth coming back here.

KBY

Great place. Inpatient is very difficult and scary sometimes but the workers there deal with everything very well. Outpatient setting is very organized. I have experience with the partial hospitalization (PHP) for adolescents and they are very professional and genuinely care about you. Other mental health facilities are inhumane but ABH treats you like a person not a patient

Victoria Williams

Big, fat, and old female African American medical assistant/nurse was incompetent and stupid. She could not check my blood pressure. She did not have any ability to do basic nursing stuff. On top of that, she was very rude. She yelled at patients. She should be fired. Period.

Christopher Young

100% recommended! Our 15 year-old son was admitted to the Chesapeake unit for three weeks. My wife and I are very pleased with the experience and are tremendously impressed by the staff. It was amazing to see professionals who actually care about the patient's feelings and needs. We wanted to express our gratitude especially to the Nurse Manager, Mrs. Kara. She was always compassionate and helpful during the whole process. Also a special thanks to the psychiatric technicians Mr. Chris and Ms. Iliana, whom my son describes as very hardworking and caring individuals, and assures will never forget them both. Overall the whole team was absolutely outstanding! The psychiatrist, Social worker and nurses were all kind and professional, too. We couldn't be happier to have taken our son here.

Fantaye Zerihun

My son had been admitted to the Potomac unit times 3 recently. During my visit and interactions, I have observed good and caring staff members and off course, few bad ones. Among the good ones, their Social Worker (Miriam Garcia) is excellen and professional. She deserves to be called social worker because she is and I give the place 4 stars because of her.

Kevin B.

Too expensive, rude staff, horrible food, prison-like lifestyle in the program and insanitary place...

Ceantv

I loved coming here they helped a lot in some areas, The staff in the Chesapeake unit was great and awesome food, I would recommend you sending your child here, it is was very easy to get in blue because you never had problems

Mzz Merceda Gooding

I am just appalled that I experience such unprofessionalism from ABH outpatient therapist who treated me so disrespectful because she don't understand ADA/reasonable accommodations in housing. ABH needs to hire better quality of therapist that want to truly support and help their clients; not act ghetto making nefarious statements to the client. Anyone who deals with a therapist who are deceptive, misleading, abusive, judgmental or steering you the wrong way leave, fast!!! What make me see her as the fraud, she tells me to pick up documents when she was off, there is no documents left or signed! Was it malicious intent? I believe so.. She gives me advice and the sad part she doesn't live up to her own advice. "Wonder why many clients lack trust"... Clients interview your therapist and just in case the therapist don't know what it means ADA/ reasonable accommodations on your behalf education is needed: A resident or applicant is entitled under fair housing laws to a reasonable accommodation and/or modification when needed because of a disability of the resident, applicant and/or a person associated with a resident or applicant, such as a guest. The accommodation and/or modification must be necessary for the individual with the disability to enjoy and/or fully use services offered to other residents and/or the individual dwelling unit. Housing providers must grant all requests for reasonable accommodations and/or modifications that are needed as a result of a disability if the request is not unduly burdensome or a fundamental alteration of the housing program. If a request is denied, the party submitting the request should request the reasons for the denial be provided in writing if not done so. What is a Reasonable Accommodation? A reasonable accommodation is an exception or change that a housing provider makes to rules, policies, services or regulations that will assist a resident or applicant with a disability to take full advantage of a housing program and/or dwelling. Fair housing laws require providers to make reasonable accommodations in their rules, policies, practices or services to give a person with a disability an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling unit or common area. Accommodations are “reasonable” when they are practical and feasible. To deny an accommodation, a provider must show that it causes an undue burden or is unreasonable. The quality of therapist is in desperate need of improvement maybe they can use therapy themselves.

J Harrison

It's hard to find help in an inpatient psychiatric hospital especially when you're recovering from addiction and PTSD. I wanted to express my gratitude for the staff on Seneca Unit and thank them for their patience and time spent speaking with me. Thank you especially to nurse Rachel and Mrs. Jen (Unit Director). Also mr. Charles .. Thank you for everything these are just the staff that stand out in my mind but the entire team was great. Thank you for not judging me and helping me to get set up with a great out patient program. Recovery is a great feeling and I wouldn't have gotten back on track if I hadn't gone to Seneca Unit. Thank you again.

Keep Thefaith

I have to say that my family had several reservations about admitting our 15 year old son into an inpatient Psychiatric Unit for the first time. Naturally, we were afraid and unsure of what to expect. Our son was struggling with severe anxiety and had become isolated and suicidal. All of our fears were put to rest when we stepped onto the Chesapeake Unit for adolescents at Adventist Behavioral Health. The nurses and psych techs took the time to explain everything to myself, my husband and my son. They were professional, relatable and put us at ease. We also met with the Nurse Manager at admission and she was very knowledgeable, compassionate and took the time to answer our questions with ease and true compassion for our situation. Our Psychiatrist was wonderful and the therapist working with our son was very invested in working with us and answering our questions. Our son is doing well and we know that we have to continue to support his recovery and felt prepared and supported by the time he was ready for discharge. The healthcare professionals on this unit are top notch and I have never met such a great group of nurses and support staff. We were blessed to have such amazing support when we needed it the most. Thank you for all of your help and dedication!

John V

More like a prison than a mental health facility.

Carlton Faulkner

The people are very pleasant and give you the best advice. Very nice front desk personnel and the staff are very organized. I understand there are different services being offered in this building, so you cannot lump them all into one survey. Each time I have visited; I have found the staff and doctors to be very professional, knowledgeable and that makes an overall awesome place!

Ares Stenger

ok, overall this place sucks ass. I was here in an outpatient program, and the only good thing about it was pet therapy. everything else was just stupid. "art therapy" was coloring. we weren't allowed to express ourselves. I hate this place. it brings back horrible memories. plus, the psychiatrist I saw was condescending and asked me the most mundane questions ever.

Caroline Swett

this made me want to kms more