tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26666124.post116935018544056357..comments2024-03-18T03:28:36.581-04:00Comments on Shrink Rap: Pay In Advance To RetreatUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26666124.post-90386745123525318762016-03-31T05:45:35.732-04:002016-03-31T05:45:35.732-04:00I have no idea about this retreat, perhaps it'...I have no idea about this retreat, perhaps it's on another section of the grounds.<br />I just recall the hospital in the 70's when the adolescent wards were filled with thorazine, smokey common rooms, plenty of locked-door seclusion and a heaping of cold, wet sheet-pack. (We won't get into the occasional injuries inflicted upon the minors by multiple adults at the same time during the "all male/female aids" calls).<br />I survived W-2 and Dr. Richard Loeff, even though I was more damaged by the time they discharged me than I was when I came in.<br />Being held there for an extended time because it was determined that my home was "too dysfunctional to be released to" amounted to little more than undue incarceration, severe emotional trauma, and occasional physical abuse.<br />And the whole thing only cost 1/4 million in late 1970's $$ (of which, insurance underwrote 80%).<br />The hospital should be happy that statutes of limitations exist and that lawsuits are costly to mount, not to mention that patient record laws would restrict finding fellow complainants for a class action.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15557689739806854469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26666124.post-79843934137927947912013-02-07T09:54:15.035-05:002013-02-07T09:54:15.035-05:00Stay away from the Retreat, even if you can afford...Stay away from the Retreat, even if you can afford it. I got this info from a friend who stayed there recently and hated it. She<br />s so sorry she wasted her time there! And by the way, she said that the only redeeming quality about the program is the Eastern healing. According to her, the doctors on staff misdiagnosed her and prescribed the wrong meds, and lots of them. (She said that she's gotten better treatment from a Blue Cross participating provider (ie, an inexpensive co-pay).)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26666124.post-31475759178342579232013-01-31T14:22:18.640-05:002013-01-31T14:22:18.640-05:00A close friend of mine who has suffered from depre...A close friend of mine who has suffered from depression and severe anxiety for 10 years has been treated at The Retreat. The doctors and staff are amazing. They actually look at your current meds and analyze them. My friend was on the totally wrong meds as well as dosage. They monitor you on the new meds and see if they should be adjusted. There is not much "Eastern Medicine" there actually. You do Yoga and T'ai Chi once per week. It's a great way to get in touch with yourself. My friend has visited many therapists and psychiatrists, but unfortunately many don't thoroughly listen or it is not intensive enough. My friend now has more hope than they've had in their lives. Also, insurance does NOT pay for it. You must pay out of pocket fully in advance. I'm a very skeptical person and I do my research, and I can honestly say this place has sincerely been the best place for him. *Disclaimer* Not every place is good for everyone. Obviously results will/may vary. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26666124.post-33924213840809331272013-01-18T06:38:54.692-05:002013-01-18T06:38:54.692-05:00To the most recent Anon:
I understand you stumble...To the most recent Anon:<br /><br />I understand you stumbled over the blog so you may not be familiar with the bloggers or their backgrounds. All three of us co-bloggers are psychiatrists with different interests.<br /><br />I am the author of the "Pay In Advance To Retreat" post. My clinical practice is with forensic patients in secure settings: jails, prisons and forensic hospitals. The majority of my patients are indigent, homeless and have serious mental illnesses. By 'serious' I mean illnesses that are resistant to treatment, people with psychosis and severe disability.<br /><br />I do have a clear understanding of the risk that mental illness can pose to the sufferer. I don't begrudge anyone the right to be healthy and I'm glad you're doing better.<br /><br />You found my post ignorant and shocking. Frankly, I find a society that provides concierge care to a few and no care to many to be equally shocking, and offensive. I stand by my opinion that mental health professionals should protest these disparities. This post was written many years before the Affordable Care Act. Hopefully, the ACA will allow my prison patients to get the care they need following release.ClinkShrinkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13316134491751195651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26666124.post-22390048976555256582013-01-17T11:05:46.443-05:002013-01-17T11:05:46.443-05:00I stumbled across this blog as I was researching S...I stumbled across this blog as I was researching Sheppard Pratt's retreat program for the treatment of my long-term major depression. I have been in intensive outpatient programs twice which were very productive but obviously run on a comparative shoestring. I don't know of a single "regular" hospital outpatient program that is not.<br /><br />I'm a former executive and successful entrepreneur. As you can see, I'm using the internet and I have an iPhone that I'm pretty good with as well. Yet I have a serious, life-threatening disability. I have descended into hell and I am looking for a path back and if I can get more effective treatment for $1700/day instead of the last program that my insurance covered in full, I'd say that's a small price to pay. After all, that money won't do me much good if I hang myself now, will it?<br /><br />You suggest two main ideas in your original post and subsequent comments. First, that if you're well enough find this program and afford it, you're really not that ill. Second, that spending more does not get you more, and that long-term programs are by their nature actually counter-productive.<br /><br />Both of these opinions are ignorant and honestly a bit shocking coming from a mental health professional. They point to an unsophisticated understanding of depression and a lack of knowledge of the benefits of intensive DBT and CBT and other therapeutic modalities in helping patients to heal.<br /><br />Depression is an opportunistic disease. It feeds off of other psychological issues that are present, and can aggravate them in the process. Effective treatment is not always just a matter of finding the most effective medication (which may only "raise the floor" as they say). It very often, particularly in long-term suffers who's brains have changed through neuroplasticity, requires rewiring, something that medication cannot do. <br /><br />I suggest that Sheppard Pratt is likely a case of you getting what you pay for. Certainly there is positive feedback from many "alumni" attesting to its helpfulness. As to where you get what you pay for, assessing "value" in a situation like this is difficult when the default hospital program might actually be free for you, depending on your insurance.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26666124.post-43449360215480944572012-06-24T04:09:53.283-04:002012-06-24T04:09:53.283-04:00I've been in SP before for depression, no not ...I've been in SP before for depression, no not the retreat, but the main hospital. The Retreat sounds like it's just place for those who are wealthy, although The Retreat spins it with their comment about how one doesn't have to worry about the red tape with insurance. Yeah! because you have to pay out of pocket and if you have the money, hey no problem!!<br />If doctors really cared about their patients, then why not have this kind of treatment for everyone? They only care about the money. Ever see a doctor drive anything less than a Lexus, Mercedes, and other status cars?<br /><br />The main hospital at Sheppard Pratt is filled with rude nurses and indifferent doctors. Oh and don't get me started on the cafeteria workers. They are even ruder! When you walk past them, all they do is stare, and some even make inappropriate comments, especially when they are eating in the dining room on their break after the cafeteria closes for patients and SP workers. <br /><br />If you get lost in the hospital's hallways, don't expect anyone to help you. Parking is horrible as well. Employees park in spaces reserved for visitors and patients.<br /><br />For a world class hospital, SP needs to get it's act together.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26666124.post-32063625012838731842012-04-12T12:27:59.363-04:002012-04-12T12:27:59.363-04:00I have not read all of these comments but after re...I have not read all of these comments but after reading a few, I wonder how many of you have a bright successful college student who suddenly has a bipolar episode. It comes out of nowhere and manifests itself at college age. It takes them to a place where you are no longer talking to your child but to their disease. If there are places that can help them without treating them like the homeless, just throwing drugs at them without caring, of course you would so that. Anyone who can say that because the person can use the internet or make a phone call, obviously knows nothing about mental illness. i find some of these comments come from people with no personal experience or knowledge. These places give hope and bring results. They teach people to accept and understand their disease. Then they show them how to manage it. The general psyche ward gives them meds and then releases them before they are stable to keep costs down. They do not really care about long term stabilization.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26666124.post-76316095623453347702012-03-07T13:24:54.317-05:002012-03-07T13:24:54.317-05:00I was excited to see that a lawsuit was filed agai...I was excited to see that a lawsuit was filed against Sheppard Pratt. It's about time someone other than the neighbors and some elected officials said "STOP!"<br /><br />There is more information about the entire history of this at the Neighbors Against Sheppard Pratt website - http://www.naspgh.comRach Gnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26666124.post-60683845145116368862012-03-07T13:19:52.175-05:002012-03-07T13:19:52.175-05:00I definitely sympathize with the homeowners in Rux...I definitely sympathize with the homeowners in Ruxton. Especially in light of what has come out about this expansion in the news recently.<br /><br />I just saw on the Neighbors Against Sheppard Pratt site that a lawsuit has been filed against Sheppard Pratt and others attempting to expand The Retreat.<br /><br />You can find more information and the legal complaint at the website http://www.naspgh.com .kaitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26666124.post-17543660257277430412011-12-28T16:29:50.406-05:002011-12-28T16:29:50.406-05:00I've been inside The Retreat. It's not an ...I've been inside The Retreat. It's not an attractive space. Motel 6 is not far off the mark. You would think for so much money it would be prettier. Having Towson University students right next door was an unexpected drag!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26666124.post-51153797315696794022011-08-29T22:57:39.299-04:002011-08-29T22:57:39.299-04:00Motel 6? A very low blow. The Retreat is a separat...Motel 6? A very low blow. The Retreat is a separate unity from the main hospital. They have their own rules, drs, ect....<br />And in regards to that supposed mansion-<br />It is a home for people who no longer need as<br />much care that the retreat offers. It is a transition home. You continue outpatient care bc many retreat patients live out of state.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26666124.post-1106966273121720112011-07-24T22:42:25.739-04:002011-07-24T22:42:25.739-04:00There are much nicer places that really are luxuri...There are much nicer places that really are luxurious. They are in unique and private settings that are really conducive to the healing process. Many are supported by Mental Health Centers of Excellence. "The Retreat" is on the Sheppard Pratt main campus. A location that was called "institutional" by the CEO of the hospital. I've seen the inside and it looks more like a Motel 6 than any kind of resort.<br /><br />The new place they are trying to open in Ruxton is just a McMansion shoehorned into to an area behind a bunch of stores. There is nothing lux about it at all! The photos make it look like it's on acres of land, but the surrounding houses are right on top of it. There is no privacy whatsoever.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26666124.post-66133205147559015212011-04-13T15:54:39.353-04:002011-04-13T15:54:39.353-04:00I just read the last post and it sounds as though ...I just read the last post and it sounds as though this person is quite familiar w/ the retreat. How would I know this? I STAYED THERE! Currently it's about 2k a day though paid upfront with a min of 20 days (most people stay an avg of 4-5 weeks). The staff are top notch and can give you plenty of their time (hence the hefty price tag). You are checked on constantly by nurses and can't really come and go whenever you want (to some extent you can but not 100% and it is locked). On the weekends you can go to the mall or hairdresser, but any time you go you need persmission and they do check w/ your Dr. to make sure you are 'fit' to go. I would say the patients are the worried well taken to their extreme- in my case depression that just couldn't be treated- daily monitoring and endless tests turned out to be an ideal way to treat me. In the real world doctors just can't give you this amount of time/attention. You have a team of people working on you, and it's kind of like living in a fishbowl. There is the illusion of normality, but you are checked in on hourly or more by nurses, if you are watching tv/eating etc. you are monitored casually by nurses (and their observations will appear in your report). I noticed someone said personality disorders aren't diagnosed, this is 100% NOT true. Everything is checked for by more than one professional in many cases. You have a primary psychiatrist, family therapist, group therapy (3-5 different kinds I think or more!) In addition there is acupuncture and tai chi and yoga, The tai-chi guy also does some bodywork which he is very good at... but not any luxury or 'out there' treatments. I think the staff are probably extra nice to their cash patients and most are very wealthy, but I found everyone to be quite nice and also quiet about their wealth. I found the crowd to be relatively 'normal' if someone were suicidal they were immediately sent to the hospital part of the facility and stayed there until stabilized. Paying this amount of money is a luxury, but the care is great, you are treated as a human and a team of people work hard to find the best solution for you. In my time there I learned a lot and was helped a lot- was it worth 2k a day, maybe not, but there are almost no options for this type of care out there. Bottom line, if you can afford it, why not receive top notch care and become well?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26666124.post-41605373481108498722011-03-04T15:28:00.088-05:002011-03-04T15:28:00.088-05:00I may or may not have been a resident at the Retre...I may or may not have been a resident at the Retreat... sadly, no sushi chef!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26666124.post-45640467197785007362010-08-14T02:44:35.192-04:002010-08-14T02:44:35.192-04:00I may or may not be an employee at Sheppard Pratt....I may or may not be an employee at Sheppard Pratt. It is an inpatient facility, but not a locked-door situation. In other words, the units where there are presently-dangerous sex offenders, 'the unbathed', schizophrenics / psychotics, and dangerously unpredictable individuals are locked-door settings. Many of those patients are 'certified' by a judge based on a petition by a mental health professional, and are deemed 'involuntary' for their stay. Regardless of whether you can or can't pay to stay at the Retreat, you are pre-evaluated and if you are deemed a danger to yourself or others, you will not be allowed into the Retreat. If you become a suicide risk or a threat to others, patients and/or staff, while in the Retreat, you may be transferred to a locked-door unit within the health system. There is no practice of 'hands-on', or 'locked-door seclusion' because the patients accepted to the Retreat do not need these methods of treatment at the time they are admitted. Also to clarify, there are no smokey rooms, as smoking indoors has been nonexistant for years. The 'gardens' are full of chain-smoking patients of the day hospitals, but that's about it. I have read a lot of positive feedback from patients who have received treatment, and know at least one doctor who treated patients in this program. Based on what I believe about that doctor's ethics, my perception of his/her drive to please people, and general decision-making and practice, I have very little doubt that this particular doctor gave the patients any reason to be displeased as far as the doctor's input / role in treatment. Take that however you want. Whether or not the docs treating the patients on the Retreat are 'top docs,' (and I even doubt that, considering that there are far more experienced doctors in other locked-door-setting areas of the hospital), it's not that they 'don't mess with insurance because they don't have to'... it's because when a patient pays out of pocket, it's instant cash-inflow to the hospital. Insurance payments for the care take much longer than someone whipping out a checkbook made out directly to the hospital. 'No third party' (i.e. insurance company) is a huge perk in terms of payment, for both the people who have the ability and the desire to pay, but much, much more-so for the hospital itself.<br />Mental illness comes in different forms, and in different severities. To say, "I think that if someone is organized enough to use and enjoy Internet service and safe enough to have telephone (with cords) in their room, they're probably not that seriously mentally ill" is not an entirely accurate presumption.. that is to say, it may not be true... you'd be right if you said "to be organized, use the phone with cord, and enjoy internet service means that you're stable enough that you're not an immediate danger to yourself or others" is more accurate. But what about drug addiction? Patients check themselves in for that, too. It's called dual-diagnosis. Your substance abuse problems are addressed and managed, and so are any underlying psychiatric conditions that contribute to that substance abuse. Druggies can use a phone and the internet too, and be filthy-rich. On a side note, you'd be surprised how many filthy-rich patients from the Retreat blend in extremely well with other outpatients, staff, and passers-by during the daytime hours, on the grounds and outside. Remember, it's not a locked-door situation. You come and go as you please, basically. Lastly, on whether or not this is where celebrities go for 'exhaustion'... every so often, there's a lot of buzz among staff. But you could guess that on your own.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26666124.post-39829791404724858372010-08-14T02:42:31.672-04:002010-08-14T02:42:31.672-04:00I may or may not be an employee at Sheppard Pratt....I may or may not be an employee at Sheppard Pratt. It is an inpatient facility, but not a locked-door situation. In other words, the units where there are presently-dangerous sex offenders, 'the unbathed', schizophrenics / psychotics, and dangerously unpredictable individuals are locked-door settings. Many of those patients are 'certified' by a judge based on a petition by a mental health professional, and are deemed 'involuntary' for their stay. Regardless of whether you can or can't pay to stay at the Retreat, you are pre-evaluated and if you are deemed a danger to yourself or others, you will not be allowed into the Retreat. If you become a suicide risk or a threat to others, patients and/or staff, while in the Retreat, you may be transferred to a locked-door unit within the health system. There is no practice of 'hands-on', or 'locked-door seclusion' because the patients accepted to the Retreat do not need these methods of treatment at the time they are admitted. Also to clarify, there are no smokey rooms, as smoking indoors has been nonexistant for years. The 'gardens' are full of chain-smoking patients of the day hospitals, but that's about it. I have read a lot of positive feedback from patients who have received treatment, and know at least one doctor who treated patients in this program. Based on what I believe about that doctor's ethics, my perception of his/her drive to please people, and general decision-making and practice, I have very little doubt that this particular doctor gave the patients any reason to be displeased as far as the doctor's input / role in treatment. Take that however you want. As for the Eastern healing 'gook,' I'm pretty sure he's a white guy. Whether or not the docs treating the patients on the Retreat are 'top docs,' (and I even doubt that, considering that there are far more experienced doctors in other locked-door-setting areas of the hospital), it's not that they 'don't mess with insurance because they don't have to'... it's because when a patient pays out of pocket, it's instant cash-inflow to the hospital. Insurance payments for the care take much longer than someone whipping out a checkbook made out directly to the hospital. 'No third party' (i.e. insurance company) is a huge perk in terms of payment, for both the people who have the ability and the desire to pay, but much, much more-so for the hospital itself.<br />Mental illness comes in different forms, and in different severities. To say, "I think that if someone is organized enough to use and enjoy Internet service and safe enough to have telephone (with cords) in their room, they're probably not that seriously mentally ill" is not an entirely accurate presumption.. that is to say, it may not be true... you'd be right if you said "to be organized, use the phone with cord, and enjoy internet service means that you're stable enough that you're not an immediate danger to yourself or others" is more accurate. But what about drug addiction? Patients check themselves in for that, too. It's called dual-diagnosis. Your substance abuse problems are addressed and managed, and so are any underlying psychiatric conditions that contribute to that substance abuse. Druggies can use a phone and the internet too, and be filthy-rich. On a side note, you'd be surprised how many filthy-rich patients from the Retreat blend in extremely well with other outpatients, staff, and passers-by during the daytime hours, on the grounds and outside. Remember, it's not a locked-door situation. You come and go as you please, basically. Lastly, on whether or not this is where celebrities go for 'exhaustion'... every so often, there's a lot of buzz among staff. But you could guess that on your own.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26666124.post-1169794801924808472007-01-26T02:00:00.000-05:002007-01-26T02:00:00.000-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.NeoNurseChichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16120931307124798416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26666124.post-1169620040833373252007-01-24T01:27:00.000-05:002007-01-24T01:27:00.000-05:00Carrie, My best to your aunt and I hope she gets g...Carrie, My best to your aunt and I hope she gets good care. I imagine The Retreat would be happy to have her if she comes with the cash. I hope you feel better soon, sounds like you've all been through a lot.Dinahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09227988351623862689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26666124.post-1169487737334911542007-01-22T12:42:00.000-05:002007-01-22T12:42:00.000-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.NeoNurseChichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16120931307124798416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26666124.post-1169477907918767392007-01-22T09:58:00.000-05:002007-01-22T09:58:00.000-05:00Carrie,I don't know your aunt, but in psychiatrist...Carrie,<BR/>I don't know your aunt, but in psychiatrist's terms, anyone taking an antidepressant who has a suicide attempt and is psychiatrically hospitalized, has a major mental illness. The term doesn't just apply to Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder, or illnesses with psychosis. Anything might kill you cuts the call for me.Dinahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09227988351623862689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26666124.post-1169446439302086632007-01-22T01:13:00.000-05:002007-01-22T01:13:00.000-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.NeoNurseChichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16120931307124798416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26666124.post-1169425965489946702007-01-21T19:32:00.000-05:002007-01-21T19:32:00.000-05:00Wow. Is this the sort of place celebrities go when...Wow. Is this the sort of place celebrities go when they are "hospitalized for exhaustion"?Gerbilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05908487212760713496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26666124.post-1169411529907182872007-01-21T15:32:00.000-05:002007-01-21T15:32:00.000-05:00Revision:DBT as a whole has been proven an effecti...Revision:<BR/><BR/>DBT as a whole has been proven an effective treatment for borderline, but I am not aware that the part of it relating to "Eastern philosophies" has been singled out for effectiveness. <BR/><BR/>see http://www.dbtselfhelp.comDrivingMissMollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11476761316928942301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26666124.post-1169409917556000622007-01-21T15:05:00.000-05:002007-01-21T15:05:00.000-05:00Reading this last night made me very very sad. I w...Reading this last night made me very very sad. I want to go here;<BR/>http://www.lawlispeavey.com/<BR/>but can't afford it. <BR/><BR/>There are always going to be rich people that can afford to get whatever they want or think they need. There will always be those that do without. At least I do have some resources and I am grateful for those.<BR/><BR/>I have a bone to pick with this statement; '"Eastern movement and meditative practices" (I wonder how you give informed consent for treatment for an unproven therapy?).'<BR/><BR/>Now, I was under the impression that the "mindfulness" aspect of DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder), inspired by Eastern practices (Buddhism, I believe), has been proven effective in studies, so is it so much of a stretch to think it could help with other issues too?<BR/><BR/>I never got informed consent for Haldol in hospital and it gave me dystonia. I had no idea what was happening. <BR/><BR/>Psychiatry doesn't help everyone and it seems presumptive to insist that anything outside that box is mumbo jumbo. I think I'm fairly intelligent and I have considered trying accupressure, ritual cleansing and other alternatives. I admit, OK, they freak me out a little and I have yet to try any.<BR/><BR/>There is something reassuring about white coats and diplomas on the wall...but is that just conditioning?<BR/><BR/>Anyway...what kinds of psychiatrists work in those places, anyway? Do they feel they are doing a service? Are they?<BR/>Maybe being 'mentally ill' will be the next 'cool' thing, like going to rehad seems to be today.<BR/><BR/>There is still a demographic for those seeking treatment from a private doc, right? White, female, educated, with $$$$$$.<BR/><BR/>I wonder. How many African-American homeless men are in psychoanalysis? HmmmmmmmmmmDrivingMissMollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11476761316928942301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26666124.post-1169395806120549742007-01-21T11:10:00.000-05:002007-01-21T11:10:00.000-05:00If both of you say there are people with serious m...If both of you say there are people with serious mental illnesses at the Retreat then I will take your word for it. Obviously, my patients don't go there and so far I don't think I've ever had any Retreat patients in jail. I'm going by what I read on the web site and I had a hard time reconciling a weeks-to-months long hospitalization with their listed eligible diagnoses of "anxiety disorders and adjustment disorders". The patients I know who need hospitalizations that long are psychotic folks who are resistent to most meds. Just on the face of it adjustment problems and anxiety are not something that usually warrants extended hospitalization. Again, I'll take both of your words on who actually goes there.<BR/><BR/>Are we podcasting today?ClinkShrinkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13316134491751195651noreply@blogger.com