Bridgehaven Mental Health Services

“Well my time at bridge haven was not helping me. They put rules on new people but the old ones don't get them I was going before this time and it changed for not the better. the groups do not stay on focus of grief n loss. oh they treat you like a child for lunch you have to find someone.”

“I have apparently been going there off and on since 2006. Right now they’re my saving grace. I have been through some ups and downs in that place. I have seen it go through changes. To me the newest incarnation of the services makes me happy. They’re helping me pull through some tough spots. I appreciate the different people that took the time to talk to me lately. It means the world to me.”

“I did the intake and got the tour. I was assigned a therapist, who I met with once. My calls to the nurse went unanswered, and my therapist told me that she herself couldn't get the nurse to return her calls. So, my therapist walked me down to the nurses' office and introduced me to the 2 nurses. As I talked to the psych nurse, I was unimpressed with her knowledge of psych meds. (Later, I learned she works for a company that Bridgehaven contracts with.) I think too many prescribers today are overly restrictive in what they prescribe, to the point that they seem more concerned with covering their butts than helping patients. I thought that if I were to have a crisis I would not get much help via meds. Also, I felt that there was inadequate understanding of my sleep disorder. I grew frustrated, said so, and left, saying I would find a prescriber elsewhere. Then, I left my therapist a message saying I still wanted to come to Bridgehaven but not for meds. My call was not returned. I left at least 2 more messages over the next few months, saying I'd like an appointment with my therapist, and repeating that I still wanted to come to Bridgehaven, just not for meds. Never was my call returned, and after awhile Bidgehaven CLOSED my file. The New Year came and went, and I learned I would have to reapply and go through the intake process again. To sum up: I feel I saw a bit of medical authoritarianism in the nursing department, and a reluctance to learn from the patient's experience. I was disappointed that a therapist never returned my call. In a call I made to report all the above, I was told by an administrator that I am welcome to return. I heard that someone told someone that I was "abusive". All I did was express to the 2 nurses that I did not think I wanted them as my prescribers. Yes, there was frustration in my voice but I did not yell or curse. I'm probably twice their age and have been on meds since adolescence. I can tell when a prescriber lacks knowledge. So, that's "abuse"? Worthy of communication being cut off such that my file was later closed? Well, we all make mistakes and I think Bridgehaven made one. "Abusive" is such a trendy word that renders the accused guilty until proven innocent. I hope those who do go to Bridgehaven remember that they are consumers of mental health services and not just persons who must smile and nod to medical authoritarianism.”

“Went for the first time I felt so comfortable with the group and being in the group with other Deaf people. This is Great . I will continue going back.”