i was admitted in this hospital for the adolescent inpatient program twice. both times in 2025. i was 15 both times. the first time was for a suicide attempt and it was a pretty okay experience for me. the hospital had been a co-ed unit at the time so there was boys and girls. i made a lot of friends and was kept company. they have a pretty good eating disorder program, which was something i struggled with heavily so that was nice. however the staff member (Bex) was probably the worst staff member ive ever encountered in my life. there are 2 adolescent units (400 and 500 west) she removed me from the unit i was on - 400 - and onto 5 west because she said me and another patient that i had been friends with, were becoming "too close". mind you, this is a no touch facility to begin with, so i don't know how close we can get. i was moved onto a different unit with people i was not comfortable with (i struggle dealing with new people due to trauma, which the staff knew about) when i was supposed to only have 1 day left until discharge anyway. they ended up extending my stay because they put me on another medication change, and because i had 3 panic attacks after being moved units. all the staff (minus bex) was VERY nice. they all took very good care of me and made sure i had everything i needed. we were allowed multiple phone calls a day that lasted up to around 25 minutes each. we were allowed food/water anytime we needed it, but after a certain time at night (pretty late, around like 10 pm) they had to put snacks away. i felt like i was doing okay when i was in there. we did a lot of rec therapy with games, art, movies, journaling, etc. we went outside when able to, we interacted with one another, we always had someone to talk to. it was very helpful for me. i had gotten discharged from the hospital after 22 days of being in there, and they created a very strict safety plan for me. they gave us many resources and places to call if we needed help or if i needed to come back to the hospital. another negative thing was when i had gotten out, i finally weighed myself and got to see my weight, and i was flooded with instant panic. i was being given 2-3 Ensure drinks a day, along with 3 meals + snacks every day. the mirrors were very distorted so i couldn't ever really see my body clearly. i ended up struggling worse with eating disorders when i got out than when i went in. i think they should definitely have more personalized treatments instead of a "one size fits all" kinda deal. but anyways, my experience was overall very good and if I had to go back to a mental hospital it would be forest view in a heart beat. read more

I was not a patient, however I worked there for 3 years. I saw so many ways that patients were let down if not further traumatized by their time there and I was helpless to do anything about it even though I tried to advocate for them. Safety there is nearly nonexistent there for floor staff and patients. The doctors barely listen to the patients or address their concerns. Often meds are changed whether the patient wants it that way or not. Acuity is often not separated, so those with depression may witness full blown psychosis aggression. I was often shocked and angry by what was happening at Forest View. I spent nearly 3 years angry every day. I have had career trauma from my experience working there. I have heard the term "moral injury" and that sums up every shift I had. I wouldn't recommend this "hospita" as a place to work or a place to recover from mental illness. I've seen it do more damage than good. read more

if i could give zero stars i would. to make an annoyingly long story short, i was sexually harassed and assaulted by a male patient in my unit. staff didn't care much. im traumatized, i cant sleep without thinking im gonna make up to him in my room again, cant go outside without thinking hes gonna come after me, and i cant go into public anymore without taking my anxiety meds before had because now i am very sensitive to loud noises and loud people. i become overwhelmed and overstimulated very easily. but shout out to the staff members nikki, amber, jacquline, brandie and eric for keeping me safe when i was transferred into the 300s unit. you truly made me feel seen and safe. never come here. read more

This facility is ripe for multiple law suits! The sad and unfortunate truth is this place is severely understaffed and over extended, leaving enormous areas of neglect in cleanliness and patient care and food safety. The promise of drug free voluntary treatment is an absolute fabrication of the truth, there is NO voluntary 3 day stay or release without medication, please plan on a minimum of a 7-9 day stay up to 6 months if and court orders, if you do not agree or submit to treatment. Yes you will see you doctor every 24 hours, however you will see them for a maximum of 15 minutes through the tiny screen of an iPad not in person because they have so many patients to see, that is all the time they have to diagnose and prescribe medication for you. They have no history, no context, no actual knowledge of who you are or how you are struggling and no time to find out. This is the fast food of mental health, one size fits all approach, " here is a happy meal full of pills, I took 10 minutes to prescribe for you now your fixed back to the world with you". The money grubbing business of manipulating the mental ill is disgusting. Many of the patients in this facility lack the mental cognitive ability to recognize and object to their blatant miss treatment. The floors in this hospital while "dry mopped" daily are only actually washed with soap and hot water every 7 days, GROSS! The entire time new patients are admitted, the public and staff come and go all wearing street shoes up and down the hall in the patient room, common spaces, tracking dirt and bacteria. Shoe laces are prohibited, some most people choose to only wear socks on these unsanitary floors. There are black dirt and grease smudge marks on the furniture the walls and the floors. YUCK! This is advertised as a HOSPITAL! Three inch tail ant hills and spider webs in the conference room complete the haunted derelict motif. Linens are change on beds for new patience but sleeping rooms and bathrooms are "surface" cleaned daily and are in desperate need of a deep clean. Now lets talk about food, expired milk was served to an entire unit three times, the patience were encourage to drink decaf coffee to help with any discomfort! The kitchen CANNOT get an allergy or dietary modification correct over the course of 7 days, allowing 3 meals a day only 3 were served respecting the food limitations of the patient. The kitchen served anaphylactic allergens to an entire unit no less than five times after being repeatedly informed of the life treating reaction was the likely out come of that error. The patients were asked to be understanding and patient with the kitchen staff because they were struggling. If the staff is serving life threating food, your management is the problem and it needs to be immediately corrected! I will say that the nursing staff, all of the aids, the case workers and the therapist that actually see patience in person are incredible humans and should be recognized and reward of their dedication and endurance working in deplorable conditions. These folks are understaffed and tired, they are giving their all and management keeps stuff in more patients in beds. There is no security staff, so every physical incident is attend by care gives and medical staff, if they are injured during the incident, they must rest or receive medical attention, further depleting the available staff. There are not enough care gives to give appropriate care, yet they allow more people to flood through the door! This obscene and disgusting, I understand you have a bottom line and you require revenue to treat patience and keep the doors open, but you are cutting big corners and it needs to STOP, find a better way! Also the very last thing a mental ill patient receives before being release is an in person itemized listed bill handed directly to you and explained in detail of what your insurance will not pay...great start for the anxious... gotta get those dollars! read more

Over all, not the worst hospitalization experience. I'll start with the negatives, then go to the positives. There were not a lot of options for food, especially for a place that has an eating disorder program and surely patients with dietary needs. I found it very difficult to eat here, and the only other option was either a sandwich (if they had any lol) or an Ensure (which has the worst texture ever). I will, however, concede that it's likely due to budget, I just wish there were at least a few more options. The other bad part of this hospital is the lack of communication. They did not contact my mother, with whom I live, a single time, despite me explicitly asking for a full disclosure agreement for her, nor were things communicated with my Community Mental Health, AND the doctor took me off my prescribed antipsychotic injection without my knowledge, which took two hours of phone tag with Community Mental Health to get fixed because I NEED that. Lastly on the negatives, visitor hours were only like 1 hour once a week, that's absurd. Now, to the good parts. Most of the staff were very kind, attentive to patients, and helpful. Special shoutouts - Eunice, Allison (mental health worker with longer pale blond hair), both Lindsays, Paula, Jacke, and many others I forget the names of - if I could nominate them all for Daisy Awards or something, I would, they were absolutely lovely. We were allowed to make phone calls throughout many points in the day, which was very nice. Despite the lack of selection, the kitchen staff were also very nice and did their best to help me with picky eating issues. The beds were actually decently comfortable. Transgender patients were typically roomed together, which is very thoughtful and definitely a lot safer for many people. There was a lot of recreation time, art therapy, games, movie nights, etc. which was very helpful and enjoyable. To end this, I do want to thank the staff for the hard work they do. Over all, as far as mental hospitals go, Forest View is a lot better than some others I've been to. Although I hope for the best, if I find myself in crisis again, I will ask to go to Forest View. read more

I tried asking my psychiatrist if I could sign release of information, so that he could have more of a background than just the E.R. visit. Instead of acknowledging my request the psychiatrist continued to read off a list of questions. When I realized that I was not going to connect with the psychiatrist I had, I of course, filled out the paperwork so that I could get a new doctor but was denied. I have been working with psychiatrists for most of my life and this place has the worst ones I have ever encountered. My psychiatrist, after asking for the release of information, decided to say I was manic, delusional, and psychotic. Instead of actually talking to me, he would make medication adjustments without my knowledge and the medication he put me on actually caused a secondary hospitalization. read more

My mental health was worse when I left then when I was admitted. I went late last year when I had a mental break and was falling back into old habits. I was admitted into the partial hospitalization program. The first day was the 1 and only day I got to talk one on one with a counselor, they did a medical exam where they told me I had an eating disorder which made absolutely no sense. we had 5-10-minute meetings every day with a psychiatrist, I got paired with a man with a very heavy accent which I couldn't understand because of my hearing issues, when my guardian brought up the issue she was ignored. I was initially supposed to stay for 5 days max, that quickly turned into over 2 weeks because they kept prescribing me new medications without calling my guardian to ask. We were made to sit in hard chairs for 6+ hours and we got 1 short break. The snacks were the only decent thing in that place. we had lunch provided, the lunch had the hardest bread I've ever had, it was rock solid, the meat was either rancid or raw, the egg salad sandwich was warm, they had a very small food variety which was obviously very odd considering I was put on extra watch for the eating disorder that I was told I had. The other people in group with me were allowed to joke about things that were very triggering. along with this we had to fill out this slip of paper every day that asked us how we were feeling and if we had any suicidal or homicidal thoughts and we were forced to read it out loud to the group. the small room we had to sit in was cold and there was a very depressing vibe with the room having absolutely no color. When I refused to eat the lunch, I was pretty much force fed, this led me to developing an actual eating disorder after the whole ordeal and now I can hardly stomach solid foods. When I was finally discharged my mom wanted to talk to the staff about what I had to go through because I was in the partial program, I was able to see her at night and told her everything that had gone on, when she started mentioning the obvious abuse the staff left the room and locked her in. This was quite the review; please don't go to this place all the staff really care about is the money they will be making. read more

If I could, I would give only 0.1-star review. The inpatient staff are amazing, especially Erica in the trauma group. Julia always brightened up my day when she was around. I was always laughing around her. But the outpatient medication clinic is pure bull. 1) It's a miracle to get a human on the phone 2) They couldn't be bothered to call and tell me my sample of a medication was ready until a week after I was out. I was calling and calling and calling and they almost never picked up. When they finally did, they told me it had been ready for two weeks; they claim they called me, got ahold of me, and said I would pick it up. Funny thing is, that phone call -- nor the two voicemails they claim they left me -- were in my records. At all. 3) When I FINALLY got my meds, they handed it over without verifying it's actually me. Sure, I'm happy I got my meds, but think about it; what if some Tom, Dick, or Harry waltzed in, claimed they were me, and stole my meds or personal information? That would be a HUGE HIPAA violation! 4) They're trying to tell me I missed an appointment but I actually did it on Zoom because I threw up that day 5) The psychiatrist wrote on paper one dosage. So I'm going to do what she tells me and take that dosage, right? Wrong! The next time the issue came up, it was another dosage. In other words, she changed my dose without telling me. So for weeks or even months, I was taking the wrong dose because she couldn't be bothered to tell me! I'm going to start looking for another psychiatrist. I've had enough. read more

almost didn't let us finish forest gump and didn't let me have my phone:( also didn't believe me about my disorders. hella good music taste on that gym radio tho read more

I can't believe that an organization I thought was upright and reputable and trustworthy would in poor faith do nothing to compensate me for their lose of my property. when the nursing supervisor began to accuse me of lying about having worn my black leather jacket to their facility I was appalled. Oddly though the won't look at the security tapes where nearly all activities in the building is recorded. Make it make Sense!!!! I will be calling every weekday until I am satisfied read more

I was severely abused as a young child. I have searched for help to let go of the paint from my past thru the trauma therapy program. You get out way more pain and are taught an endless list of coping skills and learn to stop the negative thoughts in your mind about your self. Much information and partication is key. And the staff do care but most people are in such a hurry to get out that it really reduces the experience and success I succeeded but saw lots of people go home not ready to face the problems that they came in with ..10+ read more

I was admitted more than a dozen times at many different hospitals over the coarse of 10 years before finding a treatment that worked and finding recovery. I stayed at this hospital only once. It was very abusive, staff misreported and straight up lied about you on forms and recipient rights at this hospital was a joke when I tried to file a complaint. This is the only hospital that traumatized me rather than helped me. read more

Forest view is basically a school with meds and a bedtime you go to groups that are treated like it's schoolwork instead of actually addressing issues that we have the staff is not very helpful I've only had a few staff members I liked or didn't mind one of the patients was crying and the staff in that room looked at her and did nothing they tell you what to do when to do it medicate you and that's it yea you get a movie at the end of the day but not worth going there if you want actual help read more

My wife went to this place. Good luck on getting a hold of your loved ones there. In order to talk to them you have to leave a message. My wife got the messages that I left maybe once out of every ten messages left. Visitation is a joke. The times are not very convenient at all. It would be easier to get a hold of and visit someone in jail rather than this place. Not impressed at all. read more

I was in here for six days and five nights. In brief summary I really enjoyed the experience. I think people need to try and go in with an open mind instead of a negative view of these places, or being highly critical of every piece of the place. Each place has negatives and positives. If you don't understand the system than you probably will have a harder time liking the place. I work in the medical field and I've had a back knowledge on facilities. It's ran like most medical hospitals. I already knew what I was placing myself in so it wasn't as overwhelming. I went in with an open mind WANTING help. I understand others go in without a choice or at their wits end but the journey there is to change their mind. I don't believe those outside the facility with loved ones inside shouldn't have a say in how great the place is. Yes, messages come late sometimes. Maybe there's a reason Yes the visit times aren't convenient, but that's the point of being in a locked down facility. For the patient,being away from society and loved ones, gives a different experience that can help. Your loved one side the facility is always able to use the phones during break hours. Which is many times throughout the day in between meals and therapy. I contacted loved ones everyday inside without trouble. Staff is malty quick to help you with your needs, and staff with activities are good and fun to listen to. They have helped me and many others from what I saw. You're always going to have those who don't like it. Stubbornness will always be there. As for staff doesn't want to be there, of course they get worn out too. I'm sure they get mentally drained by hearing others who are sad and depressed. It's not always easy to be around hurt people. Hats off to them who help those in that state. Maybe that's why many are in these places because others don't want to deal with them. I'm sure no one is always happy at work. It's work. They get overworked just as much as anyone else. Every place takes insurance and money. Look at all the hospitals downtown. People just find reasons to be upset. PEOPLE NEED PLACES LIKE THIS. Mental health is not a joke. People pay here to get help and will get it if they want to. Over all I'm glad I went. It saved me. Foods maybe 5/10. Beds suck! And are cold. Gotta share room and bathrooms, ask for hygiene supplies, lock away dangerous things. No strings on clothes. But you get awesome bonds with those who suffer like you, you can journal, you can get away from reality to get a hold of your mind You initially get stripped down naked for them to look at skin, first days are hard, but you get used to it. If you want to bring a loved one in, or yourself. Know what to expect. It's not a hotel stay, it's not some fancy place but it's better than pine rest. Go in with an open mind and try. You've got this. Mental health is as important as physical health read more

Do NOT go there for eating disorder treatment. I was mistreated there and they refused to believe they were in the wrong. They made me stay in a secluded room with a camera watching me because I wasn't following my meal plan and I could only go anywhere if someone was pushing me in a wheelchair. I was only allowed one phone call per shift and I was not allowed to attend all of the groups. I fessed up to hiding food at meal times so they made me eat in the hallway by myself at a desk with a gown on. Save yourself and do NOT go there. I threatened to leave AMA to get out of the hell hole that claims to treat eating disorders. read more

Forest View is a really good place to begin your recovering journey, you meet a lot of other patients like you, it is extremely clean and the nurses aren't the best but they do try and you can not get better if you are not willing to put in the effort, if you are in impatient the beds are uncomfortable but you get any resources you need a lot of things will be taken away if you are admitted, so get shoes without laces. In conclusion for recovery, it comes down to if you want to recover then the resources and tools are much more useful and helpful. read more

Some of the staff is nice, some couldn't care less and are obviously over trying to help people. I spent seven days there and didn't feel any different from when I went in. They didn't help me with any of my problems and made my meds worse. Don't go here. read more

This place is awful. I did the inpatient program here a year ago and since then have been following up with treatment. The staff does not follow up with you and does not understand how to treat someone who's manic/depressed/etc. I've called them and asked to speak to a counselor or a psychiatrist as an emergency and they said they couldn't help me. I rely on suicide hotline more than them. They have no empathy or compassion. Don't go here. It's hell. read more

I overdosed at the airport in Grand Rapids and I had to go to the hospital. I was at the hospital for a long time, then I went back to Forest View. They took me to the quiet room and I was in there by myself. I didn't have my clothes because they wouldn't let me have them. I started hitting my head against the wall and scratching my arm. They tried stopping me, but it didn't work. They took me into another room and put me on a board table and strapped my arms and legs to the table. I was having a HUGE adrenaline rush and I broke the leather straps. They had people sitting on top of me and holding down my arms and legs. I bit the lady who was holding down my left arm and the lady sitting on my chest put her hand around my neck and started yelling at me. The boss lady was walking around the table calling me a little bitch and telling me that I was going to go to jail. I started screaming for my mom, but the lady who had her hand around me neck put her other hand over my mouth and nose and I couldn't breathe. They gave me four shots all at once, which is illegal. I woke up a couple of days later. They gave me all of those shots because they didn't want me to remember what they did to me, but I remember it like it was yesterday. They left bruises on my neck, arms, and legs. I told my mom about it and she called the police. The police came to talk to me. At first the people who worked at the hospital didn't want me to talk to the police, but the police said if they didn't let them talk to me, they were going to assume that the hospital staff did something illegal. So, they let me talk to the police. The police took pictures of all of my bruises. Six days after the incident, I flew to Texas so I could be in a residential treatment facility. At first, I was PISSED because I had to go to Texas, but now that I think back on it, that was the best choice my parents and I have ever made. So, once again, if you have to go to a psychiatric hospital DO NOT GO TO FOREST VIEW HOSPITAL IN GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN!!!!! read more

DO NOT GO HERE!!! They misdiagnose my mother. The staff and nurses did not give us any answers at all .When we tried to explain the family history of my mothers illness no one listen and now she is in another hospital. I put her in Holland hospital and would highly recommend them to anyone! The staff is amazing and I feel more comfortable knowing that she is getting the right treatment. read more