Hello. My name is Jakob, I am a 17 year old trying to make a short documentary about adolescent mental health care in New Jersey. I have had terrible experiences at St. Clares as well. I was admitted for severe psychosis when I was 13 years old, and the only thing I remember is them locking me in the "quiet room" for an hour (more than once) for getting agitated and yelling, and no, it wasn't the nice one with the bench. It was the one with NO bench, where you had to sit on the floor. My butt hurt so bad afterwards lol!!! I went twice, two months apart, and it was terrible both times. They also let me out before I was ready because my insurance wouldn't pay anymore. Didn't fight for me or nothing. I was still in a psychotic episode and was left to deal with it on my own. Thank God I go to a therapeutic school, because I wouldn't have survived otherwise. I am very privileged. Please, do not send your child here. If you've made it this far in the review, please consider emailing me. As I said, I am making a documentary about people's experiences in adolescent mental health treatment facilities in NJ. My email is thekidsinamericadoc@gmail blah blah you know the rest. I don't know if they'll take this review down, but if you see this, please respond!! I'd love to hear your story, and possibly interview you for the doc. Thanks so much for reading. read more

Staying in the children's unit of St. Clare's was the worst experience I have ever had. The care is nonexisten. I received maybe 10 minutes of "therapy" a day, and only on weekdays (they don't have any social workers or doctors on the weekends). The tiny amount of therapy consisted solely of questioning the patient to figure out when they could be discharged. I believe I received zero care or comfort from any staff member. One particular staff member, whose name I believe was Christina, laughed and mocked me when I was screaming and crying uncontrollably while in a restraint bed. She called me "angsty" for being so upset, and no other staff member seemed to think this was an issue because no one said anything. I screamed and cried so hard I passed out due to how upset I was in the facility. they, of course, never bothered telling my guardians this happened. when my guardians asked for my medical records, they were ignored. I'm decently sure this is because they never bothered recording any information. I've only scratched the surface of how horrific my "treatment" was, but thinking about it makes me want to cry so I'll stop here. Do not go here. Do not send anyone here. It's a prison where vulnerable, suffering people get treated like garbage. read more

I sent my 17 year old son here twice and both experiences were awful. My son was more worse when he got home . The doctor was uncaring, no personality and didn't not listen to my son at all. Very judgemental!! They gave him medicine to help and then took him off it. The nurses were nice but didn't watch thier patients. They made my son sound like a monster. Now no outpatient program won't take him. I do not recommend St. Claries in Booton/behavior health unit to any parent who help for their children... I am worried and upset. read more

I had a family member who is struggling from opioids and was recommended to this facility. After two days my family member was thrown out after the doctors made them take suboxones after 48 hours. Our family member called us and asked if they should take this medication because it could send them into a precipitated withdrawal. We advised our member to wait to take the medication in which they did and they still went into a withdrawal. Unfortunately the next day our family member called us back advising that the doctors/ hospital was kicking them out. The hospital advised that they could not do anything for them because they went into withdrawal yet the doctors caused it! Our family member was only at the facility for two days. There is NO way anyone can kick their habit in that short period of a time. The doctors/ hospital was very rude and tossed our family member literally out in the cold. They told our family member to pack up their belongings and leave out the building. Then threatened to call the police if they didn't leave from the campus. This facility is about an hour from our home so it was unacceptable how they treated our family member during there struggle. This facility is a scam. They take your money and over drug their patients . Our family member put in a claim with their insurance along with a complaint with this facility. Please beware of this place if you care about your family members and their recovery! read more

I admitted myself only a few days after my discharge from another hospital that I was put into involuntarily. But even admission into this hospital was technically against my will, even though considered voluntary, due to the fact the police wouldn't let me go to the hospital near my home on my own as soon as I got all my things on my To Do list taken care of (eg - clearing a ticket in a township court, contacting my supervisor that I might run a little late or not at all due to hospital reasonings, etc.). When at Denville, NJ location in ER/medical area, the screener told me straight out that she was on the fence about whether to let me go or to admit me, but was leaning more on admitting me due to concerns of my mental health since my depression was growing worse from antidepressants that Bergen New Bridge Medical Center put me on. She was so nice about keeping me updated to what was going on, ranging from what the psychologist had to say all the way to where I'll be transferred over to for ACIS. When I finally got transferred over to ACIS voluntary unit in St Clare's Behavior Health, the staff was so wonderful! They actually listened to my problems when it came to my depression, took into deep considerations to my own thoughts of my antidepressants may having to be the cause of my suicidal thoughts growing worse, and even canceling that prescription for something completely new and different! Nick (one of the RN's there) would try and get to me to smile and laugh from the second I got off the stretcher by changing a few things around to put my name in the music, like "Hey, Jude" music to "Hey, Sue". Even taking swings at cracking jokes wherever he could. Even Ryan (another RN) was really nice to even work with me. I love the fact that this place actually offers group therapy sessions to EVERYONE in the ward. I even always looked forward to Art time just so I could color a few coloring pages, grab a few Sudoku pages to work on to exercise my brain, and even draw on blank pages. The staff also holds 2 community meetings, once in the morning and once in the afternoon, just to check up on the patients to see how everyone's doing. If the mood's gone down, they actually take the time to ask if they can do anything to help us. Bergen New Bridge Medical NEVER did that! Not even group therapy session for everyone! It was such a new fresh breath of air! There was even one community meeting towards the end of my stay that the guy who's in charge took us outside into the small fenced off courtyard just outside of the large TV room just so we could get some fresh air and some sun on our skins. When I even got promoted to Level 2 so that I had permission to walk around outside for a few minutes for fresh breath of air, Steve, one of the workers, gave me some money and told me to pick out whatever snack(s) and/or drink I wanted. He knew I couldn't pay him back even at discharge, but he didn't care - He told me to just go for whatever I wanted. The staff actually helped so much to help me get on the right track to recovery. Due to all the therapy sessions and the staff actually taking time to care for each and every last one of us, even the doctor in that ward listening to my concerns about my meds and confirming that I'm right to think that it's my meds before proceeding to prescribing me to the new set of meds that I'm on now, my depression is becoming more bearable and more under control. I'm even starting to feel a lot more like myself. This is a fantastic hospital! Even wonderful staff! read more

Been here twice, both times awful. The first time, on the day of my discharge, they wanted me to have an EKG. In the room, it was just me and the nurse. I had to take off my shirt, so I was only wearing an undershirt. The woman said to me, a 14 y/o girl, "I didn't realize you had such big t*ts." She then proceeded to make more comments about it. This next part may have been a coincidence, but all of the sensors in my chest area didn't work, and she had to feel me up a second time to replace them. They deleted my Google review saying this three times :) They also put me on a medication without informing me about the extreme drowsy effect and the severe physical dependency it creates. My second visit, there was a staff member who got incredibly aggressive and antagonizing with patients, including telling me I wasn't smart enough to explain my own diagnosis. The day staff, who's much better, brushed it off. You're never let outside. There's nothing to do besides a couple puzzles and journaling. Unless you're really desperate, I don't recommend. read more

They are absolutely the worst behavior health care providers. They had absolutely no concern for my actual symptoms and more interested in over-prescribing medication that was causing me to panic and serve chest pains. After letting them know they increased my dosage . read more

Long months waiting for appointment for talk therapy at the clinic. Social worker useless. Then I get hit with crazy bills for facility fee although it's in network and should be only a copay. These were not disclosed in advance. What a nightmare and caused much worse mental distress than not trying to get therapy. Fighting still criminal bills they don't want to change. read more

Worst psychiatric/behavioral health facility I have ever experienced in my life. And I've been getting care for my condition for 20 years, most of which was done in Alabama, and embarrassingly, it was leagues better than the care I got here. For one, the facility is in poor condition, dirty, and 90% of the staff was very uncaring, and I'd often hear them gossip and mock other patients. One counselor said "Malibu Rehab" to a nurse when a patient who was detoxing was having a meltdown. I had an issue with my medication, I am familiar with this medication, have been on it before, and told the med nurse (Ryan) that I wanted to speak to the doctor before I stepped up on it that quickly. Doctor agreed, left instructions to step me back down to my original dose for awhile longer. Ryan took that as "well, then she doesn't get that dose at all today", and you really shouldn't skip a dose on this particular medication. I waited until his shift ended so I could speak to someone who didn't treat me like a fool and then they gave me my dose later. Ryan really shouldn't be working in Healthcare, if I'm being 100% honest. And an intern psychiatrist treated her patients poorly. She had long dark hair, cannot recall her name, but she actually told a sobbing patient "I have other patients to see" rudely and then turned and walked away from her. I am also usually an early riser, so my normal wake up time is between 5 and 6am. Breakfast wasn't until 8-8:30am. I asked for anything, even just a pack of crackers, and I was denied. My stomach was growling, so I just drank water and paced the halls and did crosswords to bide my time. It was a rule to not bring food out of the dining hall, but I feel like I was forced to. If you want to feel like a subhuman and in an abusive prison, then, this would be the ideal place for you. The only people there I will praise is Mary Jane, Chuck, Michelle, and my psychiatrist, I cannot remember how to spell her name, but she was an older woman with short hair and glasses, and she was absolutely wonderful and informative. There were just a couple of others than I liked, but I can't recall their names at the moment. I need(ed) the IOP (intensive out-patient) program. I got out on a Friday, I was supposed to do intake the following Monday. My husband had taken off work, as we weren't sure if I could drive on the new medication or not and wanted to monitor it (I totalled a car years ago on a similar medication and have a history of falling asleep at the wheel while on them), then I get a call that they can't do it that Monday, but they can the following Monday. I decided to give them another shot (which I regret), so I agreed to wait. Then I get a call today that they can't actually see me on that day, and that I will now have to be put on a waiting list, tentatively doing my intake paperwork over a month later. I asked if I could at least get my prescriptions, they told me I couldn't do that until I had my assessment while doing the intake paperwork. I then asked if I could do the Zoom version of the IOP, which I was also told I had to be put on waiting list. What is even the point of this place? Why do these people even work in Healthcare? Do they want me to have another visit? I've never felt so abused by Healthcare "professionals" in my life. And I'm not the only one, read the other reviews. I don't see how they have all the awards that they do. Luckily I at least got my medications straightened out, but I will never be coming back here, nor would I ever recommend this facility to anyone. read more

In 2017 I found the 3rd floor involuntary behavorial health unit facilities strategy for attaining me as a patient along with my own treatment plan horrendous. Medication distributed from various nurses in paper cups, no sealed and labeled medication bottles, I did not sign off verifying my correct medication or dosage. Food was prepared by a local kitchen staff, food was not sealed in air tight bags, possible tampering or administering of controlled substance for ease of patient control? Told I would not be released unless I took medication, I explained I was a recovering addict and it was against my belief to take a mood altering substance, they continued on their own agenda. Facility left a lot to be desired. read more

My husband was sent to St Clares. He was sent there because I felt he would get checked out for possibly onset of dementia or Alzheimer's. I was told they would do the testing once they found a bed for him. He went in on Friday 2 Am. I didn't realize that he would be kept in the psych ward. The cops called it sundowning. On Sunday I get a call my husband is on the floor and refuses to get up. I told them this a 80-year-old man and needs help or at lease something to lean on a stool or chair. That was the weekend psychiatrist I spoke to. That should have been my cue to get him the hell out of there. They told me to stay away because I would only upset him if he saw me. They finally found a bed in Ramapo Psych ward. He went there with me thinking he will get test like MRI or for his sleep aponia. Only to find out they don't test there. An old man thrown into the psych ward and over medicated to the point he couldn't even open his eyes. Stay away! The social worker at St Clare's did a great job. She lied! She knew damn well there was no testing done at Ramapo. If I'd have known that I would have taken him right out of there. I have nothing left in my life but to pray that all their loved (parents, kids and others) get the care they gave my husband. Think of me, because you are in my prayers. read more

I recently had my child in the CCIS unit. There for 4 days. Considering the experience we had with other psychiatric facilities, this was very positive. Dr. Shah was very compassionate and responsive. He returned my calls and addressed my concerns very professionally. Jbib the social worker was also very professional and helpful. Only real complaint is the food. It's like prison food, and is served cold. These kids are trying to heal their mind and bodies, why nutrition is based on saving money in a mental health facility and not on patient needs is beyond me. If needed, I would have my child admitted to this facility again. But provide most of the food of course. read more

Highly do not recommend this place for any minors for any mental issues. I have had my car diagnosed much longer than this place had done with my kid. The doctors and social workers here provide premature diagnosis and are quick to prescribe medication. Parents do your research on any drug they want to put into your child's body! I am surprised no malpractice lawsuits have occurred. Also the first question they asked was if your kid can't sleep can we give them Benadryl, like wtf? read more

If you have private insurance, they will keep you there as long as humanly possible to make all the money they can off you. If you don't have insurance, good luck getting in. If you have Medicare/Medicaid, they will keep you until the money stops. Then they will release you, even if you're still completely psychotic & unsafe to be around others. They count on you just coming back in so they can open a new claim & make money off of you. You won't receive the help you really need; they are purely profit-driven. read more

Would like to thank the team for having a hand in at the crisis center in Mountain Lakes for the superb job that they did. for helping my child through a tough time they never once hesitated to talk with me or my child. find them to be very professional and. Intentive. I would recommend this place.. the only thing I would like to see is that this place is better funded for the employees to have a more up-to-date workplace.. read more

So there are a lot of stipulations about what you can and cannot bring in... no tea, soda, hot beverage, shoelaces or strings, no chapstick, gum, hard candy. But also, dont bring in any "new" clothing items, anything thats new like socks, hair ties, brushes, deodorant. They will take your items at the door and basically put them in a till for the employees to go thru and take home for themselves. The patient you bring them for will NEVER receive them, unless they are old, smelly and used. I spent about $50 for all new stuff for my niece and MYSTERIOUSLY she never received ANYTHING and no one could locate the bag that the halfass minimum wage employee wrote her name in pen on the paper bag. I was told the items had to be "gone thru" before they were released to the patient. I thought it was for safety reasons, but apparently, it was for the employees' "personal necessity reasons". Here you have young children/teenagers that are going thru extenuating circumstances so you bring them some new comforts to help their situation and some grubby ass low wage employee "STEALS" them. Disgusting, deplorable that they would so something like that to a child going thru severe circumstances. Best advice, go to good will or salvation army to get some inexpensive items that will probably not be stolen by the employees and if they are, you wont be out much money for them, but the child will have to do without due to the employee's selfish motives read more

If what you are after is treatment, do not go here. Their main goal is financial. If you have no insurance or depend on Medicaid you are out of the door before you get in.if you can afford this place it does not mean you will get quality service or any treatment for that matter. What a waste of space! read more

My child recently stayed here for a week for a mental health crisis. It turned out to be a good idea. This is a safe, clean place with staff that care and a good psychiatrist. It gave my child a chance to defuse the crisis and to start healing. On the plus side, the psychiatrist (Dr. Shah) was thorough and does not rush to give medication. He returned my calls the same day and answered all of my questions. The staff are kind and my child found the therapy groups helpful. On the down side: my child did not like the food at all, and the stay can be boring. The social worker initially tried to focus on billing/cost and to convince us to transfer. Once you are admitted, they cannot force you to transfer. Stand firm and tell them you want your child to stay (as far as I can tell, this is the best option in Northern Jersey) and that you will deal with the billing department later. Be clear that you want the clinical staff (Doctor, nurse, social worker) to focus on clinical care. Don't panic about the money - the bill and billing department will be there once you have your child safe and settled. You can deal with them when you are more calm and focused. After that conversation, the social worker and others focused on the clinical care. They were helpful in gathering our information and helping us to think about the next steps in a general way. But, no one there was that helpful helping us decide specific options for our post-hospital next-steps. Also, the discharge nurse tried to rush the discharge and did not answer questions. Some tips: bring your child clothes, shoes, books a hairbrush, deodorant and food the next day during visiting hours. Your child has to ask for her hairbrush, but they will let her have it. You can also drop off clothes/food/books/cards to security at anytime and they will get them to your child. Research your post-hospital options on your own and come prepared to advocate for a specific option. Talk to friends and others - you will be surprised how many people you know have had similar experience. Good luck and God bless. read more