Alton Mental Health Center

About Alton Mental Health Center

The main differences between the two units are the levels of crimes the individual was associated with and the security measures and privileges allotted to patients. Residents in the minimum security unit are forensic patients that committed a nonviolent crime and have a low probability of running. They must be placed there with the approval of the courts.

Medium security also has extra precautions such as security screens, controlled access and removal of prohibited personal items. Residents have fenced recreation areas and do not have access to the grounds like minimum security offers. Medium security individuals will need the court’s approval for any changes in their privileges. These rules apply to those who were found by the courts to be not guilty by reason of insanity or unfit to stand trial.

Patient’s unit location is decided by a placement evaluation. This assessment will help decide which unit is the most appropriate for the patient’s situation, mental health, and intellectual understanding. When patients are deemed safe and the courts agree to discharge them, they are given outpatient treatment and community resources to try to make any reintegration into the community as smooth and successful as possible.

Fact checked and written by:

Connie Gillespie

Edited by:

Kerry Nenn, BSW

Facility Overview

Number of Available Beds

Latest Reviews

Josh Disher

2 months ago on Google

To those leaving "reviews" saying they are upset because they can't get any information about their loved one: 1 - This is a Forensic Mental Health Hospital, not a hotel, prison, or public rehabilitation facility. Most patients are here because a judge has sent them here, not because their family checked them in or they walked in off the street. Unless you are a Dr or a Dr's office with a pre-approved contact, or are named on the patients contact list, you aren't going to get any "medical records" or even confirmation of their presence on the grounds. That's the state law, not our policy. HIPAA laws dictate that unless you are an approved contact we can't even confirm that a patient was or wasn't there, let alone give out medical information. We could literally be charged with a crime if we did. I understand that you are concerned for your loved one and just want to know how they are doing, but that doesn't change the law. Our staff handling the phones get dozens of calls requesting information on a daily basis, most of which must be turned away in a similar fashion. That doesn't excuse rudeness, but be aware that it has nothing to do with you specifically unless you continue to call hoping for a different answer. 2 - Rating a business one star because you are a bad driver is pretty weak. Don't ride people's tail... Sounds like you got less than you deserved.

Cousins Reacts

1 year ago on Google

I called to check on my big brother the lady was so rude she hung up in my face and kept saying she can’t tell me anything n was getting loud with me while I was still calm this is the worst place ever she do not needs to be working there while people like me trying to talk to there loved ones but I will be getting a lawyer for this place..

Olivia Jones

2 years ago on Google

called for info and Barb was extremely rude

Rehab Score

Our Methodology

Scoring is assigned by a proprietary system which helps surface key metrics that determine quality. The 10-point scale factors in categories such as operations, customer satisfaction, and trust metrics. Read Full Methodology

5.3 / 10

Gallery

Accepted Insurance

Please contact to verify your specific insurance provider.

Alton Mental Health Center works with several private insurance providers, please contact to verify your specific insurance provider.

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Other Forms of Payment

Medicaid is a state based program that helps lower-income individuals and families pay for healthcare. Medicaid covers addiction treatment so those enrolled can use their coverage to pay for rehab. When a program accepts Medicaid the client often pays very little or nothing out of their own pocket.

Private insurance refers to any kind of healthcare coverage that isn't from the state or federal government. This includes individual and family plans offered by an employer or purchased from the Insurance Marketplace. Every plan will have different requirements and out of pocket costs so be sure to get the full details before you start treatment.

Self-pay involves paying for treatment out of your own pocket. You can use savings or credit, get a personal loan, or receive help from family and friends to fund your treatment. If you don't have insurance or your insurance plan doesn't cover a specific program, self-pay can help ensure you still get the care you need.

Financial aid can take many forms. Centers may have grants or scholarships available to clients who meet eligibility requirements. Programs that receive SAMHSA grants may have financial aid available for those who need treatment as well. Grants and scholarships can help you pai for treatment without having to repay.

Medicare is a federal program that provides health insurance for those 65 and older. It also serves people under 65 with chronic and disabling health challenges. To use Medicare for addiction treatment you need to find a program that accepts Medicare and is in network with your plan. Out of pocket costs and preauthorization requirements vary, so always check with your provider.

Addiction Treatments

Levels of Care

Residential treatment programs are those that offer housing and meals in addition to substance abuse treatment. Rehab facilities that offer residential treatment allow patients to focus solely on recovery, in an environment totally separate from their lives. Some rehab centers specialize in short-term residential treatment (a few days to a week or two), while others solely provide treatment on a long-term basis (several weeks to months). Some offer both, and tailor treatment to the patient's individual requirements.

Treatments

Many of those suffering from addiction also suffer from mental or emotional illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety disorders. Rehab and other substance abuse facilities treating those with a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder administer psychiatric treatment to address the person's mental health issue in addition to drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

Mental health rehabs focus on helping individuals recover from mental illnesses like bipolar disorder, clinical depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and more. Mental health professionals at these facilities are trained to understand and treat mental health issues, both in individual and group settings.

Programs

Adult rehab programs include therapies tailored to each client's specific needs, goals, and recovery progress. They are tailored to the specific challenges adult clients may face, including family and work pressures and commitments. From inpatient and residential treatment to various levels of outpatient services, there are many options available. Some facilities also help adults work through co-occurring conditions, like anxiety, that can accompany addiction.

Young adulthood can be an exciting, yet difficult, time of transition. Individuals in their late teens to mid-20s face unique stressors related to school, jobs, families, and social circles, which can lead to a rise in substance use. Rehab centers with dedicated young adult programs will include activities and amenities that cater to this age group, with an emphasis on specialized counseling, peer socialization, and ongoing aftercare.

Clinical Services

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a therapy modality that focuses on the relationship between one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is used to establish and allow for healthy responses to thoughts and feelings (instead of unhealthy responses, like using drugs or alcohol). CBT has been proven effective for recovering addicts of all kinds, and is used to strengthen a patient's own self-awareness and ability to self-regulate. CBT allows individuals to monitor their own emotional state, become more adept at communicating with others, and manage stress without needing to engage in substance abuse.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a modified form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a treatment designed to help people understand and ultimately affect the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. DBT is often used for individuals who struggle with self-harm behaviors, such as self-mutilation (cutting) and suicidal thoughts, urges, or attempts. It has been proven clinically effective for those who struggle with out-of-control emotions and mental health illnesses like Borderline Personality Disorder.

Experiential therapy is a form of therapy in which clients are encouraged to surface and work through subconscious issues by engaging in real-time experiences. Experiential therapy departs from traditional talk therapy by involving the body, and having clients engage in activities, movements, and physical and emotional expression. This can involve role-play or using props (which can include other people). Experiential therapy can help people process trauma, memories, and emotion quickly, deeply, and in a lasting fashion, leading to substantial and impactful healing.

Group therapy is any therapeutic work that happens in a group (not one-on-one). There are a number of different group therapy modalities, including support groups, experiential therapy, psycho-education, and more. Group therapy involves treatment as well as processing interaction between group members.

In individual therapy, a patient meets one-on-one with a trained psychologist or counselor. Therapy is a pivotal part of effective substance abuse treatment, as it often covers root causes of addiction, including challenges faced by the patient in their social, family, and work/school life.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is a way of getting nicotine into the bloodstream without smoking. It uses products that supply low doses of nicotine to help people stop smoking. The goal of therapy is to cut down on cravings for nicotine and ease the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

Nutrition therapy, aka medical nutrition therapy (MNT), is a way of treating physical, emotional, and medical conditions through diet. Specific dietary plans are designed by professional nutritionists or registered dietitians, and patients follow them in order to positively affect their physical and mental health.