The staff was rude to me and treated me with a racist attitude. While I was there I felt like I was getting worse because I didn't get the treatment I needed, they just kept me high on psychotropic meds.
About Aurora Psychiatric Hospital
Aurora Psychiatric Hospital is a medical facility in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. They provide inpatient psychiatric care and substance abuse treatment, an intensive outpatient program for mental health, and a partial hospitalization program for mental health and substance abuse. These programs treat adults, children, and adolescents.
Programs operate under the disease model of addiction with the inpatient experience offering a structured and comfortable environment. Medical detox and prescription medications help patients safely remove substances from their bodies, eliminate drug cravings, and sustain recovery. Group and individual therapy focuses on navigating new coping skills, reducing psychological dependence, enhancing recovery support, and repairing relationships.
A unique opioid addiction program offers an individualized approach beginning with a partial hospitalization program that lasts three to 10 days. Following this time period, participants move to the IOP which meets three hours per day for three days per week. IOP sessions are available in the mornings and evenings. Check-ins with a psychiatrist and individual therapy sessions are also included.
Latest Reviews
I liked most of the staff and program. Group was good. But one of the nurses in the PHP program treated me with such a low level of respect, I almost quit the program on the spot. Never have I been dismissed for my diagnosed disability to this extent. I have never felt so dehumanized.
The facility was very dirty; I didn t even feel comfortable enough to take a shower because it was obvious that it wasn t cleaned before I got there (hair, etc). They took several hours to get help when asked, even after several times of asking. Some of the staff members were openly making fun of several patients in front of me and other patients; which was incredibly rude and disrespectful. They didn t have the correct information in handling people with disabilities. The staff were mostly queer friendly, but didn t acknowledge when another patient would harass a queer patient. This led to several queer patients (myself included) having meltdowns/shutdowns and/or panic/anxiety attacks. The groups were not very structured and there was a lot of interruptions between patients that staff didn t try to limit. I will not go back, I felt very uncomfortable the whole time I was there
My daughter went through this program.PHP a few times. Nurse Yvonka and Dr. Ballinger are a terrible combination of resources for our children. They do not listen to the parents or the governing outside physician. Their communication is disturbing and demeaning to a parent who wants change for their child. Dr. Ballinger should not be providing care to the mentally challenged especially if the parent isn't educated on many levels of mental health. The PHP group is a complete money making unbeneficial waste of time. Transportation for the child is not set up with sufficient use of time. When your child is in this program they spend most of the day ringing your phone bothering you more than the child's behavior. Terrible resource
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Other Forms of Payment
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.
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.
Military members, veterans, and eligible dependents have access to specific insurance programs that help them get the care they need. TRICARE and VA insurance can help you access low cost or no cost addiction and mental health treatment. Programs that accept military insurance often have targeted treatment focused on the unique challenges military members, veterans, and their families face.
Addiction Treatments
Levels of Care
Outpatient Outpatient Programs (OP) are for those seeking mental rehab or drug rehab, but who also stay at home every night. The main difference between outpatient treatment (OP) and intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) lies in the amount of hours the patient spends at the facility. Most of the time an outpatient program is designed for someone who has completed an inpatient stay and is looking to continue their growth in recovery. Outpatient is not meant to be the starting point, it is commonly referred to as aftercare.
Inpatient 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.
Intensive Outpatient Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) are for those who want or need a very structured treatment program but who also wish to live at home and continue with certain responsibilities (such as work or school). IOP substance abuse treatment programs vary in duration and intensity, and certain outpatient rehab centers will offer individualized treatment programs.
Aftercare Support Their case managers will work with the patient and his/her therapist to develop the best care plan for the patient to continue treatment after leaving their eating disorder program. Their goal is to create a smooth and supportive transition back into daily life.
Medically Assisted Detox Drug and alcohol addiction often takes a heavy toll on one's body. Over time, a physical dependence can develop, meaning the body physiologically needs the substance to function. Detox is the process of removing drugs and/or alcohol from the body, a process that can be lethal if mismanaged. Medical detox is done by licensed medical professionals who monitor vital signs and keep you safe, healthy, and as comfortable as possible as you go through detox and withdrawal.
24-Hour Clinical Care At certain points in the recovery process, it's important to have support available 24/7. 24-hour clinical care offers a safe environment in which to recover from drug or alcohol addiction in peace, knowing medical detox and other treatment will happen with professionals on hand.
Treatments
The goal of treatment for alcoholism is abstinence. Those with poor social support, poor motivation, or psychiatric disorders tend to relapse within a few years of treatment. For these people, success is measured by longer periods of abstinence, reduced use of alcohol, better health, and improved social functioning. Recovery and Maintenance are usually based on 12 step programs and AA meetings.
The goal of drug rehab in Wisconsin is to address drug addiction as a complex issue that involves physical, mental, and relational aspects. During rehab, treatment focuses on each of these areas and gives you the tools you need to achieve and maintain sobriety.
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.
A combined mental health and substance abuse rehab has the staff and resources available to handle individuals with both mental health and substance abuse issues. It can be challenging to determine where a specific symptom stems from (a mental health issue or an issue related to substance abuse), so mental health and substance abuse professionals are helpful in detangling symptoms and keeping treatment on track.
Opioid rehabs specialize in supporting those recovering from opioid addiction. They treat those suffering from addiction to illegal opioids like heroin, as well as prescription drugs like oxycodone. These centers typically combine both physical as well as mental and emotional support to help stop addiction. Physical support often includes medical detox and subsequent medical support (including medication), and mental support includes in-depth therapy to address the underlying causes of addiction.
Programs
Adult Program
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.
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). Patient will develop skills to help his/her overcome addiction, rebuild a social support network, and effectively cope with life’s challenges.
Whether a marriage or other committed relationship, an intimate partnership is one of the most important aspects of a person's life. Drug and alcohol addiction affects both members of a couple in deep and meaningful ways, as does rehab and recovery. Couples therapy and other couples-focused treatment programs are significant parts of exploring triggers of addiction, as well as learning how to build healthy patterns to support ongoing sobriety.
An eating disorder is a serious illness that can be life threatening if not treated properly. At Aurora, they offer unique eating disorder counseling and treatment programs to help those struggling with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and other co-occurring diagnoses. Their experienced multidisciplinary team of doctors, therapists and dietitians work together to help individuals with eating disorders find a healthier way of thinking and living. They have created specific meal plans for individuals who choose a vegetarian or kosher lifestyle. Their dietitians will also work with the patient to explore the cultural and personal reasons for these choices.
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.
Research clearly demonstrates that recovery is far more successful and sustainable when loved ones like family members participate in rehab and substance abuse treatment. Genetic factors may be at play when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, as well as mental health issues. Family dynamics often play a critical role in addiction triggers, and if properly educated, family members can be a strong source of support when it comes to rehabilitation.
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.
Life skills trainings involve all the skills a person must have in order to function successfully in the world. These include time management, career guidance, money management, and effective communication. Truly successful addiction recovery is based on the ability to not only live substance-free, but to thrive. Life skills teaches the practical necessities of functioning in society, which sets clients up for success in life, and therefore sobriety.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a clinical approach to helping people with substance abuse issues and other conditions shift behavior in positive ways. It is more goal-oriented than traditional psychotherapy, as MI counselors directly attempt to get clients to consider making behavioral change (rather than wait for them to come to conclusions themselves). Its primary purpose is to resolve ambivalence and help clients become able to make healthy choices freely. Their team of specialists helps clients identify their goals, values, and strengths – and help build their motivation to achieve recovery.
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.
Amenities
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Private Setting -
Yoga Studio
Staff & Accreditations
Staff
Eugene A. Woods
CEO
Bobbie Byrne, MD, MBA; EVP
CIO
Brad Clark, EVP
CFO
Ken D. Haynes, MSHA, MBA, FACHE
President
Carol A. Lovin, MHSA, MN; EVP
Chief of Staff & Chief Integration Officer
Accreditations
The Joint Commission, formerly known as JCAHO, is a nonprofit organization that accredits rehab organizations and programs. Founded in 1951, the Joint Commision's mission is to improve the quality of patient care and demonstrating the quality of patient care.
Joint Commission Accreditation: Yes
Contact Information
(414) 454-6600 
1220 Dewey Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53213
Get Help Now - 414-295-9478
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Fact checked and written by:
Courtney Myers, MS
Edited by:
Anna Spooner
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