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Avera Behavioral Health Hospital

4400 West 69th Street Sioux Falls, SD 57108
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Avera Behavioral Health Center SD 57108

About Avera Behavioral Health Hospital

I always repeat the mantra that there’s no one approach to rehabilitation that works for everyone. Unfortunately, some people don’t respond well to an initial treatment method and will write off recovery as a whole, thinking it simply won’t work for them. So when a facility offers a diverse range of treatment methods, it can better help people find what works for them sooner.

That’s the key reason why I like Avera Behavioral Hospital. In addition to the comfortable atmosphere, they have adopted numerous treatment approaches to serve as many clients as possible. These include traditional therapy and counseling, electro convulsive therapy, and expressive arts, among others. Staff pride themselves on expanding their available techniques and adopting new methods to treat each unique client.

Latest Reviews

Elizabeth
3 weeks ago on Google
1
The most unprofessional mental health hospital to exist. Constant lies, miscommunication and lack of professionalism. Because of them, my dad is dead. They did not listen to family and made it impossible to know what was going on. They shipped my suicidal dad off on a bus and he ended up dead two days later because of their negligence. Horrible, horrible, horrible people.
Sean Tika
3 weeks ago on Google
1
Dealing with a family tragedy with a child being admitted. Came up to nursing staff to find out what was going on with my son and immediately was treated rudely and mishandled by a heavyset RN. She made false claims and when I demanded that they pull audio and videotape from the RN desk, they claimed that the cameras do not record audio. We’re talking about a behavioral health unit where everything should be monitored and they don’t record audio?? These false claims could be potentially damaging and my lawyer will make sure to hit them with defamation charges if this does progress to be damaging. They would rather side with their lying employee then admit that their employee was wrong. Chad, the security guard even admitted that this RN in question is known to be rude and was having a bad day. As a person who works in the medical field, no matter what kind of day you’re having you cannot show those emotions to patients and patients families. Do better.
Sun River
3 weeks ago on Google
1
Saw more than i wanted here. Would not like to fancy a visit.
Response from the owner1 week ago
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Our goal is to ensure that we're always upholding the utmost degree of professionalism and diligence. Please reach out to us via www.Avera.org/ReviewHelp at your earliest convenience, so that we can discuss this with you directly. Thank you.
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Rehab Score

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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 MethodologyCaret icon
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7 / 10

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.

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.

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.

Addiction Treatments

Levels of Care

outpatient iconOutpatient

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 iconInpatient

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 iconIntensive Outpatient

Intensive Outpatient programs 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. An ASAM 2.1 Level of Care/Primary Treatment process that involves group therapy sessions and individual and/or couples counseling.

partial-hospitalization iconPartial Hospitalization Program

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a short-term form of intensive rehab, usually for those with acute symptoms that are hard to manage but don’t require 24-hour care. PHPs have structured programming (i.e. individual and/or group therapy), and usually meet 3-5 days a week for around 6 hours (i.e. 9am-3m). Some PHPs are residential (patients sleep on site) and some are not, so patients sleep at home. PHPs can last from 1-6 months, and some offer transportation and meals.

24-hour icon24-Hour Clinical Care

To manage withdrawal symptoms from alcohol and drugs, it is important to seek 24-hour clinical care in South Dakota. Medical personnel can monitor your symptoms and provide appropriate support with clinical treatment, medications, and emotional support. This is much safer and more comfortable than at-home detox, where medical staff are not on-site to quickly respond if withdrawal symptoms become severe or life-threatening.

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.

Support provided by drug rehab in South Dakota includes social, physical, and emotional aspects. Program participants learn how to meet needs in each of these areas without turning to drugs. The goals of the program are freedom from drug dependency and long-term recovery.

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.

In South Dakota, individuals seeking substance abuse treatment can typically find a range of inpatient and outpatient drug and alcohol rehabs. These programs incorporate individual and group therapy, skills training, with evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-focused interventions. By focusing on improving coping skills and addressing any mental health concerns, formal addiction treatment promotes long-term sobriety outcomes, improved relationships, and better quality of life.

Programs

adult-program thumbnail image

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.
young-adult-program thumbnail image

Young Adult Program

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.
teen-program thumbnail image

Teen Program

Teen programs are designed to address the unique pressures teens face, pressures that can drive them to experiment with dangerous, addictive substances. They need programs that meet them exactly where they are and give them tools for long-term recovery. Therapy can help teenagers understand and work through underlying issues so they can reclaim the life ahead of them.

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.

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.

Trauma therapy addresses traumatic incidents from a client's past that are likely affecting their present-day experience. Trauma is often one of the primary triggers and potential causes of addiction, and can stem from child sexual abuse, domestic violence, having a parent with a mental illness, losing one or both parents at a young age, teenage or adult sexual assault, or any number of other factors. The purpose of trauma therapy is to allow a patient to process trauma and move through and past it, with the help of trained and compassionate mental health professionals.

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.

Recreational therapy (aka therapeutic recreation) uses creative and fun activities to help with addiction recovery. Recreational therapists lead patients in entertaining and engaging activities like sports or games; art (drawing, painting, sculpture); drama, music, and dance; and/or community outings (field trips) to improve patients' physical, social, and emotional well-being.

Creativity is inherently healing, and can help those in recovery express thoughts or feelings they might not otherwise be able to. Creative arts therapy uses creative arts such as storytelling, dance, music, drama, poetry, movement and more to foster personal growth, development and healing . The music therapy provides healing and expression through creating, singing and moving to and/or listening to music.

Motivational interviewing involves an exchange of information between the client and therapist. Communication is a two way street that allows the client to explore the possibility of making changes and lets the therapist provide empathy and support. The therapist also guides the conversation to instill language that encourages change.

Amenities

  • home-setting iconResidential Setting
  • private iconPrivate Setting
  • private-room iconPrivate Rooms
  • weight iconGym

Staff & Accreditations

Staff

Jim Dover, FACHE

President and CEO

Dave Belde, PhD

Chief Mission Officer

Dzenan Berberovic

Chief Philanthropy Officer

Dan Bjerknes

Regional President and CEO

Sandy Dieleman

President and CEO

Accreditations

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1992 by congress, SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on American's communities.

SAMHSA Listed: Yes

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
Accreditation Number: 8470

Contact Information

Building icon

4400 West 69th Street
Sioux Falls SD, 57108

Fact checked and written by:
Terri Beth Miller, PhD
Edited by:
Kerry Nenn, BSW

Rehab in Cities Near Sioux Falls

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Reviews of Avera Behavioral Health Hospital

2.48/5 (161 reviews)
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Reviews

4.5

I was treated for depression, PTSD, and alcoholism while I was at Avera Behavioral health. The staff were excellent for how understaffed they were. They tried to give patients equal attention as best they could however, there were some more acute patients that needed more at ... Read More

Reviewed on 12/28/2019
1

If you’re not suicidal before you visit him, you sure will be afterwards. This man Is the most judgemental doctor in behavioral/health I’ve ever seen. I’m a depressed male diagnosed with chronic pain and depression. The guy implied that I was there “drug seeking”. ... Read More

Reviewed on 6/17/2019
1

This is without a doubt the worst place to be admitted, if you truly love your loved ones do not bring them to this place, they will only suffer. I would never recommend this service to anyone, especially if you have serious health problems. Stay away.

Reviewed on 3/15/2019
Overall Experience
Date Submitted
Reviewer

Google Reviews

2.5 (157 reviews)
Elizabeth
3 weeks ago
1

The most unprofessional mental health hospital to exist. Constant lies, miscommunication and lack of professionalism. Because of them, my dad is dead. They did not listen to family and made it impossible to know what was going on. They shipped my suicidal dad off on a bus and he ended up dead two days later because of their negligence. Horrible, horrible, horrible people.

Sean Tika
3 weeks ago
1

Dealing with a family tragedy with a child being admitted. Came up to nursing staff to find out what was going on with my son and immediately was treated rudely and mishandled by a heavyset RN. She made false claims and when I demanded that they pull audio and videotape from the RN desk, they claimed that the cameras do not record audio. We’re talking about a behavioral health unit where everything should be monitored and they don’t record audio?? These false claims could be potentially damaging and my lawyer will make sure to hit them with defamation charges if this does progress to be damaging. They would rather side with their lying employee then admit that their employee was wrong. Chad, the security guard even admitted that this RN in question is known to be rude and was having a bad day. As a person who works in the medical field, no matter what kind of day you’re having you cannot show those emotions to patients and patients families. Do better.

Sun River
3 weeks ago
1

Saw more than i wanted here. Would not like to fancy a visit.

Response from the owner
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Our goal is to ensure that we're always upholding the utmost degree of professionalism and diligence. Please reach out to us via www.Avera.org/ReviewHelp at your earliest convenience, so that we can discuss this with you directly. Thank you.
Aeri Knight
4 weeks ago
1

The medical staff in the entrance drugged me while I was having a mental breakdown. Instead of compassion and support, they drugged me. Then I was completely out of it the next day, the day after that... the nurses joked "youre still alive!! You were so out of it yesterday." That was the most traumatic hospitalization I have ever had.

Tim Heffele
1 month ago
1

They don't care to help all They are is a band aid if that and to get help from the state hospital in Yankton south Dakota that's another act of congress no mental health facilities in South Dakota is willing to help you out it's obvious in south Dakota they don't Care as they prea

Response from the owner
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Our goal is to deliver a positive experience. Please reach out to us via www.Avera.org/ReviewHelp at your earliest convenience, so that we can follow up with you directly. Thank you.
Kylie Archer
1 month ago
1

I said that I was coming down from alcohol withdrawals, they promised they would help with it. Instead, they stuck me in a room and ignored me. Back to square one, I guess

Response from the owner
Thank you for providing a detailed description of your experience. We appreciate your feedback, and will review it internally. Please reach out to us via our form if you would like us to reach out to you directly. www.Avera.org/ReviewHelp
Shelby Ellefson
1 month ago
3

Foods not horrible The ER nurses are fine, but the day time ones need to have a training on compassion and mental health dx along with their antecedents, active symptoms and how to properly work with a patient experiencing active symptoms. Additional trainings needed - main dx: bipolar I, bipolar II & schizophrenia - mainly how to properly and positively act when a new or current patient is having a manic episode or is experiencing episodes of mania and anything affiliated with schizophrenia. I'm not as knowledgeable in that department, but it's a serious mental health disorder. Absolutely no helmets should be allowed or forced on a patient unless they're banging the crap out of their head on the walls. Other than that, absolutely no helmets should be used or put on a patient, especially by law enforcement as they constrict air way due to the tightness of the straps as well as cause more damage for someone in an active manic episode or experiencing an active mania episode plus it's humiliating, so just don't do that. All unit patients need to be invited to activities, especially to go outside, not just the jail birds or people that go there for "fun". People do that and you know who they are, if you work here. Honestly, if Avera BH (adults) improved some of these things, I'd give it a 5. The fact that Avera BH is the only adult BH (for now) in Minnehaha county has so much potential to be the BEST not just in Sioux Falls, but in the state of South Dakota. Avera BH has a lot of potential, but they need better trainings on mental health dx, compassion and how to treat patients who are there because they need real mental health help from mental health professionals, not just avoiding being at jail or being in their own crappy home.. PS- if a patient has a family member bring them things like a blanket, toiletries, music, a stuffed animal etc. Do not withhold these things from the patient until the day they discharge and make them have a worse taste in their mouth than they already do on their way out. I believe in you, Avera BH. I hope this place can improve not for me, but for the Minnehaha county community and the state of South Dakota. PS - UNIT C - Respectfully shut down, please or fire 97% of the staff, besides maybe one nurse can stay but 2/2 visits and being stuck on Unit C have lead to this pretty awful hit true as true review. I heard unit B is great because of an amazing nurse named Sianna (sp ?). I wish I would've been on her unit.. Unit B West is good. The lady who does the Art therapy is so great. Don't know her name, but she's exceptional. Sincerely, Shelby

Lisa Peterson
1 month ago
5

Excellent place for healing and restoration. The Avera Team are just that, they work together very well for the care of every individual. You are guided to recovery day by day You can trust in them.

Response from the owner
Thank you for the feedback, Lisa! You can always count on us for quality and professional care. All the best!
Jonathan James Herzig
1 month ago
5

Kinsely was the greatest person over there I have ever talked to in 120 hours of hell. She’s by far the best therapist. I think she needs a pay raise. I really wish this place continues to help people recover and see a strong bright future. I thoroughly have mad respect for Gracie and Tessa the nurse. They are great people. They are very compassionate people.

Jennifer Shanahan
1 month ago
1

My daughter was transferred from Aberdeen to this hospital in Sioux Falls. While there (2 days) the staff behavior to us was pitiful. They would not even leave a message for my daughter that we had called. 2 days after transfer they released her to the streets. She has never been to Sioux Falls. She began texting weird messages which is how we knew she was out. After several calls, and a call with a very compassionate Sioux Falls officer, she was found barefoot and without anything else, including her phone. My daughter and I drove from Cheyenne to pick ger up from a homeless shelter and drove back to Cheyenne - 20 hours round trip. When I finally got her back to Colorado she had spiraled even more and was admitted to a psych ward here in Colorado, after an evaluator determined she was completely psychotic. Shame on this hospital for putting my daughter in harms way! I’m thankful for the Sioux Falls PD. Not so thankful for your abhorrent mental health care facility! Family matters and you should 1) take calls from the family who knows her baseline and 2) not release people who clearly should be admitted!

Dolly Dammer
2 months ago
1

The biggest joke of a place. If your payor source isnt good, then they send you home and do nothing.

Response from the owner
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We take your feedback seriously and will look into this further. If this is an emergency, please dial 9-1-1 or contact a location nearest you at Avera.org/Locations/.
Person
2 months ago
3

I recently had an emergency requiring I cancel my appointment. Imagine my suprise when I received a rude letter stating I would be dismissed if I canceled 3 times without 24-hour notice. I am expected to plan my emergencies. This is highly umprofessional. Coming from a different state and healthcare system, I am shocked by the groups behavior. In addition to inappropriate letters, the office never requested my medical records, lied when I asked, stated it was not necessary, and most unbelievable of all, failed to document their records for an urgent evaluation resulting in my doctor not knowing I had visted. It also does not help that the online payment portal is separate from the patient portal. Maybe the company should stop spending money on waterfalls and get their priorities in place. If the other groups weren't as bad I would leave.

Response from the owner
Thank you for swiftly bringing this to our attention. Our goal is to deliver a positive experience. Please reach out to us via www.Avera.org/ReviewHelp at your earliest convenience, so that we can follow up with you directly. Thank you.
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