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Eastern State Hospital

1350 Bull Lee Road
Lexington, KY 40511
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Eastern State Hospital KY 40511

About Eastern State Hospital

Eastern State Hospital has over 300,000 square feet of floor space for psychiatric care. It’s based in Lexington, Kentucky. The hospital is state-owned and managed by the UK (University of Kentucky) Healthcare. This is an acute psychiatric care facility for individuals aged 18 and over with persistent, severe mental illness and co-occurring disorders, such as substance use disorders.

The hospital accepts private health insurance, military insurance (such as TRICARE), Medicaid, and Medicare. The hospital serves 50 counties in Kentucky and is close to Highlands Park.

A Long History with Specialty Features

Eastern State opened in 1824 and is the second oldest, continuously running psychiatric hospital in the U.S. The hospital has been modernized and designed for convenience and safety and offers ancillary services, such as a pharmacy, radiology, laboratory and EKG. On the second floor, the Recovery Mall boasts a gym, music room, resource library and chapel.

Comfortable Mental Health & Addiction Care

The main part of Eastern State is home to nine units with up to 28 beds each. There are laundry facilities, a tub room, an enclosed porch, and a living room with a TV. There’s a dining area, a visitation room. The hospital even has pottery classes and clients can access beauty shops and retail stores.

Similar Rehab Centers

Facility Overview

Bed icon 287
Number of Available Beds

Latest Reviews

Andy emantsal
2 months ago on Google
1
The food wasn't bad at this resort, the activities were plentiful but the crayons were a little dull, and all of the group functions needed more livelyness. The reason for the one star is definitely the staff. They insisted that I had to stay longer than I wanted to. The worst part is they charged me per day for my unplanned vacation there. I didn't even have an opportunity to try to leave, the we're very insistent. Won't recommend anyone stay here. I pray that I never have to come back.
Charlotte Pressler
2 months ago on Google
1
Review of Eastern State Hospital My experience with this facility was extremely disappointing and deeply concerning. The lack of professionalism, accountability, and basic operational standards is unacceptable for any healthcare institution. Communication is a major failure here. Calling into the hospital is an exercise in frustration, as phones are left ringing for extended periods before anyone answers—if they answer at all. During one visit, after being denied access without any clear explanation, I called the unit while sitting in the lobby. I personally observed staff at the desk allowing the phone to ring multiple times before picking it up. When the call was finally answered, it was clear that I had interrupted a staff member who appeared to be resting, and the reaction I received was one of irritation rather than professionalism. That alone speaks volumes. Visitation policies appear inconsistent and are enforced without transparency. Being refused a visit “out of the blue” with no reasoning or communication is unacceptable, especially in a setting where families rely on access for support and information. The facility itself feels severely outdated. The continued use of paper charting—with information only entered digitally after discharge—is inefficient and raises serious concerns about accuracy, accessibility, and continuity of care. In today’s healthcare environment, this is simply not acceptable. The level of care and communication from nursing staff is equally troubling. Basic questions are consistently deflected with “you’ll have to ask the doctor,” yet there are reportedly no doctors available on-site during weekends. This creates a complete breakdown in communication and leaves families without answers or support when they need it most. It gives the impression that staff are either undertrained, unsupported, or unwilling to engage. Overall, this facility appears disorganized, outdated, and lacking proper oversight. For a hospital responsible for vulnerable individuals, that is alarming. There is a clear need for: *Immediate staff training in professionalism and communication * Reliable and timely phone response practices * Transparent and consistent visitation policies * Modernized electronic charting systems * Consistent access to qualified medical decision-makers Until meaningful changes are made, I would strongly caution others about what to expect here.
Evin Reed
2 months ago on Google
5
Owe it to be nice to each other.
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5.1 / 10

Accepted Insurance

Please contact to verify your specific insurance provider.

Eastern State Hospital works with several private insurance providers, please contact to verify your specific insurance provider.

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.

Sliding scale payments are based on a client's income and family size. The goal is to make treatment affordable to everyone. By taking these factors into account, addiction recovery care providers help ensure that your treatment does not become a financial burden to you or your family, eliminating one barrier to care.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Staff

Craig Collins

Senior VP & CFO

Chris DeSimone, MD

Executive Chief Medical Officer

Rob Edwards, DPH, MBA

VP & Chief Strategy & Growth Officer

Donald H. Lloyd II

President & CEO, UK St. Claire

Gwen Moreland, DNP, RN, NEA-BC

Chief Nurse Executive

Jason Schlafer

Executive Associate Athletic Director & Chief Revenue Officer

Brett Short, CHC, CHPC, CHRC

Chief Compliance Officer

Contact Information

Building icon

1350 Bull Lee Road
Lexington, KY 40511

Explore Other Centers Near Lexington

Reviews of Eastern State Hospital

2.08/5 (79 reviews)
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Reviews

Overall Experience
Date Submitted
Reviewer

Google Reviews

2.08 (79 reviews)
Mandy Dennis
1 week ago
1

They are actively trying to cause my mother’s passing because I won in court against them. I do not want my mother in this facility they deny treatment and master charge her for a bed placeholder. They violate her hippa rights and laugh about it. Never received one phone call in the month she was there by a doc. Even requested that. Also requested a sit down meeting and to be included in the care for my plan. Can’t be a gaurdain at all with no communication at all. Can’t get her medical records either, family doc can’t even get them. You need a lawyer and a social worker before you admit here. Not a safe place for the elderly or incompetent people. Needs to be shut down permanently and safe transport needs to be offered more places so we are not forced to have to go here ever!

Andy emantsal
2 months ago
1

The food wasn't bad at this resort, the activities were plentiful but the crayons were a little dull, and all of the group functions needed more livelyness. The reason for the one star is definitely the staff. They insisted that I had to stay longer than I wanted to. The worst part is they charged me per day for my unplanned vacation there. I didn't even have an opportunity to try to leave, the we're very insistent. Won't recommend anyone stay here. I pray that I never have to come back.

Charlotte Pressler
2 months ago
1

Review of Eastern State Hospital My experience with this facility was extremely disappointing and deeply concerning. The lack of professionalism, accountability, and basic operational standards is unacceptable for any healthcare institution. Communication is a major failure here. Calling into the hospital is an exercise in frustration, as phones are left ringing for extended periods before anyone answers—if they answer at all. During one visit, after being denied access without any clear explanation, I called the unit while sitting in the lobby. I personally observed staff at the desk allowing the phone to ring multiple times before picking it up. When the call was finally answered, it was clear that I had interrupted a staff member who appeared to be resting, and the reaction I received was one of irritation rather than professionalism. That alone speaks volumes. Visitation policies appear inconsistent and are enforced without transparency. Being refused a visit “out of the blue” with no reasoning or communication is unacceptable, especially in a setting where families rely on access for support and information. The facility itself feels severely outdated. The continued use of paper charting—with information only entered digitally after discharge—is inefficient and raises serious concerns about accuracy, accessibility, and continuity of care. In today’s healthcare environment, this is simply not acceptable. The level of care and communication from nursing staff is equally troubling. Basic questions are consistently deflected with “you’ll have to ask the doctor,” yet there are reportedly no doctors available on-site during weekends. This creates a complete breakdown in communication and leaves families without answers or support when they need it most. It gives the impression that staff are either undertrained, unsupported, or unwilling to engage. Overall, this facility appears disorganized, outdated, and lacking proper oversight. For a hospital responsible for vulnerable individuals, that is alarming. There is a clear need for: *Immediate staff training in professionalism and communication * Reliable and timely phone response practices * Transparent and consistent visitation policies * Modernized electronic charting systems * Consistent access to qualified medical decision-makers Until meaningful changes are made, I would strongly caution others about what to expect here.

Evin Reed
2 months ago
5

Owe it to be nice to each other.

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