This institution harms children more than they help them. The staff is completely horrible, they treat children like criminals. I don't know how they are permitted to operate in this day and age.
About Hill Crest Behavioral Health Services
Hill Crest Behavioral Health Services is a standalone hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. They specialize in mental health care and addiction treatment for adolescents and adults. You can be enrolled in their inpatient or outpatient programs. Teens can also attend their Higdon Hill school so they don’t fall behind their classmates while they’re in treatment.
Their inpatient programs are designed for those who need a high level of supervision and support. This includes folks who are in early recovery or at risk from a relapse. These treatments can include individual, group and family counseling and classes to learn new life skills. You’ll find better ways to vent your stress and anger without resorting to drugs.
The adolescent program is for 12-18 year olds. You’ll stay for 8-12 months and engage in an array of therapy, coping strategies, and family meetings. Special programs include art, music, and creative therapy so you’ll be able to express yourself in your own way. Your parents will get tips on how they can resolve conflict and help you reach your goals. Support groups are also available.
You might also attend school. Their Higdon Hill campus is accredited and is for teens ages 12-19. It has state testing programs, a full curriculum, and meets all state requirements for courses and teachers. After school, you’ll hang out in the Group Home, which has structured support for kids who need extra care. There will be group meetings, counseling, and therapy to help you at home, in school, and with your peers.
Latest Reviews
Hi if you re looking to send your child here, don t. Horrible service and environment, im shaking writing this so excuse my mistakes in grammar. It felt like prison like hell they staff were horrible rude and aggressive playing offense videos to the patients that triggered alot of the patients, causing them to cry and have panic attacks which the staff too k as a threat and aggressively restrained them while they where cry and having panic attacks and ofcourse the patients were scared so they tried getting free and some had ptsd. Which triggered their flight or fight response, the staff then saw necessary to sedate them. The patients never once laid a hand on them, if the patients ever did it was mostly slapping the staffs hands away protecting the other patients who were terrified of the staff and made it clear to them without any violence but the staff would yell, curse, and look as if they were going to attach the patients. Keep in mind this was in the adolescent section. Most of these patients ranged from 10-17, one patient I saw looked to be 8 and was scared. The staff then proceeded to sedate her, I was in that same room as her. The staff punished us for crying, talking back, and for having panic attacks telling us we were exaggerating and faking it. One even proceeded to misdiagnosed one of them without any proof or evidence and went around telling everyone that he had severe bpd and was extremely aggressive there was no psychological evaluation confirmed it The staff simply went along with that assumption and stayed without a function. They almost got medication for that. I was there, but we three weeks, but it was not enough for me to be scared of my life. Be scared to make one single mistake when I got home I was discharged from the hospital and they call it. I was terrified to go back to school I had a panic attack because of all the things I was able to do and I was scared that you would yell at me if I something wrong or I did something when I picked up a pencil I was terrified. Did you give me one look and I got scared I had I was trying give me Confused they were telling me that I was saying that I didn t do anything wrong I was scared to even walk around by myself in fear of being yelled at or threatened of being sedated or hit. At SCHOOL. If that says anything I was then taken home were I stayed for 2 weeks at home emotionally and physically unable to go to school having frequent panic attacks and severe ptsd episodes but none were violent. I was terrified to go outside as we were basically taught in there that society would never accept us and bad things would happen if we ever did. I went in for suspected depression and thoughts of Suicide ideation. I came out of that hospital with them saying I was fine just had depression. I went to therapy were they did another evaluation to make sure and I had Severe ptsd, major to severe depression, psychosis, severe anxiety. It s been a year now since I was there and I am now getting proper treatment. I ve had 5 therapist is the past 7 months now but I ve settled down and we are getting a new evaluation soon because they still haven t fully figured out what s going on. But I am now able to go to school happily and being able to go outside without any fear but I am now having to get a service dog because of everything. That was my experience.
Response from the owner1 month ago
Hi, Mariana. We understand that your time is valuable and appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback with us. If you would like to discuss your concerns further with a representative, please provide us with your contact information by visiting http://www.hillcrestbhs.com/contact-us/. Thank you for reaching out.
For anyone looking to send their kid here, don t. I went here when I was 15, and I witnessed something that traumatized me very much. One night, the staff got into an argument with my roommate over the door to our bedroom. He wanted to close it, but wanted him to leave it open. All of a sudden, out of nowhere, they restrained him to the bed with excessive force like I ve never seen. Then this one staff member gets on top and punches him in the face several times. My heart sank when this happened. The worst part is that they tried to say that he hit first, but that s not true. I witnessed the whole thing, and he didn t lay a hand on the staff member. Other than that, the environment felt like a prison. Heck, even the food was on par with prison food. All around awful place that should ve been shut down years ago.
Response from the owner1 month ago
Hi, Alex. Thank you for sharing your concerns with us. We'd appreciate the opportunity to discuss them with you in more detail directly. Should you wish to speak with a representative in more detail, please provide us with your contact information by visiting http://www.hillcrestbhs.com/contact-us/. Thank you again.
Had my husband sent here. He stayed a little over 2 weeks. They did absolutely NOTHING for him. When his therapist was talking about releasing him I told her that he was still talking the same stuff that got him put in there and he shouldn't be released yet. Her response was ok. They released him the next day. This place was a waste of time and the states money. They never reached out to any family member to ask what he was doing or anything. This place is a JOKE
Response from the owner2 months ago
Hi, Stephanie. Thank you for taking the time to reach out to us with your concerns. We take your comments very seriously and would like to learn more about your husband s concerns. Due to federal patient privacy laws, we can only discuss care with a patient or guardian; however, we encourage your husband to reach out to us directly by visiting http://www.hillcrestbhs.com/contact-us/. Again, thank you. 
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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.
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 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.
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 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
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.
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.
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.
Recreational therapy in Alabama integrates sports, art, and outdoor adventures into drug and alcohol addiction treatment. This promotes physical, mental, and emotional health alongside improving social skills, offering a holistic approach to sobriety. Recreational therapy can help you rebuild your life within a supportive and engaging environment.
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.
Staff & Accreditations
Staff
Ballard Sheppard
CEO
Sharon Broady
Director of Admissions
Kimberly Merriweather
Director of Health Information Management
Sharon Pearson
Director of Education
Kim Davis Morrow
Business Office Director
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
(205) 833-9000 
6869 5th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35212
Get Help Now - 334-316-9774
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Fact checked and written by:
Peter Lee, PhD
Edited by:
Kerry Nenn, BSW
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