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Mercy Hospital was supposed to be the place where I was going to be able to recover, the place responsible of me getting my life back but after a month of treatment I realized it wasn't what I was expecting, they are incompetent and don't treat patients as they deserve.
About Mercy Behavioral Health – St. Louis
Located in St. Louis, Missouri is the Mercy Behavioral Health – St. Louis campus. This is a hospital facility that provides specialized medical and mental healthcare services to children, adults, and families. Services are offered in both an outpatient and an inpatient setting.
This facility offers you access to evidence based therapies that will help you overcome struggles with drug, alcohol, or substance use along with coexisting mental health struggles.
They accept policies from most major insurance providers including Medicaid and Medicare.
Smoking Cessation Program
The St. Louis Hospital offers a smoking cessation program that is thoughtfully designed and targeted. This program offers one on one sessions that are affordable and you’ll get to work with a Mayo Clinic Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist (CTTS) registered nurse.
You’ll work closely with this treatment specialist, working through different strategies, skills, and behavior changes that will help you find success in your recovery. This smoking cessation program is not covered under insurance, however it’s incredibly low cost with assessments starting as low as $10.
Addiction and Substance Use Programming
The St. Louis Mercy Behavioral Health Hospital also offers comprehensive substance abuse recovery programming. As a traditional hospital facility, you can expect to receive the latest evidence based therapies that will address your addiction struggles. Their behavioral health department which oversees this program can also support co-occurring mental health struggles you’re experiencing as well.
If you’re working through the inpatient treatment program, you’ll have a private, comfortably furnished room where you’ll receive treatment.
Your treatment can last anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks. Afterward, you’ll get referred to different programs within the community that will continue to support you.
Fact checked and written by:
Nadia El-Yaouti, M. Ed.
Edited by:
Courtney Myers, MS
Latest Reviews
I have quite a bit of experience in behavioral health - both as an employee and as a patient. Despite the cons listed below, this is a 4+ star facility for the treatment they provide, compared to my experience with other programs. I'm giving it 5 stars here because the review doesn't allow half stars, so I'm rounding up.
First the pros:
* The intake dept at the hospital for BH is on a walk in basis which makes it easy to get care exactly when needed.
* The psychiatrist Dr. Qaisrani spent nearly 45 min assessing my concerns on my first day inpatient, then spent considerable time each day helping create a collaborative treatment plan with me and my spouse.
* Many of the nurses and other staff really cared about patients.
* Therapy groups are mostly helpful with good information.
* Social workers are diligent about following up with family for discharge planning.
* The inpatient unit has daily visiting hours from 4-5pm.
* Patients can choose their meals from several options for lunch and dinner. Breakfast is usually eggs, bacon, sausage and some kind of carb - toast, biscuit, oatmeal, and French Toast.
* There were many snack options available and 3 set snack times in addition to the 3 meals.
* Good selection of puzzles, games, word searches, coloring sheets, playing cards, etc.
* LGBTQ friendly and pro trans supportive to me. I was also allowed to continue my HRT during my stay. Staff seemed genuinely to try to get pronouns right, not 100%, but very apologetic when they slipped up. Several other patients had different preferred names and staff were 100% in using the preferred names.
* The TV is available 630am-1030pm (off during groups), a good variety of cable channels available.
* Phones are available for patient use 8am-10am (off during groups).
* Christian religion focused with many Christian religious materials available (a plus if you like that sort of thing, also included as a con below for those that don't).
Next the cons:
* Outside of breakfast, the food is consistently terrible (mostly overcooked).
* The staff sometimes gossip about patients and other staff within earshot of the patients.
* No regularly scheduled outdoor time and no real physical activity possible (no gym, no stretching or yoga classes, no outdoor space except a courtyard that was only accessed 1x for 45 min during my 8 day stay).
* Therapy groups are only scheduled 1-2x each day on the weekend (6x on weekdays). This is typical of most facilities but still a con in my opinion.
* Rules are applied inconsistently at times and seem dependent on staff member / their own set of rules (use of dental floss/floss sticks, tampons, holes in jeans, zippers on clothing, jewelry, piercings allowed, soft cover/hard cover books, etc.)
* Building is quite outdated and in need of deep cleaning and remodel (rust in shower and toilet, chairs with significant wear, table is wobbly, carpet is stained and very dirty).
* Therapy groups rarely start or finish on time.
* The daily therapy schedule isn't provided to patients until right before the first group and only shows the therapist name, not the type of group (processing, art, music, pets, etc.)
* Christian religious materials are EVERYWHERE - posted on the wall, handouts, nurse uniforms, etc. (again, listed as a con here, but a pro above also, depending on preference).
I reported to the emergency room 11/01/2025 for lower back and tailbone pain, neck pain, shoulder pain and sciatica pain. I was met with a questionnaire regarding mental health. I’m currently going through and eviction and many other financial stressors, so of course I’m stressed and answered the questions honestly. I also let the staff know that I’m already being treated by another Mercy doctor regarding my mental health and that I’m also looking forward to my therapy sessions that begin on Wednesday. The medical staff completely ignored my physical pain symptoms and hyper focused on my situational mental health issues instead. I feel neglected, gaslit and I feel as though this was medically unnecessary. I will be reporting them to CMS, Missouri attorney general and all other related agencies.
Response from the owner1 week ago
Hello Onnie, thank you for sharing your feedback. It's very important to us! We’d like to get you in touch with a member of our team. Could you please email socialmedia@mercy.net with any additional info? - Mercy Social Media Team
It's just a horrible place they say oh talk to the people that sent you here in the first place when we really don't wanna be around you at all give you horrible medication rude staff people acting like 2 year old girls in there I'd fire all of them
Rehab Score
Our Methodology
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5.9 / 10
Gallery
Accepted Insurance
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.
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.
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.
Addiction Treatments
Levels of Care
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.
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.
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.
Their intermediate-level care program is designed to alleviate symptoms of mental illness, promote recovery and restore each individual's ability to function. The program can serve as an alternative to inpatient care for some patients, or as a stepdown for individuals coming from an inpatient psychiatric hospitalization. Patients receive intensive therapy each week during the day, Monday-Friday.
12-step programs are addiction recovery models based on Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). A number of substance abuse programs (including some drug and alcohol rehab centers) use the 12 steps as a basis for treatment. Beginning steps involve admitting powerlessness over the addiction and creating a spiritual basis for recovery. Middle steps including making direct amends to those who've been hurt by the addiction, and the final step is to assist others in addiction recovery in the same way. 12-Step offshoots including Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA), Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA), Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA) and Gamblers Anonymous (GA).
Completing a drug or alcohol rehab program shouldn't spell the end of substance abuse treatment. Aftercare involves making a sustainable plan for recovery, including ongoing support. This can include sober living arrangements like halfway houses, career counseling, and setting a patient up with community programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
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.
Drug rehab in Missouri usually involves several phases: detox, rehab, and aftercare. The rehab phase may include a combination of inpatient and outpatient treatments, as the individual moves through a continuum of care on their recovery journey.
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 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.
Eating disorders include anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and dysfunctional eating patterns. Many psychologists and other mental health professionals consider eating disorders to be food addictions, meaning food is being used in an addictive way (similar to drug or alcohol addiction). Certain substance abuse treatment programs will have treatment for eating disorders as one of the services offered. An eating disorder may also present as a co-occuring disorder or dual diagnosis alongside drug and alcohol addiction.
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.
To improve quality of life or treat a disorder, patients may need to make changes to their diet. As needed, your doctor may recommend that you see a Mercy dietitian for medical nutrition therapy (MNT). An expertly trained dietitian will assess your nutritional status and make recommendations on how you can achieve your goals through, for example, dietary changes, nutritional counseling and the use of supplements. Under the guidance of a dietitian, you can learn lifestyle changes to improve to your diet and your health. Access to excellent medical nutrition therapy is one more way your Mercy team helps you meet your health goals, so you can get the most out of your 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.
Amenities
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Private Setting -
Yoga Studio
Staff & Accreditations
Staff
Steve Mackin
President & CEO
Shannon Sock
COO & Chief Strategist
Jeff Ciaramita, MD
President of Specialty Service Lines
Gavin Helton, MD
President of Primary Care
John Mohart, MD
President of Community Operations
Jennifer Brown
Senior VP & Chief Legal Officer
Catherine Codispoti
Senior VP & Chief People Officer
Joseph Kelly
Executive VP
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
615 South New Ballas Road
Saint Louis, MO 63141
Get Help Now - 314-384-4223
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