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Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital

660 N. Westmoreland Road Lake Forest, IL 60045
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About Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital

Addiction-related services available at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital include medical detoxification, co-occuring treatment to address addiction and mental health issues, medication assisted treatment, and substance abuse support.

Medical detox
After an intake evaluation, treatment for substance withdrawal under the supervision of a medical team will take place so the individual is comfortable and safe while beginning their recovery journey.

Co-occurring disorder treatment
Because mental illness and addiction often go hand-in-hand, Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital has a unique program addressing both areas together and how to manage them.

Medication assisted therapy
Following medical detox, medication assisted therapy is a tool used to sustain recovery long-term for individuals who need it.

Substance abuse support
Addressing substance abuse along with the social, emotional, and behavioral factors that contribute to it is done using holistic treatment modalities.

Facility Overview

Bed icon 201
Number of Available Beds

Latest Reviews

Theresa Hoban
1 month ago on Google
5
Neuroscience department was excellent. The hospital is modern with the NMH faculty rotating through. A great experience.
Lisa Candelaria
1 month ago on Google
2
Brought my husband to the ER today.He's been sick for over 2 weeks.We went to the grayslake location first Completely rude did a few tests and then just told him to leave.They couldn't find anything , didn't even try. Now I'm here at Lake Forest. He sat out in the lobby for over an hour. They finally got him in put him in a bed out in the hallway. Underneath a bright giant spot light shining down on his face. I asked them to move himThey says they don't know what to do. They can't block any doors, but yet. He is the only one in the E. R that has a giant spotlight in his face. They gave him an I v clearly they didn't know what they were doing.Blood's pouring down his arm. The guy just cleans up his arm and tell him we'll just gonna leave it if they want to change it ,they can once the doctor sees you. My husband has his doctors all with Northwestern. They're fantastic doctors don't have issues with them, but if you gotta go to the ER the level of professionalism is ridiculous.
MiMi Lynn
1 month ago on Google
1
Horrible Experience in the physical Therapy Department located in the same building as the employee gym. The front desk employees and supervisor are nasty , rude, childish unprofessional, I was treated very poorly verbally and talked down to. The actual PT is amazing
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Rehab Score

Question iconOur Methodology
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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6.4 / 10

Accepted Insurance

Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital works with several private insurance providers and also accepts private payments when possible, 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.

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.

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.

free iconFree
employee-assistance iconEmployee Assistance Program

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.

medically-assisted-detox iconMedically 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.

intensive-outpatient iconIntensive 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.

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.

12-step icon12-Step

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).

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 Illinois is designed to help people recover from addiction to a number of substances. The length of each program and its intensity tend to vary, and the plan of care is based on your individual needs.

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 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.

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.

ECT is a form of treatment in which controlled electric currents are passed through the brain, sometimes causing short seizures. Treatments are done under general anesthesia. ECT appears to change brain chemistry for the better, and has been shown to provide fast and sometimes dramatic improvements in severe mental health conditions that can exist alongside addiction, including depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, and suicidality. ECT is also often used by those who prefer it to taking medication.

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.

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.

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

  • spa2 iconYoga Studio
  • wifi iconWifi

Staff & Accreditations

Staff

Seamus Collins

President

Paul Connors

COO

Michael Bauer, MD

Associate Chief Medical 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

Building icon

660 N. Westmoreland Road
Lake Forest, IL 60045

Fact checked and written by:
Michelle Tavares, MSN, RN
Edited by:
Nikki Seay

Reviews of Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital

2.8/5 (437 reviews)
2
Staff
3
Amenities
3
Meals
2
Value
2
Cleanliness
5
165
4
19
3
13
2
27
1
217

Reviews

2
Drugs in facility

During my first visit, my condition was worsened. Not just by illness, but by what I witnessed. A nurse named Steven Fullington appeared to be engaging in highly inappropriate and potentially illegal behavior, openly interacting with staff and others in ways that made me que ... Read More

Steven F.
Reviewed on 7/11/2025
Staff
2
Amenities
3
Meals
3
Value
2
Cleanliness
2
Overall Experience
Date Submitted
Reviewer

Google Reviews

2.8 (436 reviews)
Theresa Hoban
1 month ago
5

Neuroscience department was excellent. The hospital is modern with the NMH faculty rotating through. A great experience.

Lisa Candelaria
1 month ago
2

Brought my husband to the ER today.He's been sick for over 2 weeks.We went to the grayslake location first Completely rude did a few tests and then just told him to leave.They couldn't find anything , didn't even try. Now I'm here at Lake Forest. He sat out in the lobby for over an hour. They finally got him in put him in a bed out in the hallway. Underneath a bright giant spot light shining down on his face. I asked them to move himThey says they don't know what to do. They can't block any doors, but yet. He is the only one in the E. R that has a giant spotlight in his face. They gave him an I v clearly they didn't know what they were doing.Blood's pouring down his arm. The guy just cleans up his arm and tell him we'll just gonna leave it if they want to change it ,they can once the doctor sees you. My husband has his doctors all with Northwestern. They're fantastic doctors don't have issues with them, but if you gotta go to the ER the level of professionalism is ridiculous.

MiMi Lynn
1 month ago
1

Horrible Experience in the physical Therapy Department located in the same building as the employee gym. The front desk employees and supervisor are nasty , rude, childish unprofessional, I was treated very poorly verbally and talked down to. The actual PT is amazing

Susan Hanna
1 month ago
1

Well, I can tell you that is not my blood and it looked like it had been there quite a while. I wish that was the only bad thing. I've been trying for MONTHS with them to get an appointment for an urgent medical condition. The first appointment they could offer me was June 2026. I have a choice in my medical care and unfortunately Northwestern no longer seems like the right "choice"

Dana Florian
1 month ago
1

I wish I could give zero Stars. First I'm judged and get an attitude from the man giving me an IV because I have a past that makes it hard to stick me. After making it very clear To both women who called me before my MRI with anesthesia comma that I had nobody to pick me up because It's just me I have no family Comma They said it was okay After being in recovery for hours I could just sign and leave. Instead I take off work, I get here get in the back, get undressed, get stuck for an IV by a very unprofessional and rude nurse, the same woman that I had just told 15 minutes prior that I had no family alive in case there was an emergency, came back and said if we can't call your friend to verify a ride we're not doing the test. After I made it very clear to both women that called me before this procedure, that I had nobody, she tells me they're not doing it. This is 100% discrimination. I can't make somebody come back alive just to get a ride what am I to do pay some stranger off the street the rude nurse told me I should pay for a ride home. I live over an hour away. I don't have the money but they don't care. They told me to leave. I'm filing a complaint and a lawsuit for discrimination against someone who is alone and doesn't have anybody in her life to help her that means I shouldn't get the medical care that I need. Lake Forest Northwestern is absolutely disgusting and the people in that department are unprofessional rude and completely uncaring. I truly hope that this comes back to each and every one of them. I will be filing a lawsuit. I have the recorded phone calls of me telling them I had nobody and being told twice it was okay. They let me go in the back and be stuck and kept me just long enough to charge my insurance hear it because let's be honest it's always about money

Cliff Koperski
1 month ago
5

New facility is very nice and the staff goes out of their way to be friendly.

Gladys Meyer
2 months ago
1

I was referred to see Karthik Shastri and I felt so belittled and felt discriminated by him.. I thought doctors were supposed to treat people with the upmost respect and empathy I just didn’t feel any of that when I saw him…

Jaclyn Palmer
2 months ago
1

My husband was left in a hallway for more than 15 + hours from the time he was admitted to LFH ER on Monday 7/14 @ 1:45 am . He was passed between three different doctors , several nurse staff , meds were pushed on him when he explained and expressed why he didn’t want them . . Dr Patel is a fear monger with no bedside manner , told my husband he would die . Wrote his notes on my husbands file under a different doctors name , which seems illegal . I wrote a longer review but must have been too . Stay away from LFH ER , they lie , they cause harm and fear . I’m truly shocked and disgusted . This experience left lasting damage .

Hailey
2 months ago
1

If I could give zero stars, I would. After attending an appointment yesterday with my father-in-law, I was outraged—and quite frankly disturbed—by how poorly Dr. Desai treated both of us. "Rude and unprofessional" is truly an understatement. When we entered the room, she greeted us and asked if we had any questions before she got started. I mentioned that we had a few questions regarding the procedure. I asked some very basic questions related to the appointment, and her reaction was extremely condescending. She immediately looked annoyed and said, “We already had a consultation. If you need these questions answered, then we have to set up a completely new exam for that. I have other patients I need to attend to,” and then stormed out of the room. My father-in-law and I were both shell-shocked by her reaction. It was completely absurd. After about 10 minutes of waiting, I stepped into the hallway to check what was going on. I saw the same nurse who had originally been in the room with us, so I asked her what was happening and explained that we were simply trying to understand the details of the appointment, as there had been confusion during the last visit. Dr. Desai then came around the corner, stood in front of me with her arms crossed, and interrupted our conversation. She rudely stated—with excessive attitude—that she had already discussed everything in depth with my father-in-law, and if we needed another consultation, we’d have to schedule it separately. She made a point to repeat, three or four times, that she had already explained the appointment to him. It came across as incredibly demeaning, as though she was trying to make him feel ignorant. In reality, I was simply trying to gain a clear understanding of what was happening, to avoid any miscommunication once he left. She became so visibly frustrated that she threw her hands in the air in a passive-aggressive manner, shook her head, rolled her eyes, and stormed off again. I looked at the nurse in disbelief. The way Dr. Desai belittled my father-in-law, then gave me such a hard time, was unbelievable. The nurse led me back into the exam room and tried to de-escalate the situation by telling me that Dr. Desai is a good doctor, that she truly wants to help, and that she wasn’t dismissing me—she just had other patients to see. At this point, I was fuming. I couldn’t wrap my head around how poorly Dr. Desai had handled the situation. I apologized to the nurse, explaining that I wasn’t trying to cause conflict—I was merely trying to understand what was happening at this appointment. I didn’t understand why that was such an issue. I told her that Dr. Desai was dismissing me—she had stormed off twice. The way she treated both me and my father-in-law was completely unacceptable and unprofessional. I no longer feel comfortable—and certainly don’t trust her—to treat him. The nurse understood and apologized, and my father-in-law and I left the building. I’ve since spoken with management about this issue and made it clear this won’t be the only review I leave. I have over 10 years of experience in the medical field, and I have never once treated a patient as poorly as she treated us—nor have I worked alongside a physician so unkind and lacking in professionalism. Dr. Desai has shown zero compassion, zero empathy, zero self-awareness, and zero commitment to patient care. I encourage all future patients to read this carefully and be wary of her. Northwestern is known for its high standards and strong reputation, which makes it all the more shocking that she is part of their team. Dr. Desai, if you read this, I truly hope you understand that you ruined this experience for me and my father-in-law. Your actions were combative, passive-aggressive, and deeply inappropriate. I hope you seek out training to improve your bedside manner and patient care. You should be ashamed of how you treat patients—especially those for whom English is not a first language. I sincerely hope no one else has to endure the kind of treatment we received from you.

Jenn Meadows
2 months ago
1

One of my best friends from college just gave birth at this hospital. We were trying to coordinate with the gift shop here to send her balloons or a bear to her room. It took forever to get somebody on the phone. Once she finally answered, it was the rudest customer service interaction I have ever had. She was throwing back me calling trying to utilize their services like I was this huge burden. She then told me she was too busy and had three people there and couldn’t help me on the phone. She also suggested that maybe I was taken aback by her rudeness because I didn’t work in customer service but that’s literally my whole career. She was not hospitable and really awful to work with. I tried to ask follow up questions on how to get my friend’s room number to surprise her and this gift shop employee hung up on me. Don’t even bother calling to use the gift shop because they will be annoyed you even called them.

Chris G
2 months ago
5

Destiny was an amazing nurse!. great hospital!!!! for having babies Thank you for everyrhing!

Alexander Kiseloff
2 months ago
5

Great place. The staff is very nice and attentive. Hospital food is actually not bad :).

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