Terrible center!!!! My uncle went here a few months ago for his serious psychiatric issues and instead of helping him, the doctor mocked him!!!! Who does that as a psychiatrist!!!! No humanity here- why did he travel 2 hours to be treated so inhumane!!!
About Northwestern Medicine
Northwestern Medicine, located in Chicago, Illinois is a private alcohol and drug rehab that offers treatment for a variety of substance abuse addictions including alcoholism, co-occurring mental health disorders, and opiate addiction. They offer supervised medical treatment to safely manage withdrawal symptoms during detoxification, residential care providing long term support for addiction recovery, as well as flexible outpatient addiction therapy allowing patients to live at home while receiving regular treatment. Additional levels of care offered include intensive outpatient and 12-step therapy.
Specialty rehab programs at Northwestern Medicine include tailored care focusing on women’s specific needs and experiences, gender-specific addiction treatment addressing unique challenges faced by men, and age-appropriate treatment for teens addressing adolescent-specific issues.
Patients at Northwestern Medicine will find the WiFi lets you stay connected with support networks and manage personal affairs during treatment. For recreation, patients can use the yoga studio to work on active mindfulness and improve flexibility, use the meditation room to promote mindfulness during recovery, or get a massage to relieve tension and relax into recovery.
Northwestern Medicine has received accreditations from The Joint Commission.
Latest Reviews
Good luck getting an appointment!My established doctor left Northwestern, so when it came time to schedule an annual physical, I was told it would be a 6 month wait, since I am now considered a "New" patient. On top of that, I urgently need to see a specialist, and I've been told that I must have a referral from a Northwestern physician (not any physician; specifically an system-affiliated physician) to do so. Given that I'm on a 6-month wait for primary care, this would mean reaching out to a provider in a completely different clinical area to ask for a referral for an issue they know nothing about and have no medical expertise in. Makes sense, right?The scheduler was very nice but had absolutely no ability or willingness to find a solution to the problem. He basically told me I should take my business elsewhere.
DO NOT COME HERE FOR MENTAL HEALTH.I cannot overemphasize the horrors.I walked in voluntarily, at 9:30am, with an advocate, and I was not in crisis. I assumed this would make the intake process run more calmly and smoothly.As apparently is standard procedure, I was immediately criminalized: Within minutes I was locked in a room then aggressively forced to strip naked in front a police officer without warning or reasoning, all my clothing and belongings confiscated without any information on what was happening to them or if I would see these items again. After crying in fear and shock, I was labeled as noncompliant . Throughout my entire 8 hour stay, I was ordered around and expected to follow these orders immediately without any information or reasoning as to why or if I legally had to do these things.The staff were aggressive and rude to all patients, and withheld things that patients asked for and needed (such as water, cough drops, a phone call to wish a daughter happy birthday). They actively ignored these requests by not acknowledging patients when they stepped up the front desk, and instead, continued talking to each other or typing on the computer pretending not to hear. At other times the nurses laughed to each other, tormenting then making fun of the reactions of a patient who was chemically restrained (drugged by the hospital) and hardly conscious or aware of his environment.The psychiatrist, Dr. Now, was terrifying to interact with. He spoke to me as if I was a young child, despite the fact that I was not in crisis and was able to clearly articulate my situation and desires. I have a difficult situation where I need to manage depression and a seizure disorder, which makes medicating complicated as many antidepressants cause seizures and anti seizure medications cause depression. Instead of listening to my actual dilemma, he decided to tell me a story in a patronizing voice, again, as if I was a young child incapable of understanding basic concepts, a metaphor about an apartment building in order to explain what depression was. I was stunned. I asked for resources and people to speak with who might have expertise in this comorbidity, and his only suggestions were medications that I was currently taking. He then explained how they work and their side effects as if I had never even heard of them (meanwhile it is the reason I am at this hospital in the first place). He recommended discharging me.An hour later, this finally went into motion. I received a packet of resources , a psychiatric appointment 2 weeks from now (the reason I came in was for immediate care?) and my belongings riffled through and loose in a trash bag.This was supposed to signal that I was free to go, but it was not clear. I was given no direction on where the bathrooms were to change, if I was allowed to leave, if I had to check out, or how to exit the hospital. When I asked a staff member, she was incredibly rude and told me that I would see easily how to leave if I just stepped out the door. In my opinion this is not obvious, as you have to weave through the rest of the ER where patients are actively being treated.It took me hours to readjust to regular life outside that room. In seconds I had gone from being perceived as so high risk, so dangerous, that my humanity was stripped from me. Then, dumped with my things loose in a trash bag, and with no helpful resources or direction to even exit the hospital.I voluntarily came for a psych evaluation extremely privileged: not in crisis, with therapist as advocate, in the early morning, not unhoused, and with a supportive partner and family system. This should be the ideal scenario. Not only did I leave with no useful information - I left traumatized.I am deeply disturbed by the way I was treated, and even more so, the way I witnessed other patients being treated. I can, with certainty, say that this environment is prison-adjacent and absolutely inseparable from the prison-industrial complex.
patient Family
Reviewed on 08/04/2023
Terrible center!!!! My uncle went here a few months ago for his serious psychiatric issues and instead of helping him, the doctor mocked him!!!! Who does that as a psychiatrist!!!! No humanity here- why did he travel 2 hours to be treated so inhumane!!!
Rehab Score
Our 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 Methodology
5.1 / 10
Gallery
Location
Accepted Insurance
The Alliance
Beech Street
CuraeChoice
Imagine Health
Global Excel
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 When participating in an inpatient rehab program, you'll reside at the treatment center for the duration of the program. Your housing and meals are provided, allowing you to focus on your recovery without outside triggers, stressors, and other distractions. You'll receive daily addiction counseling, drawing on various psychotherapeutic approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing. Many inpatient drug rehabs also offer complementary holistic therapies, such as yoga, meditation, or animal therapy, and creative arts therapy.
Intensive 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.
12-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).
Medically 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.
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
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.
Military Program
Serving in the military is both mentally and physically challenging, and can result in trauma that persists even after combat ends. Military programs are tailored to the specific and often complex needs of active duty personnel, veterans, and military families. Clients often access these programs through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
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 in Illinois typically involves keeping a diary to track actions and emotions. Your therapist will use this diary to determine what to focus on during each session. In addition to individual sessions, you'll also attend group meetings where you are trained in coping skills.
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.
Loved ones play a significant role in the ongoing success and care of their patients. The Family Education Program through the Stone Institute of Psychiatry offers support, information and resources to family members, friends and significant others of patients receiving mental health treatment and services through Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The weekly program is free to participants and requires no registration.
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.
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.
Amenities
-
Yoga Studio -
Wifi
Staff & Accreditations
Staff
Karen Mahnke, MSN, RN, NEA-BC
Vice President of Operations & Chief Nurse Executive
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
(312) 695-5060 
446 East Ontario Street
#7-100, 7th Floor
Chicago, IL 60611
Get Help Now - 708-470-6914
Sponsored Helpline
Sponsored Helpline
Rehab in Cities Near Chicago
Back to IL
