800-784-1361
Horrible place overall. Unqualified staff, inedible food and unsanitary conditions. Group therapy was a joke since all they did was say the same childish nonsense over and over again. None of the group "leaders" seemed to have any kind of psychological education or have any ...
About Riverwoods Behavioral Health System
The facility offers a large range of treatment options depending on each person’s individual needs. They provide detox services, partial hospitalization programming, intensive outpatient programming and aftercare planning.
Riverwoods also offers a wide range of therapy options. These are offered in individual and group session formats. Focus of therapy includes educational sessions, chemical dependency education, social skill focus classes, relapse prevention courses, anger management, illness education, peer pressure groups, coping skills sessions, medication classes, relaxation therapy, and spirituality groups.
One unique quality about Riverwoods is that they are open 24/7 and accept walk in patients without a referral. This type of fast and immediate help can be lifesaving in a crisis.
Fact checked and written by:
Jennifer Martin
Edited by:
Kerry Nenn, BSW
Facility Overview
105 Number of Available Beds
5 - 7 Avg Length of Stay in Days
Latest Reviews
I was transferred to Riverwoods after a 72-hour hold at the hospital. I was told I was being discharged home. I never signed any release forms, and no one notified my family. My daughter—who is 18 and legally able to receive updates—showed up at the hospital and was told I was “gone” with no explanation. They refused to tell her where I was sent due to “HIPAA,” which makes no sense and left her terrified.
When an officer dropped me at Riverwoods, I was under the impression I was speaking with someone about outpatient therapy. Instead, I was put in a room for three hours with no explanation. Another patient told me she was kept in the same room for seven hours with no food, no bathroom, and no support after her mother passed and she was there for possible self-harm.
After they took my information, they said I’d be meeting with a therapist. Instead, they led me directly into the psych ward. The moment the door shut, it was clear something was deeply wrong. The unit smelled horrible, it was freezing, chaotic, and absolutely nothing felt safe. I didn’t sleep for two days out of fear.
In the entire week I was there, I never once saw my doctor. I never saw a therapist. I saw the psych nurse twice for maybe 5–10 minutes each time. No one answers your questions. No one explains your treatment plan. If you ask to speak to someone in charge, you get ignored.
The things I witnessed there will stay with me forever:
A young woman having a manic episode was being pinched by a tech who was annoyed with her. When another patient spoke up about the abuse, BOTH patients were restrained and injected.
Some staff, like Dr. Jay, were kind. But others—especially Dr. Trudy—were openly cruel. I watched her emotionally abuse multiple patients. She told one woman her son killed himself because of “her attitude.” She told another patient she’d “add more days” to her stay if she didn’t shut up.
I saw her wave a piece of paper at a manic patient and call her into a room “like a dog,” coaxing her in so they could forcibly inject her. It was humiliating and disgusting.
I saw a tech argue with a patient for using the phone. When they shut the phones off just to be spiteful, the tech handed the woman a pen and told her to “do us all a favor.” This woman was in there for a suicide attempt.
The food is barely edible. One girl was so hungry she ate out of the trash. Staff yelled at her and refused to offer anything else. Many hungry patients were told flat-out “no” when asking for food.
My own medication issues were ignored. I repeatedly asked for help and was brushed off. I ended up with a serious medical crisis that sent me to the ER for 13 hours.
There were a few kind techs — some truly tried. I’m grateful for them. But even the good ones admitted the system is broken and the patients are the ones paying the price. It’s about numbers, not care. They made $7,500 off me, held me for seven days (after already spending three in the hospital), and provided almost no actual treatment or therapy.
Hygiene is another nightmare. Clothes don’t fit. Many patients smell like garbage because there’s no real access to clean clothing or proper hygiene. I came home with lice.
I’ve been to jail before, and I can honestly say this place was worse.
Riverwoods broke my trust in people. It broke my faith in humanity. I would not wish what I saw on my worst enemy. My heart hurts for the patients who are trapped in there with no voice and no protection, and for their families who have no idea what really goes on behind those locked doors.
Receptionist will not answer the phone. If you’re trying to reach your loved one you can forget it. They’re getting paid for nothing. Staff needs to be retrained. how can mental health be so serious but yet they have a joke of a staff?
This was my 3rd short term facility but was also my first time at this specific one. First impressions were alright. I was on the adolescent unit. From 10-17 year olds. The kids were amazingly funny and slightly comforting. I made lots of friends and still know a little of them outside the facility. The food was alright. Breakfast really sucked. Dinner and lunch were amazing though!. Now the doctors. They were not that good. They could have been more understanding of the patient’s emotions and feelings. Usually i would get called into a room in the until for 1 on 1 therapy with a psychiatrist/mental health professional.
With my belongings i had a bag of skincare, scrunchies, pants and a shirt. It somehow got lost. Everything was lost and when i discharged the lady up front would say she looked after 2 minutes in which i obviously would not believe her. even trying to get a hold of the front desk was a hassle. It would take hours for them to answer. But in the end i never got my stuff back. Overall this facility slightly helped. More of like a crisis center instead of a helping hand in my opinion. (Also forgot to mention that the kids were extremely disrespectful towards staff, not staff’s fault though)
5/10 could have been better but thank you riverwoods :)
Response from the owner1 week ago
We really appreciate your feedback. Thank you! We remain focused on providing high-quality care in an environment that is safe and respectful.
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
6.4 / 10
Gallery
Accepted Insurance
Peach State Health Plan
EmblemHealth
Cenpatico
PHCS (Private Healthcare Systems)
Other Forms of Payment
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Addiction Treatments
Levels of Care
Outpatient rehab enables clients to receive addiction treatment while continuing to work and reside at home. Many programs offer evening, night, and weekend services so that clients may receive treatment on their own schedule. Outpatient treatment modalities typically include addiction counseling, recovery-focused life skills training, and/or medication assisted treatment (MAT). Many programs also provide step-down care, including partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and standard outpatient services, to align with clients' evolving needs.
IOP is a 2-4 week program that is utilized as a transitional step-up or step-down program. IOP is much less restrictive than PHP and offers 5 or 7 days a week programming from 9 am to 12 pm. Patients will attend a minimum of 2 group therapy sessions a day. Individual and family therapy can be used throughout the process if deemed beneficial by the therapist. As IOP is therapy based only, patients needing medication monitoring and administration will be assisted by staff to arrange for private psychiatric treatment. IOP offers much more freedom and allows patients to receive the treatment they need while still being able to maintain their daily lives and complicated schedules.
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).
A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a short-term form of intensive rehab, usually for those with acute symptoms that are hard to manage but don’t require 24-hour care. PHPs have structured programming (i.e. individual and/or group therapy), and usually meet 3-5 days a week for around 6 hours (i.e. 9am-3m). Some PHPs are residential (patients sleep on site) and some are not, so patients sleep at home. PHPs can last from 1-6 months, and some offer transportation and meals.
24-hour clinical care in Georgia reduces the risks involved in detox and addiction treatment. Without access to professional medical care, individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms that become life threatening. For example, alcohol withdrawal can cause delirium tremens, confusion, and cardiac symptoms. Without medical supervision to step in, these symptoms could potentially turn fatal.
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.
Inpatient rehabs feature intensive clinical supervision and a highly structured and supportive environment, meaning they are especially well suited for clients in early recovery and those at risk of relapse. Clients reside at the treatment facility and engage in various therapeutic sessions throughout the day, including addiction counseling and recovery-focused life skills training. Many programs also offer evidence-based complementary therapies, such as meditation and massage.
Treatments
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.
Alcoholism is a pattern of alcohol use that involves continued drinking even when it causes problems. Alcoholism is also characterized by a physical dependence on alcohol, which causes the body to experience withdrawal symptoms when alcohol is not present. Due to this physical dependence, medically-supervised detox is often necessary to safely recover from alcoholism. Alcohol rehab in Georgia offers a three-step process of detox, rehab, and maintenance to help individuals recover from alcohol addiction.
A quality drug rehab in Georgia can help you overcome addiction. This environment is designed to help you address the complex issues contributing to drug dependence. The goal of treatment is to give you the tools you need to make a full recovery.
Addiction treatment programs in Georgia help individuals to address substance abuse problems. With various programs available, including outpatient, inpatient, and partial hospitalization programs, you can find the right level of care for your specific needs. You can generally expect drug and alcohol rehab to incorporate evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), skills training, recovery meetings, and mindfulness-based therapy. When combined, these interventions can successfully help you overcome addiction and continue to enjoy long-term mental health.
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.
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).
Teen programs are designed to address the unique pressures teens face, pressures that can drive them to experiment with dangerous, addictive substances. They need programs that meet them exactly where they are and give them tools for long-term recovery. Therapy can help teenagers understand and work through underlying issues so they can reclaim the life ahead of them.
Nearly one million adults age 65 and older live with a substance use disorder. Treatment providers who specialize in senior care understand the social, psychological, and physical effects of aging and how they relate to recovery. They can help clients address particular challenges and risks they may face as they get older such as overdosing and medication interactions and dependencies.
Clinical Services
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that’s used to change the way you think about your life. Negative patterns of thinking, such as “I’ll never get better,” are challenged by the therapist so that you learn to think, “I’m working on my recovery one day at a time.” This allows for a more encouraging world view and more constructive ways of thinking.
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 so important to the recovery process as it allows you to connect with other people who are facing similar struggles so that you can all learn, grow, and heal together. Process groups are centered around a specific theme to help you to process your feelings about the problems you face. Educational groups are designed to provide you with more information about addiction, co-occurring disorders, and medications. Other groups focus on relapse prevention and stress management.
Individual therapy is a one-on-one therapy that’s often used to discuss the problems addiction has caused you and identify ways to solve these problems. It may explore the reasons behind your addiction and emotional pain and seek ways to better cope with the challenges in your life.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a clinical approach to helping people with substance abuse issues and other conditions shift behavior in positive ways. It is more goal-oriented than traditional psychotherapy, as MI counselors directly attempt to get clients to consider making behavioral change (rather than wait for them to come to conclusions themselves). Its primary purpose is to resolve ambivalence and help clients become able to make healthy choices freely.
They use family therapy sessions at their hospital to help your loved ones better understand your addiction and the treatment you’re going through. During family sessions, they explore family dynamics that may have led to the development of the addiction as well as allowing your family the time and space to discuss their own feelings about your addiction. They can also help family members locate community resources to allow them to continue to process their feelings and discover ways of coping with them.
Amenities
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Private Transportation -
Residential Setting -
Private Rooms
Staff & Accreditations
Staff
Alycyn Kimmey
Chief Nursing Officer
Katherine Sheppard
Director of Quality and Performance Improvement
Mona Gray, MBA, CPLC
Director of Business Development
Andreia Ford
Director of Health Information Management
Dwight Austion
Director of Facility Operations
Shani Studstill
Director of Outpatient Services
Joseph Washington Jr., PhD
Director of Human Resources
Lillian Campbell
Director of Food and Nutritional Services
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
Accreditation Number: 472946
Contact Information
223 Medical Center Dr
Riverdale, GA 30274
Get Help Now - 470-866-4553
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