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UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital

3811 Ohara Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
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UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital PA 15213

About UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital

Your treatment program will depend on your addiction and where you are in your recovery journey. Individual therapy and group therapy are core components of the healing process. You might receive medications to help with your cravings, too, like methadone or buprenorphine. They have family therapy as well, and the program incorporates peer support. They understand that a support system can make a powerful difference in maintaining your recovery, so part of their goal here is to help you build the system you need.

The inpatient treatment here is for short term stabilization. In the case of addiction it’s usually used to stabilize clients who have dual diagnosis addiction and mental illness. They also have inpatient detox. That’s one of the important things to note about this facility because you don’t have to be clean of your substance use already for them to help you. They can help at any stage of your journey.

While this hospital does treat mental health and behavioral health clients who don’t have addictions, you should keep in mind that there are different units in the hospital. For example, there’s a unit for detox and a unit for eating disorders as well as one for certain mental illnesses and so on.

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Fact checked and written by:
Nikki Wisher, BA
Edited by:
Kerry Nenn, BSW

Latest Reviews

LIAM-MAN 72
2 weeks ago on Google
1
I was recommended to get a new fine-dining restaurant job by this place as a reference after my psychic hospitalization but yet as of right now as I lasted updated this review in November 2025 I still never got accepted for it. Apparently this one lady who spoke to me in my wing was named Sophia, and I was never introduced by her last name to fulfill my application to that restaurant to list her as the reference I needed because they claimed her contact information to be privately confidential, and that was just one of many very limited and vague responses to my specific questions that I got during my 7-day stay here between late August and early September of 2025, knowing I was working *very* chaotic and uncertain hours with very little rewarded pay at my previous fast food job as it descended into rock bottom. You would also think that employers would be in dire need of hirings right now but I suppose they won’t pick up the phone as urgently as you would first believe. In a nutshell, the results of my recommended employment were disappointing. Brutal fights against other patients, as well as the presence of more seriously impaired patients sharing the same wings on the same floors who continuously disrupted quieter people at night like myself, weren’t helping any given situation either. The worst overall part that I had to mention is that the facility was always seemingly running low on bottled water as well as other essential beverages like milk and orange juice, which I would expect to be basic needs for all patients who are hospitalized there if they were *really* meant to get urgent help that they needed, but instead, the staff seem to believe that an acoustic guitar player playing classic hits will *magically* soothe everyone’s pain and suffering to get by their stay. It’s nothing but a joke and a little game and those who are aware of how useless the guitar servicing actually was don’t care about being engaged with it. These patients are not expected to be here to be hospitalized for a concert, they are here because they need their meds and a greater abundance of basic needs. Also, unless if the hospital food was prepackaged in a factory such as chips, string cheese, or pudding, the rest of the food served was like eating prison food. One last complaint that I would love to mention was that the restrooms and showers made me sneeze constantly because they were completely messy and unsanitary, something I would have not first expected to see at a UPMC facility, knowing that my family has trusted the health provider for years, or even decades.
Response from the owner2 weeks ago
Hi Liam,

Our goal is to provide high-quality patient care and excellent customer service. Based on your low rating, it appears that your visit at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital didn’t meet your expectations. Please contact us by filling out the brief form found at UPMC.com/Feedback to share more about your recent experience with a patient representative.

Thank you for providing us with valuable feedback.
V
1 month ago on Google
1
Disgusting horrible place, staff are terrible, I was laughed at while in distress by 2 staff members when I first got there, you leave more traumatized than when you went in, DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD HERE AND DO NOT ADMIT YOURSELF HERE, As for the "doctors" reading this you will not traumatize me and then discard me like trash without consequences, I will be back and you won't have any power
J C
1 month ago on Google
1
I had a consultation with Dr. Jeremiah for spravato. He agreed it was right for me and said I'd be called in a few days. A month later I've never recieved a call from them. On top of that the facility for spravato is very institutional, cold and feels like a jail. I see why people have bad experiences with western psych. Will never return here voluntarily. The entire visit just pointed out how much the doctors just don't care.
Response from the owner1 week ago
Hi J,

The situation you describe with UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital doesn’t sound in alignment with our pursuit of excellence. We’d like to receive additional details from you, with the goal of improving future patient experiences. Please fill out the brief form found at UPMC.com/Feedback to speak with a patient representative.

Thank you for providing us with valuable feedback.
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Rehab Score

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7.1 / 10

Accepted Insurance

Please contact to verify your specific insurance provider.

UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital works with several private insurance providers, 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Intervention services bring extensive experience to the planning and conducting of drug interventions in Pennsylvania. These experts can facilitate interventions in a sensitive manner that encourages positive outcomes. The goal of the intervention is to educate the individual about addiction and the consequences of their substance use and encourage them to get the treatment they need. Interventions can be effective with all types of drugs and alcohol addiction.

With a partial hospitalization program (PHP), you can participate in intensive rehabilitation treatment with the ability to return home at the end of the day. For a weekly minimum of 20 hours, a partial hospitalization program can take place up to 5 days a week for an average of 90 days. During PHP treatment, you can receive relapse prevention strategies, medication management, individual and group therapy, and other behavioral therapy interventions.

Telehealth increases care access to underserved communities and at-risk populations. Because it allows patients to receive care without visiting a provider in person, many barriers are removed. Telehealth eliminates transportation issues, increases convenience, and opens up options to providers who are located far away.

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 Pennsylvania is devoted to the treatment of addiction. Levels of care, treatment methods, and settings differ, but the aim of each program is to end drug dependency and empower participants to achieve long-term recovery.

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.

In Pennsylvania, substance abuse treatment programs can help address addiction and any co-occurring mental health problems. These programs incorporate evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and psychoeducation to help you uncover the underlying causes for your substance use and develop new skills to help you manage stress and overcome future triggers which may challenge your sobriety.

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.

Recovery is most successful when clients feel accepted and validated by their peers and treatment providers. Facilities that offer LGBTQ-inclusive programming are committed to creating a safe space where everyone can grow and recover without fear of judgment or discrimination. They will have dedicated policies in place to create a safe and supportive environment that fosters free expression.

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.

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.

The providers who specialize in the children's rehab space understand the specialized needs that this population faces. School-based and social services such as tutoring and family counseling are often central to treatment. Child programs may also address the needs of youth experiencing substance abuse in the home, including a parent's or sibling's addiction.

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.

The postpartum period is a sensitive time, especially for women in addiction recovery. Rehabs with specialized programs for new mothers will offer compassionate, personalized care to meet each client's needs as they transition from pregnancy to this season of life. Care teams may include obstetricians, pediatricians, and social workers working collaboratively to give women, children, and families a healthy future.

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.

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. ECT is considered the most effective treatment option for depression and has made significant strides in its safety over the last few decades.

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.

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.

Motivational interviewing in Pennsylvania gives you the opportunity to share your perspective and explore your ideas and motivation for change. Your therapist will walk you through the four steps of engaging, focusing, evoking, and planning to empower you to make any desired changes in your life.

eye-movement iconEye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing

Life skills are the mental and social skills that are necessary to navigate day to day life. Addiction diminishes or eliminates these skills, so they must be relearned and practiced during drug rehab treatment in Pennsylvania.

Dialectical behavior therapy in Pennsylvania is an evidence based technique that involves group therapy, individual therapy, and phone coaching. Group sessions focus on learning behavioral skills. Individual therapy gives you the opportunity to apply what you're learning to your personal situations. Phone coaching allows you to call your therapist during the week for help with challenging situations.

Amenities

  • private iconPrivate Setting
  • wifi iconWifi
  • home-setting iconResidential Setting
  • private-room iconPrivate Rooms
  • weight iconGym
  • recreation iconRecreation Room
  • meditation iconMeditation Room

Staff & Accreditations

Staff

Eric Golden

Medical Director

Kregg Winkowski, MS,NCC,LPC

Director

Camellia Herisko, VP of Operations

Chief Nursing 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

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1992 by congress, SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on American's communities.

SAMHSA Listed: Yes

State Licenses are permits issued by government agencies that allow rehab organizations to conduct business legally within a certain geographical area. Typically, the kind of program a rehab facility offers, along with its physical location, determines which licenses are required to operate legally.

State License: Pennsylvania

Contact Information

Building icon

3811 Ohara Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

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Reviews of UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital

2.05/5 (275 reviews)
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52
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Reviews

1

Zero! Watch your loved one deteriorate after he was discharged, expecting someone in severe depression to do on line group therapy, is a joke! But you can be sure they will bill your insurance!

Reviewed on 4/8/2023
4.5

UPMC is a highly professional and reputable facility. They took good care of me when I was there in 2016. It is a psychiatric ward-- so don't expect a five star hotel with a butler. They provide the care and services that they promise on and there doctors look out for the be ... Read More

Reviewed on 8/4/2017
Overall Experience
Date Submitted
Reviewer

Google Reviews

2.047619047619 (273 reviews)
LIAM-MAN 72
2 weeks ago
1

I was recommended to get a new fine-dining restaurant job by this place as a reference after my psychic hospitalization but yet as of right now as I lasted updated this review in November 2025 I still never got accepted for it. Apparently this one lady who spoke to me in my wing was named Sophia, and I was never introduced by her last name to fulfill my application to that restaurant to list her as the reference I needed because they claimed her contact information to be privately confidential, and that was just one of many very limited and vague responses to my specific questions that I got during my 7-day stay here between late August and early September of 2025, knowing I was working *very* chaotic and uncertain hours with very little rewarded pay at my previous fast food job as it descended into rock bottom. You would also think that employers would be in dire need of hirings right now but I suppose they won’t pick up the phone as urgently as you would first believe. In a nutshell, the results of my recommended employment were disappointing. Brutal fights against other patients, as well as the presence of more seriously impaired patients sharing the same wings on the same floors who continuously disrupted quieter people at night like myself, weren’t helping any given situation either. The worst overall part that I had to mention is that the facility was always seemingly running low on bottled water as well as other essential beverages like milk and orange juice, which I would expect to be basic needs for all patients who are hospitalized there if they were *really* meant to get urgent help that they needed, but instead, the staff seem to believe that an acoustic guitar player playing classic hits will *magically* soothe everyone’s pain and suffering to get by their stay. It’s nothing but a joke and a little game and those who are aware of how useless the guitar servicing actually was don’t care about being engaged with it. These patients are not expected to be here to be hospitalized for a concert, they are here because they need their meds and a greater abundance of basic needs. Also, unless if the hospital food was prepackaged in a factory such as chips, string cheese, or pudding, the rest of the food served was like eating prison food. One last complaint that I would love to mention was that the restrooms and showers made me sneeze constantly because they were completely messy and unsanitary, something I would have not first expected to see at a UPMC facility, knowing that my family has trusted the health provider for years, or even decades.

Response from the owner
Hi Liam,

Our goal is to provide high-quality patient care and excellent customer service. Based on your low rating, it appears that your visit at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital didn’t meet your expectations. Please contact us by filling out the brief form found at UPMC.com/Feedback to share more about your recent experience with a patient representative.

Thank you for providing us with valuable feedback.
V
1 month ago
1

Disgusting horrible place, staff are terrible, I was laughed at while in distress by 2 staff members when I first got there, you leave more traumatized than when you went in, DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD HERE AND DO NOT ADMIT YOURSELF HERE, As for the "doctors" reading this you will not traumatize me and then discard me like trash without consequences, I will be back and you won't have any power

Azrael Murr
1 month ago
1

Response from the owner
Hi Azrael,

Our goal is to provide high-quality patient care and excellent customer service. Based on your low rating, it appears that your visit at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital didn’t meet your expectations. Please contact us by filling out the brief form found at UPMC.com/Feedback to share more about your recent experience with a patient representative.

Thank you for providing us with valuable feedback.
J C
1 month ago
1

I had a consultation with Dr. Jeremiah for spravato. He agreed it was right for me and said I'd be called in a few days. A month later I've never recieved a call from them. On top of that the facility for spravato is very institutional, cold and feels like a jail. I see why people have bad experiences with western psych. Will never return here voluntarily. The entire visit just pointed out how much the doctors just don't care.

Response from the owner
Hi J,

The situation you describe with UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital doesn’t sound in alignment with our pursuit of excellence. We’d like to receive additional details from you, with the goal of improving future patient experiences. Please fill out the brief form found at UPMC.com/Feedback to speak with a patient representative.

Thank you for providing us with valuable feedback.
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