Fairfax Behavioral Health

The facility operated on a SMART Recovery model of treatment which I really really liked. I did not want a 12 step program as I feel they are useless. This program was perfect for me. The biggest weakness was the lack of extra-curricular activities. The treatment at Fairfax hospital is great if you are dealing with dual diagnosis and heavy trauma. I know the program at Fairfax has changed since I was there almost exactly 10 years ago. But they are still better than most of the 12 step options out there. If you are looking for an evidence based treatment option, Fairfax is great.

They had no strength

Takes people with a wide range of issues, so we were able to check my mom in, even though we were not yet sure exactly what her issues were. Lots of experience and been around a long time, so there isn't much they haven't see or dealt with. They were not able to keep my mother after the first few weeks, even though she still needed a great deal of help. That, in huge part, is because of the laws now. The facility comes across as a little plain sometimes, rooms that seem very plane and minimally furnished, etc., but are just right for what patients need. Very experienced personnel who know what they are talking about. One of the only places that was able to take my mom and keep her there until we could get her lucid and make sure she was not a danger to herself. My mother has bipolar disorder with heavy abuse of alcohol and prescription drugs, and has been able to manipulate all the other doctors and facilities we took her to - even managed to get more drugs from them (Paxil, etc.) This was the first and only facility that was able to see through her manipulations and issues and finally help us.

Staff was good but very little one on one counseling, no family involvement in counseling or groups. The experience did help me move on in my life in a much more healthy direction.

Staff was rude, counselors talk to my 56 year old father like he was a baby, dirty, chaotic (you hear people yelling, screaming, crying all over). My father was in this facility multiple times with mental health issues. They were very rude to us as family members visiting or in counseling sessions. Ultimately my dad took his own life and I never really felt like anyone at this facility cared.