Vargo, James, Md - Ridgeview Institute

Stop making the patients sleep on the floor in fron of nursing station with lights on because staff is too lazy to check on pts as required. No one can rest well in that situation. Rest is necessary for recovery. Stop treating EVERYONE the same. Not everyone has addiction issues or eating disorders. How about programs for adults with depression since you admit adults for depression. This place will admit anyone who has good insurance they can drain. more

I found Ridgeview not focused on anxiety and depression. I didn't have addiction problems but I ended up in AA groups everyday. They never focused on my specific problems which was severe depression and anxiety. I left after 7 days worse than when I arrived. more

Ridgeview really helped once I got out of the first program. It helped me to learn to manage my problems in a better way then I had before; which was isolation. I try not to do that anymore. Pros: null Cons: null more

My son is an addict. It's shameful, and embarrassing. Ridgeview taught me it is a brain disease. I have learned so much in the 3 weeks my son has been there. I've seen a HUGE change in him. He loves it there, and I love it there. I have a new family now. The staff is second to none. I am so happy with his decision to go to Ridgeview. It is truly a GREAT place! Pros: null Cons: null more

I hit a brick wall and knew I had to go "somewhere!" Researched several places to go and for various reasons Ridgeview was the place I chose. I was terrified with the unknown but I needed help and I just had to walk in and let it happen. The days will filled with two group therapy, two lectures, meditation, nightly recovery meetings and two to three psychiatric appointments per week - for four weeks. I can honestly say I walked out a different person. This program is not just designed to help people with addictions but is also for people with mental health issues. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to give themselves a new lease on life! I was fortunate enough to be inpatient and live in the "house" while I was there. The friendships I formed there are something I will cherish the rest of my life. more

I initially did not want to seek help at Ridgeview because I believed I did not have a problem with alcohol. Looking back -- not only did I have a problem but my life was starting to unravel. I entered their evening outpatient program, and it's the single best decision I've made my entire life. The staff educated me on addiction and how it is a disease, not an issue of morality. The campus and facilities are comfortable. I still attend free after care groups.These days I am a much happier, healthier person. I have a whole new perspective on life and Ridgeview to thank for it. more

Having experienced treatment at Ridgeview and at other rehabilitation facilities including both a "country club" and a "boot camp", I am confident in recommending Ridgeview to anyone in need of help with alcoholism or addiction. Yes, the admissions process can be tedious and a bit frustrating. The one thing I can tell you for certain is that once you get past the admissions hurdle, the staff at Ridgeview genuinely care about you as a person. They did not give up on me, even though they had every right to, and they went out of their way to show me that they cared. Their concern for patient success carries over into the alumni/aftercare program which is one of the best in the country and is available to all alumni, absolutely without cost for as long as we choose to participate more

It was not my choice to go to treatment and get help; I didn't think I had a problem. I mean didn't everyone take prescribed medication the way I did; you know an entire month in a week. No! more

I went through years of bondage to alcohol and drugs with no solution to the difficulties in my life. With Ridgeview's help, I began to live life the way it's supposed to be lived: with freedom and love and without regret. I am forever greatful for the staff and volunteers there. The access center was a little unforgiving but the rest of the treatment and the rest of my life has made the couple of hours in the access center well worth it. more

I went to Ridgeview for treatment of long-term alcohol addiction in Feb 2008. Yes, it's scary to enter a psych hospital/treatment center. Yes, the assessment and admissions process is long and potentially uncomfortable for someone in the grip of addiction and/or psych issues. But that's what it takes no matter where you go for this kind of care. I didn't think anything or anyone really could help me to stop drinking but my experience at Ridgeview did it. My obsession with alcohol was lifted during my 4 weeks as a resident patient followed up with 3 weeks of half days. I was so comfortable in my skin at the end of the first 4 weeks I didn't want to leave but it's not a long-term facility. They give you the tools to continue healing outside in the real world. I love the place so much I go every week after 3 years of sobriety for free continuing care group meetings. And I stay involved further through the Alumni Association. This facility is renowned nationally and certainly one of the best in the southeast. No, rehab ain't pretty and it's not cheap but it can save your life if you're serious about it and do what the professionals tell you to do. more

This was the right place for me!!!! In July 2010 I was admitted to Ridgeview for Alcohol Addiction after intervention by three of my adult children. I hated it at first but after a few days decided to stay. This is a tough program. My case manager was a perfect fit FOR ME. I am 62 years old and have abused alcohol since age 14. SAVED MY LIFE. I do not know if this program is for everyone, but I would recommend it for anyone with an addiction problem. 9 months sober and life has never been better. Saved my marriage and my relationship with my kids and grandkids. It really can work!!!! more

Dr. McLarty Admits during Deposition: 1) Renting a Motel Room to "Talk" to my wife 2) Bought her Gifts 3) Gave her $75,000 for her silence 4) Bought her a plane ticket to join him in Alabama. And the list goes on and on. After 8 years my case against him was thrown out by a judge saying it was not filed in the 2 year minimum. It was filed in under 2 years but I could not afford the $15,000 it would cost to appeal the judges decision. I guess money does win out over justice sometimes. more

I'm going to preface this review with a disclaimer: one of the biggest - if not THE biggest - problems with mental health treatment in the U.S. is that simply being labeled "mentally ill" automatically throws everything you say and do under suspicion. The mentally ill are not stupid; many of us are quite lucid and brilliant, but the reasons why treatment never improves is because the people in the best position to point out the flaws - the mentally ill - are too often written off as being liars and exaggerators. Therefore, I understand that there might be people who will say that I'm making this stuff up, but I wasn't the only one at Ridgeview who witnessed what was going on. Pros: Nothing. Not a damn thing. Cons: Apathetic staff at best, hostile staff at worst. Your patient rights as an adolescent are routinely ignored and subverted. This place is a joke for "recovery." more