PSYCH FACILITY REVIEW: BHC ALHAMBRA
BHC Alhambra is one of the largest psychiatric facilities in the Southern California area, and I just so happen to have been there three times.
BHC is divided into many sections. They treat adults, teens, and they have an eating disorder unit. I've only been to the teens unit so that's all I can speak on.
You will typically come in through the side gate and be moved past the adult units A and B. I've heard better things about unit A than B. You will also pass the art therapy room before entering the teen unit. Inside the staff are quick to take your vitals. Paperwork may take a while but as in all psych wards they will do a body search. If I remember correctly, it's not the most invasive search I've ever been through; you are able to remain clothed for most of it. You will have 1-2 roommates depending on if you're on the girl's or boy's side, the boy's side typically has less and they do tend to room you based on your AGAB.
Each morning there is a meeting that you are encouraged to attend, where unit rules are discussed. Attending groups are a good way to find aquaintences and show the doctor that you are doing well. You will meet with the doctor every day, and he is the one who can control everything you do there. The staff are very attentive to you but easy to bypass. The staff monitor everything you do and report back to the doctor who will determine the length of your stay, however you should refrain from asking the doctor about leaving. BHC likes to keep people for a longer amount of time than other psych wards because if you don't do well post-discharge it reflects back on the doctor. The doctor and staff will meet to discuss your progress once a week where they determine how long your stay should be.
The schedule is typically wake up/ vitals/ breakfast/ ADLs/ morning meeting/ groups/ lunch/ groups/ quiet time/ groups/ dinner/ groups/ bed. The group therapists are nice and easy to talk to.
BHC operates on a levels system. Rewards for leveling up include cafeteria time and more trust from the doctor.
As for my personal experience, they had trouble keeping me safe, but their protocols for emergencies are predictable. They jump to medication and it is rare they work on coping skills. They will also typically keep you by the nurse's station in the event you become a danger. Their bendy pencils are good quality and they supply journals. They let you wear your own clothes and use your own toiletries that they keep in contraband until you need them, so feel free to pack your own things. They will be thuroughly reviewed.
Overall: 5/10. Good place, allows too much.
Anything I missed or questions you have feel free to ask.