Sharp McDonald Center

ABOUT SHARP MCDONALD CENTER

Sharp McDonald Center, located in San Diego, Calif., offers residential, outpatient, and aftercare treatment to children, adolescents, and adults struggling with substance abuse. The center is among 28 facilities in the state to offer residential, hospital-based detox on-site.The facility is part of the Sharp HealthCare network, a group of hospitals and medical groups providing various medical services throughout the San Diego area.

TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT

Each of Sharp McDonald Center’s programs involve three phases of treatment. Depending on the type of program, admission and detoxification may last between three to five days, while rehabilitation can last three to eight weeks. Aftercare is ongoing, determined by the needs of the program graduate. To be admitted, prospective clients must contact the facility directly by phone.

Throughout each program, clients receive an individualized treatment plan, which may include a combination of counseling sessions, therapeutic recreation, and educational classes. For adults who are addicted to prescription pain medication or other opiate-based drugs, treatment may include medically supervised drug therapy. Medications prescribed may include methadone, acamprosate, naltrexone and buprenorphine. Only 25.2 percent of facilities in California offer buprenorphine treatment.

In addition to evidence-based programming, the facility also offers an Arts for Healing program, and families are included in the treatment program through a Family Care Program that meets two times a week. Family members may visit relatives immediately following the Family Care Program.

Complimentary aftercare is available for all clients who successfully complete the program. Alumni are eligible to participate in weekly support group meetings as well as hospital-sponsored 12-step meetings.

STAFF CREDENTIALS

The treatment team at Sharp McDonald Center includes psychiatrists, registered nurses, licensed therapists, and certified alcohol and drug addiction counselors. Sharp McDonald Center is part of the 13.9 percent of facilities in California accredited by The Joint Commission.. To date, the five individuals polled on the matter by Rehabs.com praised the facility's staff.

Staff Experience and Training: 4/5

ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES

There is currently no information provided by Sharp McDonald Center regarding its living arrangements and related offerings. To date, the five individuals polled on the matter by Rehabs.com appreciated the cleanliness of the facility.

Cleanliness and Upkeep: 4.4/5

WHAT ALUMNI SAY

At the time of this writing, there have been four alumni polled by Rehabs.com, who offered mostly positive feedback concerning the facility. The two alumni polled extensively by Rehabs.com gave high four- and five-star ratings for the amount of family participation, holistic offerings, and counseling options. When asked about strengths of the facility, reviewers tended to describe group therapy as helpful and felt staff members were supportive. One alum wrote: “I came in not wanting to be there and not talking much but they got me to open up and be more social.”

On Google, the facility also received mostly positive reviews, as 12 individuals polled gave an average rating of 3.9 out of five stars. This included three one-star ratings and eight five-star ratings. "One of the best options out there to begin your recovery," wrote R.K. in a representative five star review. J.B. however felt that treatment was not worth the high cost. "If you are not wealthy don't bother," they wrote.^[1]

WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY

At the time of this writin, there have been three loved ones polled by Rehabs.com. All three reviewers agreed that there were many counseling options to choose from and that the facility was adequately equipped and staffed to treat co-occurring mental health problems. Two of the three loved ones also felt that facility's staff were experienced and well-trained.

When asked about strengths of Sharp McDonald Center, all three survey respondents mentioned the caring staff of the facility. When asked about weaknesses of the facility, one reviewer called it “ineffective” and another said staff needed to be more timely when medication was required. One loved one added, “We felt the staff was top notch, and they really cared...I firmly believe this facility really helped my friend tremendously.”

FINANCING

There is currently no information provided by the facility regarding its costs. However, Sharp McDonald Center accepts a wide range of insurance plans, including but not limited to, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem, Humana, AARP Medicare, and Unitedhealthcare. Clients are encouraged to contact the facility directly for additional information regarding the cost of treatment. To date, the five individuals polled by Rehabs.com concerning the matter generally approved of the cost of the facility.

Affordability: 3.6/5

^[1] https://goo.gl/maps/dBXaz79DkqE2