Drug-free Mental Health inpatient treatment?

[turil.livejournal.com]

I just called the Cambridge Health Alliance Mental Health emergency services and wanted to check myself in. Before I went in, I wanted to be assured that they wouldn't drug me without my consent. The woman said that she could not "arbitrarily" assure me of that, got angry with me, and actually hung up on me while I was crying. (Seriously.)

So I'm kind of in need of finding some place local that doesn't drug people without consent, and that might have some staff that don't actively try to be mean to depressed individuals looking for help...

Any suggestions?

I also don't have any health insurance or money.

(No, I'm not officially suicidal yet, but I'd rather get this taken care of before that happens, you know?)

Comments

[tt02144.livejournal.com]

First I'd like to say that I'm sorry for your troubles and wish you the best of luck.
Afer experiences with CHA's substance abuse 'program' I would stay very far away from them. This includes both Somerville Hospital and Cambridge Hospital, both owned and operated by CHA. I think that several of the clinics in the city are also operated by them. I am in the midst of a possible law suit against them.
I would suggest Mclean Hospital in Belmont, which is private, but may offer free care. They have a long reputation of serving those with mental illness.
I would also try Baldpate Hospital in Georgetown, MA.
I also think that Mass. General may have a psych unit, although I'm not too sure on that.
Do you have a regular doctor who could advise you? There are doctors in SOmerville who accept Mass Health patients. The advice of a good doctor can be invaluable.
Best of luck - keep us posted.

[recoiling.livejournal.com]

I believe Mclean offers free care, as it is a teaching hospital. I've heard good reports on Mass General, which I think might be affiliated with Maclean.

Take care*