Menninger Clinic--boutique psychiatry?

[fiatslug]

I have a (dependent, help-rejecting complainer) depressed patient whose (domineering, intrusive) family is insisting that she needs Menninger. She's been inpatient, and now in a partial hospitalization setting, and "nothing is working". I personally think this is another in a series of kicking-the-can, fix me, I'm helpless and powerless "solutions" for this patient, who has resisted CBT here mightily... From the Menninger website:

Four main services are available to patients based on their needs.

Neuropsychological assessment as well as recommendations for specific treatment and community support
Inpatient stabilization as an alternative to acute settings, including biopsychosocial assessment, medical detoxification if needed and medication management
Groups that aid patients in preparing for psychiatric treatment
Therapeutic groups, psychoeducation, daily visits from the on-site psychiatrist and meetings twice a week with the treatment team
For adults and their families who are dealing with challenging issues or a crisis, the unit’s interdisciplinary treatment team is well trained and experienced in meeting your needs and collaborating with you on next steps. The team includes a psychiatrist, psychologist, internist, social worker, rehabilitation specialist, addictions counselor, nurses and other specialists.

Revolutionary! Gee, that... pretty much sounds like any other inpatient unit 🙄. Her family is pushing for me to make this recommendation to her insurance, which is naturally balking at paying for this.

Any experience with Menninger? Is there something super-duper fabulous about their treatment, or is it just inpatient for the well-to-do who would rather not eat breakfast next to the chronic community mental health psychotic patient, TVYM?

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[Manicsleep]

Very highly priced but excellent care. Not necessarily better care.

 

[goldennugget]

I rotated through the Menninger clinic during my second year of residency a few years ago . I 'm not sure how it is now because I havent been back there for a while. However, when I was there during my second year, I felt that it was a very good program. I can't say how much better it would be (compared to other clinics you would see ranked on U.S. News), but I think the environment is nice, the staff are very good at what they do, and the work-up is pretty comprehensive. I think it does tend to have a lot of the very well-to-do clientelle; fortunately the staff have a lot of experience working with them already. Compared to other "acute care" inpt settings, it definitely has a longer LOS- about 1-2 months average. there is less of a 'medical model'; meaning that psychiatrists, social workers and psychologists are more on the same level in calling the shots. Thus, there is a heavy slant towards psychotherapy /group therapy during the admission. I personally think that is a good thing.