Kootenai Health Behavioral Health

This place makes ur problems 10x worse

The French toast was aight…

I went here back in November 2023, probably the worst experience I've ever had. Treats you like prisoners, and just makes you feel worse. Never go here.

I loved everybody here the staff was kind and they kept talking about how my grandma makes the best tamales 😭. I had a good time over there ❤️😁

I doubt many behavioral health hospitals get high marks, so I'd advise to take some of the bad reviews with a grain of salt. The staff here truly want to help and will do everything in their power to assist in your individual recovery process. They equip you with the tools you need to succeed in your management of symptoms of mental illness. Unfortunately, some staff's good intentions do not carry through in regards to outcomes. I am unsure what training the 1:1s receive, but it doesn't seem adequate. One of them was looking through my personal pictures, told me to "kick" my grandparent's Buddha head statue around the yard, that they were going to hell because they aren't Christian, that my father was "hot," asked what was "wrong" with my brother, frequently sat on my bed and showed me pictures on her phone, and asked very invasive questions just to shame me about my responses. One staff member literally told us that all we had to do was "choose to be happy" and we would be fine. She also repeatedly, openly advocated for her religion. There's also the issue of exposing children to adults with serious mental health issues. Though they are mostly kept separate, they still witness the outbursts and they can be very traumatizing for even other adults to witness. Unfortunately, I'm sure many of the other children were used to it, which may have lessened the pain. It's about whether it would do more harm than good. Is it healthy for a developing mind to be placed in a room with nothing but a mattress on the floor, a few blankets, and a camera, close to adults with homicidal tendencies and older peers who are bad influences? Probably not. But, there are many situations in which it's a safer, more reliable option than what can be done at home to help with recovery. Overall, despite the inevitable downsides of running a place like this, I can see how it can help. It's a mostly pleasant environment. There's carpet flooring, see-through windows, art on the walls, and a team of people who are devoted to helping you be healthy and happy. The staff truly listen to you and seek to understand. They strike a good balance between giving generalized treatment and meeting individual needs. They will truly go above and beyond to make sure you are getting what you need in a time of crisis. You're taught many unique coping skills, my personal favorite was juggling, and receive regular therapy and support. Lots of the learning materials are pretty cheesy and a little outdated, but there's a lot you can get out of KBH if you are open to it. I saw many peers leave much more equipped to deal with their illnesses than when they came. It was very fulfilling to see. I'm not certain on the current state of KBH as it has been many years since my stay, but I hope this is of help to someone.

Thank you for transforming lives. You guys really made a difference for a client of mine after completing one of the inpatient programs.

When you are insane, yes, sometimes that means they lock you in a room. Being insane, of course it FEELS unjust, but what? Are they just supposed to let you run loose and abuse patients and staff? But hey, love KBH, went there off and on since 2018. Last year I was actually released without medication, so yes, a vast improvement from the insane "imprisoned" person I was 7 years ago. There's hope here. There's good medication for those who need it. The roughest times at KBH are when they are short staffed. Feeling ignored doesn't help the mentally ill. If you're debating on going to an ER for psych help, come here, do NOT go to sacred heart. Food is good, it's terrible, inedible at Sacred Heart.

Kathy should receive a gold medal and her counsel should be held in the highest regard, Brandon and Faulk as well. I've had plenty of experience as a patient here. Melony on the counseling staff is superb, Johnny as well. Dan and the awesome grey haired guy, whose name escapes me at the moment, also commendable. I've seen staff come and go through the last 7 years of being a patient. These people deserve recognition and applause.