queer friendly psych hospitals in Mass, BC/BS insurance
May 9, 2018 9:35 AM Subscribe
Hi MeFi. I have a friend in need that I'm trying to help. They need to be hospitalized [psych ward] and have some special needs that need to be considered. They are queer and need to have queer-friendly/focused care and they prefer to stay in MA. I did some googling and just came up with one partial hospitalization program, which isn't enough [for Reasons]. What are some good psych hospitals/facilities in MA that are queer-focused that take Blue Cross/Blue Shield?
Seconding the Brattleboro Retreat program, which is very good. It's very likely that Mass. Blue Cross/Blue Shield would cover treatment there. It's two hours from downtown Boston.
posted by beagle at 10:07 AM on May 9, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by beagle at 10:07 AM on May 9, 2018 [1 favorite]
I would check McLeans, right outside Boston. They have a LGBTQ Mental Health Initiative. Some of my former students, queer and otherwise, did programs there and all say McLeans saved their lives.
There's also the Triangle Program in Brookline: The Triangle Program at Arbour-HRI Hospital is the first partial hospitalization program in the Boston area that comprehensively responds to the complex mental health needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning people. I don't know anyone who went there so can't speak to it personally..
posted by yes I said yes I will Yes at 12:12 PM on May 9, 2018
There's also the Triangle Program in Brookline: The Triangle Program at Arbour-HRI Hospital is the first partial hospitalization program in the Boston area that comprehensively responds to the complex mental health needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning people. I don't know anyone who went there so can't speak to it personally..
posted by yes I said yes I will Yes at 12:12 PM on May 9, 2018
I've done inpatient at Brattleboro and paid for it with BCBS. It was a good experience. When I was on the LGBT floor, it wasn't all LGBT patients — some cis/straight folks who were queer-friendly and well-behaved were also there. That was fine with me, it wasn't a problem, just something to keep in mind so your friend knows what to expect. They also often have a waiting list.
I've also done inpatient at St. Elizabeth's in Boston, which isn't explicitly LGBT-focused, but I found it was LGBT-friendly enough that I felt safe. I'm a very clearly nonpassing trans woman and I'd say the staff at St. E's were 100% respectful, and the other patients were 90% respectful and 10% well-meaning-but-clueless. That's not ideal, for sure. But the thing is, I also found it much easier to get a bed at St. E's than at Brattleboro. So it may be worth keeping them in mind as a plan B if Brattleboro is full and your friend isn't safe to be at home, or if the "stay in MA" thing is a hard limit.
I don't have experience at McLean, so I can't speak to that one, but I've heard good things.
Also, I know you said partial hospitalization isn't enough right now, but the Triangle partial hospitalization program changed my life and I know a lot of other mentally ill queers around here who would say the same. Like, what my inpatient stays did for me was keep me physically safe and get me some help with med adjustments. But Triangle is by far the place where I've done the most real growing and changing and learning. If it's at all possible, try to get your friend some time there after they're discharged from inpatient. (Brattleboro or St. E's can probably help arrange this. Arranging to discharge patients into a partial is something hospitals do a lot.)
posted by nebulawindphone at 12:48 PM on May 9, 2018 [1 favorite]
I've also done inpatient at St. Elizabeth's in Boston, which isn't explicitly LGBT-focused, but I found it was LGBT-friendly enough that I felt safe. I'm a very clearly nonpassing trans woman and I'd say the staff at St. E's were 100% respectful, and the other patients were 90% respectful and 10% well-meaning-but-clueless. That's not ideal, for sure. But the thing is, I also found it much easier to get a bed at St. E's than at Brattleboro. So it may be worth keeping them in mind as a plan B if Brattleboro is full and your friend isn't safe to be at home, or if the "stay in MA" thing is a hard limit.
I don't have experience at McLean, so I can't speak to that one, but I've heard good things.
Also, I know you said partial hospitalization isn't enough right now, but the Triangle partial hospitalization program changed my life and I know a lot of other mentally ill queers around here who would say the same. Like, what my inpatient stays did for me was keep me physically safe and get me some help with med adjustments. But Triangle is by far the place where I've done the most real growing and changing and learning. If it's at all possible, try to get your friend some time there after they're discharged from inpatient. (Brattleboro or St. E's can probably help arrange this. Arranging to discharge patients into a partial is something hospitals do a lot.)
posted by nebulawindphone at 12:48 PM on May 9, 2018 [1 favorite]
I would check McLeans, right outside Boston.
I have someone close to me who has spent a lot of time in and out of Mclean and it's definitely been the most dignified of all of the inpatient experiences he's had. Can not speak specifically to their LGBTQ friendliness except that they seemed generally progressive and I'm familiar with their LGBTQ Mental Health Initiative.
posted by jessamyn at 1:42 PM on May 9, 2018
I have someone close to me who has spent a lot of time in and out of Mclean and it's definitely been the most dignified of all of the inpatient experiences he's had. Can not speak specifically to their LGBTQ friendliness except that they seemed generally progressive and I'm familiar with their LGBTQ Mental Health Initiative.
posted by jessamyn at 1:42 PM on May 9, 2018
Austen Riggs is a well-respected hospital in western mass, in the berkshires area. i'm not sure if they have any specifically lgbt programs, but that area of mass tends to be very progressive and accepting of everyone! might be worth checking out. i wish the best for your friend, and you're a good soul for helping.
posted by carlypennylane at 6:05 PM on May 9, 2018
posted by carlypennylane at 6:05 PM on May 9, 2018
Just sent you a memail.
posted by litera scripta manet at 7:38 PM on May 9, 2018
posted by litera scripta manet at 7:38 PM on May 9, 2018
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by zem at 9:45 AM on May 9, 2018 [2 favorites]