Alvarado Parkway Institute Behavioral Health System Outpatient Services - La Mesa, California

Jonny Green

This place feels like a prison, do not believe the pictures they use in their profile. Voluntarily checked myself in with severe depression, intake was a nightmare, kept me awake until 2 in the morning with no regard for making me feel welcome or even safe. Practically nothing to do during downtime except pace the halls or watch the one tv with whatever happened to be on. Totally disorganized in terms of group therapy or any activities, extremely uncomfortable one room common area, and made it almost impossible to check myself out. Wouldn’t even let me take my previously prescribed medicine. There were one or two staff that I appreciated because they actually made me feel like a person, so thank you them.

Toyoa Tho

This is an excellent facility! The staff is super kind, patient and eager to get you the mental help that you need! I would give them 10 stars and ten thumbs up if I could, but my review with 5 gold stars will have to be enough. Keep up the excellent work API you all are the best.

Sage Drohan

I attended the Intensive Outpatient program (IOP) for 5 months. It was literally life changing. I learned skills to better my life and gained the support I needed through peers and group facilitators. Groups provided CBT, DBT, and art therapy. My favorite was often processing groups - I would share about my life and hear about others’. It truly helped me learn and relate to others - a connection so important in today’s world. Each staff member valued me, my well being, and overall happiness each day. They consistently supported me and my struggles, while also celebrating my success with the most genuine pride. The consistent kindness was so refreshing and felt genuine. Staff members would greet me with smiles every single day. They really wanted the best for me, and treated me as an individual - honoring the fact that I am a unique person with unique needs. They made me feel loved and cared for when many people in my life have not. They were always open to feedback and took direct action whenever needed - whether that be choosing groups to attend or providing meals that fit my nutritional needs. Thank you SO MUCH API!

Luigi Duran

Completely understand the laws of confidentiality, but trying to get a hold of someone to leave. A message is impossible at times as no one answers on their end to talk to an operator as well as the operator machine Hangs up automatically sometimes

Gives you an uneasy, feeling trying to pass a message along to To someone

Marlee

Their outpatient program has some of the nicest, most kindhearted staff I have ever met. I learned so many skills to help better myself and my mental health and I will forever be thankful that I had the pleasure of learning them at API.

Michelle Sharrieff

I owe so much to API and its staff. I was there for in patient detox and have moved on to out patient care. I feel finally like I have hope. I have been sober for 35 days now and could not have dont it without API.
In patient detox was rough as it should be. They took good care of me mentally and physically.
I am now in the out patient part and feel so hopeful with what I am learning from the Counselors and the other patients. I love these people. I would recommend everyone that needs help to go to API.

Ballard Smith

My grandson is in this facility on a 72 hour hold. He called me this morning and asked me to visit him. I called the facility and was told that visiting hours are from 6 to 7:30 and any exceptions have to be approved by a supervisor. I was told I would get a call back. I never did. After 45 minutes, I drove to the facility and asked to talk to a supervisor. After 30 minutes I asked the receptionist, who was very pleasant and was trying to be helpful, if the supervisor was going to talk to me. After another 15 minutes, I was told the supervisor, Sherri Miller, would not talk to me and visiting hours were from 6 to 7:30.

I understand rules but I also understand common courtesy. Not only had I been told that exceptions were made, I saw numerous people admitted to see patients who the receptionist said were not staff but rather visitors. There is no excuse for not calling me back nor Sherri Miller making me wait and ignoring me.

The reviews on this place are disturbing but probably accurate.

Sydney Young

I know that no inpatient setting is going to be an 100% positive experience, but I was treated like I was less than human. My concerns were not taken seriously at all. I was given the wrong doses of medications and gaslit when I confronted them about it. I was belittled and made to feel like I was stupid, and had no value. I left here with more trauma than I came in with. I swear Everytime I drive past the building I get hit with a wave of adrenaline and panic. The one thing this place has going for it is you can go outside a few times a day.
Do not go here unless you have absolutely ZERO other options. ESPECIALLY if you are a younger woman. Several older men were very creepy and inappropriate towards me and my concerns were, once again, dismissed.