Posting anonymously from a friend's account: I respectfully and firmly stand by every word of my…read moreoriginal review on Google by Ocean Waves. This is my truth, it is 100% accurate and exactly what I experienced.
My experience at this facility was deeply distressing and, in my view, a profound injustice. I hold an MBA in Finance and Accounting and have been in two graduate programs, yet despite clear communication and full orientation, I was hospitalized due to what I know was a misdiagnosis.
During my stay, one I should never have been subjected to, I encountered treatment that I consider both inappropriate and unethical. A nurse named Watta and a behavioral technician, who brought in her brother as a patient, performed an aggressively forceful body check, and during that incident, I believe a photo or video of me in an unclothed, vulnerable state was taken without my consent and then publically shared. Additionally, Nurse Watta and the other nurse who brought in her male relative I believe to be her brother performed an aggressively forceful body check on me and took a video or picture of me in an unclothed, vulnerable state without my consent. I reported this incident to patient relations.
To make matters worse, the psychiatrist, Dr. Chidiac, proceeded with what I believe was an additional misdiagnosis. Nurse Jessica, who repeatedly displayed disrespectful behavior toward patients, forced me to take an antipsychotic injection typically used for individuals with schizophrenia, an illness I do not have. This particular medication remains active in the body for roughly a month, making the decision even more unnecessary and harmful from my perspective. I was given no justification that aligned with my actual condition or symptoms.
Beyond the medical concerns, the overall environment was extremely uncomfortable and poorly managed. The lounge area is furnished with hard, block-style seating that patients are required to use because bedroom access is restricted throughout the day. After exercising in the gym, there is no accessible drinking water, which is unacceptable for patient health and safety. The ventilation system is also inadequate, causing widespread allergy issues among patients, including myself.
At no point did staff clearly explain how the unit operates, nor did they inform me that participation in certain activities and groups was mandatory for discharge. Because of this lack of communication, I ended up remaining there for nearly a month, something that could have been avoided entirely had staff provided even basic guidance.
The way some staff members treated me is something I will never forget. I was repeatedly misunderstood, judged, and dismissed. Unfounded assumptions were made about my character, and at one point Nurse Jessica went so far as to call me racist, an accusation completely untrue and entirely inconsistent with who I am especially as a minority myself. Additionally, the behavioral technician Jimmy called me a "nasty ass" and "spoiled," language that was not only unprofessional but deeply degrading. It is unacceptable for any healthcare professional, especially someone working with vulnerable patients, to use insults or personal attacks instead of empathy, respect, and proper behavioral support.
My assigned male social worker was also extremely dismissive of everything I tried to tell him. He provided no meaningful help or advocacy, and I distinctly remember him laughing very loudly behind my back in a mocking way. These behaviors from multiple staff members left me feeling dehumanized and unheard.
The most shocking moment came during my meeting with several staff members and the judge at Dover Behavioral Health. I was not informed ahead of time that the hearing was taking place, leaving me completely unprepared and blindsided during a meeting of serious consequence.
What happened to me was wrong. No patient, regardless of education, background, or circumstances, should be subjected to misdiagnosis, coercive treatment, privacy violations, or staff mockery. I shared my story not only for accountability but so that Dover Behavioral Health System might recognize these serious issues and improve the standard of care for others.
I welcome a genuine, transparent investigation that includes speaking directly with me and reviewing all records, rather than a blanket denial. Patients deserve better.
