San Antonio peeps: This is the perfect place for you if you are willing to go in with an open mind…read moreand heart, as well as an understanding that this is a system trying to assist numerous people who need as much as, less, the same, or much more aide than you in that moment. The circumstances that brought you here can't be changed, but what CAN change are your current and future experiences. Yes, there will be times where you are uncomfortable and you may feel alone or unheard, but everyone in there does to some extent - however, the staff is open to your requests and though they may not be fulfilled IMMEDIATELY or it seems like they're distracted (they have paperwork, cleaning maintenance, and other patients, etc. too you know ;p).
I've read some of the reviews, and in full transparency, after a brief stint in most unsanitary conditions, I was eternally grateful for a water-stained shower (I wiped it first, nothing came off) and the snacks/food provided and we always had water, and basic necessary toiletries available (something else they don't care about in the other place I was). Plus, there are so many opportunities to socialize and explore your thoughts - like group therapy and smoke breaks if you're a smoker. I suggest you have your own pack, but they also have "community" packs. Sometimes the community packs are all out, but by that time if you've been able to break out of your comfort zone a little bit you'll likely have made a friend willing to give you a half stick if you ask from their personal stash (shout out to y'all reading this that were there with me and shared/gave full stick!).
This is a group environment, but they have games, books, worksheets, coloring books, markers, etc. available. Keep in mind this is only one, group form of therapy, and within it, you have a role to play. So play! :D Really sit with the resources and yourself and if you identify something you need/want/ or want more information on tell your group leader, Dr., therapist, or any one of the workers there and if they need to, they will either relay the information for you when they can or help set up a meeting with the person you need.
If you're considering going here, I suggest you start with any diagnosis/medication you've been given and your experience with it/them and research it using Google, articles, ChatGPT. Then you can go in (or maybe even find a more suitable healthcare system) and when you have an opening tell the right person (Dr, therapist, group leader) what you've learned about yourself and they can add their expertise so that together y'all can come up with a gameplan that you're actually excited to work with!
Don't think of this as a place where you'll get a quick fix to all the problems - you won't get it. The reality is you won't get a fast resolution anywhere. BUT every moment, no matter the circumstance, is a start. And this place is a great sandbox to start playing in. YOU are always going to be the expert on yourself, so gather enough facts about you, take them here and see where the opportunity to explore 1+ of those facts will be.
Whether you go here or not, I am praying you find your peace and happiness within yourself - you're truly the only one who can provide that for yourself (with a little bit of help from some experts in their fields!). Let the Higher Authorities and your drive to feel happiness even in the darkest of times guide you!
Shout out also to all the staff - thank you for helping me in every way you did and have and are continuing to do. I believe you understand the depth of my gratitude. :_)3AO