Acute Services

Hill Crest follows a "whole health" approach. The "whole health" approach takes virtually every aspect of the patient's life into account - medical and psychiatric issues, medication, the environment in which the patient is treated, the patient's diet and outside support are just some of the factors considered.

Common Disorders

Patients with psychiatric disorders often have more than one disorder. They may have eating disorders and substance abuse issues. They are also likely to have medical issues that need to be addressed. When co-occurring disorders are not treated together, one disorder typically worsens as the other disorder improves.

Hill Crest Team Approach

Hill Crest believes that no one approach is sufficient to achieve complete recovery. At Hill Crest, a multidisciplinary team is assigned to each patient to develop a plan that addresses all aspects of the patient's psychiatric and medical needs.

The multidisciplinary team approach helps patients develop the skills necessary to gain control of their psychiatric disorder - or disorders - improve their support system, increase self-esteem and establish a stable foundation for long-term recovery. By treating the whole person, rather than focusing on only one symptom, we can better provide a lasting recovery.

Please see a list of our programs below:



Hill Crest Behavioral Health Services offers a highly structured Children’s Program, accredited by the Joint Commission Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), and certified by the State of Alabama Department of Mental Health, that employs a multidisciplinary approach for treating children (ages 5-12) who are experiencing difficulties with emotional problems and/or psychiatric illnesses. The Child Program is designed to provide the highest level of direct patient care that is possible, which includes but not limited to physical, social, medical and psychotherapeutic treatment interventions. Following the completion of the Child Program, an appropriate referral is then made for the child to continue treatment in the least restrictive level of care possible. The level of care recommended is determined by the individual needs of the child.


Therapeutic Opportunities


  • Play Therapy (Group and/or Individual)
  • Homebound School Program
  • Family Support Group
  • Discharge Planning
  • Behavioral Management System
  • Family Therapy
  • Health Education and Life Skills
  • Pet Therapy
  • Structured Recreational Activities
  • Adventure Based Counseling

Before admission to the Children’s Program, patients receive a comprehensive assessment of their mental, physical, and spiritual needs to determine the most appropriate level of care. The treatment team, led by the attending psychiatrist, develops an individual treatment plan for each patient and meets regularly to review each patient’s progress and to update treatment goals. Family members are also invited to participate in treatment team and family sessions.


Hill Crest Behavioral Health Services offers a highly structured Adolescent Program, accredited by the Joint Commission Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), and certified by the State of Alabama Department of Mental Health, that employs a multidisciplinary approach for treating adults (ages 12-18) who are unable to function within their current environment and need more intensive diagnostic and/or therapeutic services than be provided on an outpatient basis. The Adolescent Program is designed to provide the highest level of direct patient care that is possible, which includes but not limited to physical, social, medical and psychotherapeutic treatment interventions. Following the completion of the Adolescent Program, an appropriate referral is then made for the adolescent to continue treatment in the least restrictive level of care possible. The level of care recommended is determined by the individual needs of the adolescent.

Population Served: Severe Depression, Sexual Abuse Issues, Severe Mood Swings, Conduct Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, Childhood Trauma, Borderline Personalities, Identity Disorders, and more.


Program Features


  • Assessment(s): Physical Exam/Labs, Psychiatric, Nursing, Educational, Recreational, Psychosocial, Hearing & Vision, EPSDT
  • Individual/Group/Family/Recreational/Art Therapy
  • Licensed Private School, Carnegie Units, Individualized Education Program
  • Family Support Group
  • Behavioral Management (Point System)

Following the completion of the Adolescent Program, an appropriate referral is then made for the adult to continue treatment in the least restrictive level of care possible. The level of care recommended is determined by the individual needs of the adolescent.


Hill Crest Behavioral Health Services offers a highly structured Adult Program, accredited by the Joint Commission Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), and certified by the State of Alabama Department of Mental Health, that employs a multidisciplinary approach for treating adults (ages 18+) who are experiencing difficulties with emotional problems and/or psychiatric illnesses. The Adult Program is designed to provide the highest level of direct patient care that is possible, which includes but not limited to physical, social, medical and psychotherapeutic treatment interventions. Following the completion of the Adult Program, an appropriate referral is then made for the adult to continue treatment in the least restrictive level of care possible. The level of care recommended is determined by the individual needs of the adult.

Hill Crest’s programs are approved for Champus, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Medicare, and most Commercial and HMO insurances.


Program Features


  • Assessments: Physical, Psychiatric, Psychological, Recreational, Psychosocial and Nursing
  • Individual/Group/Family Therapy
  • Adventure Based Counseling
  • Pastoral Care
  • Weekly Substance Abuse Recovery Group
  • Weekly Aftercare Support Group
  • Comprehensive Discharge Planning

The PICU Program is available for adult men and women 18 years and over experiencing severe depression, anxiety, psychosis, mood swings, sexual abuse issues, post traumatic stress disorders, identity disorders, and/or other emotional problems severe enough to cause a negative impact on their life functions. The PICU is designed as a smaller, structured unit for those adults requiring closer observation and even more individualized observation.

The PICU Program is designed to provide the highest level of direct patient care that is possible, which includes but not limited to physical, social, medical and psychotherapeutic treatment interventions. Following the completion of the PICU Program, an appropriate referral is then made for the adult to continue treatment in the least restrictive level of care possible. The level of care recommended is determined by the individual needs of the adult.

Hill Crest’s programs are approved for Champus, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Medicare, and most Commercial and HMO insurances.


Program Features


  • Assessments: Physical, Psychiatric, Psychological, Recreational, Psychosocial and Nursing
  • Individual/Group/Family Therapy
  • Adventure Based Counseling
  • Pastoral Care
  • Weekly Substance Abuse Recovery Group
  • Weekly Aftercare Support Group
  • Comprehensive Discharge Planning

Help is Just a Phone Call Away

We cannot offer diagnosis, counseling or recommendations online, but an Assessment and Referral specialist is available 24 hours/7 days a week at 205.833.9000. If you are currently experiencing an emergency, please dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

If you prefer to contact us via email, please click here to fill out a request information form.

 
 
 

© Hill Crest Behavioral Health Center
6869 Fifth Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35212

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