Johnstown Heights Behavioral Health - Johnstown, Colorado

Bree M.

If I could give this establishment zero, I would, I have waited a whole entire year to write this, I voluntarily went here from a hospital in Littleton after being assaulted by a family member, we were told that this is a therapeutic place with counselors and just general health for someone who just experienced trauma. I agree to go. I was not on the 72 hour old. I was not on any hold. They had all of my paperwork all of the police reports. I did not take any prescription medication on the time yet the second I got there they pumped me full with any kind of sedative and antidepressant and basically anything to make my mind numb…. I understand that some people are experiencing Some type of withdrawal or psychosis, but that was not me at all, and this was quite possibly Of the most terrifying traumatic experiences of my whole life… Every time I asked Phone so I could phone my father to come pick me up. They told me I wasn’t allowed to leave. Even though I had my bracelet that said voluntary, and then a nurse came into my Room and quietly said “ I know that you don’t actually belong here and your mental capacity is completely normal and fine but they are gonna try to keep you over the Because it just means money for them, Lucky for me I have a very supportive family that is very high up in the legal system, After a couple phone calls And demanding an AMA I was finally able to leave…. This place Fails anyone who needs actual mental help, and I can most certainly guarantee that most of these five Are written by people who work there or friends of friends because they don’t Want to get shut down again. I can see with full confidence this is a modern Day concentration camp for people who truly need help and nurturing. I know the nurses do their best, but whoever is actually in charge needs to go spend a couple nights…. Shame on you. Greedy, and the true problem with Our mental health system in America.

Julia P.

I would honestly give this place a 4 out of 10. It was better than the one in North Carolina but still not helpful. This is for violent people. People having serious delusions or addicts looking for detox. This is not for people dealing with extreme traumatic depression/anxiety. They can't help those kinds of people and shouldn't try to. It took them over 2 days to get me a hair tie even though I have sensory issues and always cut the tags off all of my clothing . They took my blanket even though I was freezing because they didn't have enough of them. I was on my period and they couldn't find me underwear so I had to just bleed into the scrubs. The whole place is so unorganized they can't keep up with the amount of people they're locking up. All they care about is money and making money off of these people. This place is not about rehabilitation. There's concrete walls and no windows and the only time outside is in a tiny courtyard with no bushes and no flowers and no greenery. This is not good for anyone's mental health...They also lost my belongings and are refusing to release some of them to my father and honestly if this continues I'm just going to contact a lawyer.

Kp S.

Hello everyone that is considering or even is currently at Johnstown heights. I have been here a few times.
My experience here I now see as when I want out of it. The level of care they they offer is great....attend groups don't sleep your day away and want better for yourself and allow them to guide you through that journey. I have been mostly in the detox unit. I had my days where I couldn't get up didn't want to get up and when I did decide to push myself a lil more my experience has been second to none.
Dr Michael, sat with me..listened gave advice and a very compassionate and insightful diagnosis. He is a huge part of why I feel how I feel. Great hire you found your guy.
Groups are what you make of them... it is everywhere.
I truly hope that you all read through this..
Because recovery takes time, and following up and going appointments and honestly giving yourself a chance is what we deserve.
We are not our mistakes and life happens on life's terms, we will get knocked down....but if we stay down thats on us. Johnstown heights is here to give you a hand up .... it's now on us to put one foot in front of another and start the journey.

David D.

Iv been suicidal for over 20 years. If you need help or family members need help. This is the place to go. I have much respect for the staff! They truly care and want to help. The rooms are comfortable and clean. The food is good. And the therapist and doctors are amazing! Please reach out to them if you or family members and friends are in need of mental health concerns and care!

Ino's M.

This place finally got there closing papers! Glad to see it happening. It should have been closed years ago. Patient deaths, sexual assaults, consistently understaffed to the point it was dangerous for patients and the forced closure of their substance abuse wing several years ago says it all. They had been turned into the state repeatedly. It The time for them to close is well overdo.

Tina F.

This hospital is good. The admissions process was long but the person working with my daughter, Geno, was very compassionate and welcoming. He made her feel safe and okay with admitting. Then the nurse on unit was really rude to her and made her scared she would be put on a hold. Then in the morning she met with a Dr. who was very knowledgeable and got her on the right meds. Thanks to all the staff

Meg K.

Usually, when I'm at the point where I am bad enough with active suicidal ideation that I think it's a good idea to admit myself, the ending result is realizing my outside world problems are nothing compared to the hell that is being in a psych ward. Whatever the trigger may be it feels like the better path to go down compared to being trapped in there.

Those of us who have had the unfortunate experience of being in and out of institutions, whether that be incarcerations, rehabs, or the psychiatric ward, talk out more traumatized than you were before we walked in (and often also gain new people and resources for perpetuating dysfunctional coping mechanisms).

The stark reality is that the structured environment, meant to provide safety and healing, often feels more like a prison than a refuge. The sterile walls, the constant surveillance, and the absence of genuine human connection create an atmosphere where vulnerability is met with suspicion. It's a paradox—seeking help, yet feeling more isolated than ever.

As the days drag on, the routines become monotonous, filled with groups and medications that often feel like a band-aid on a deep wound. Conversations with staff may offer brief moments of understanding, but they rarely dive into the complexities of what brought us there in the first place. Instead, we find ourselves sharing space with others who are just as lost, each of us echoing our pain in a cacophony of despair and confusion.

Outside, life continues to move forward, leaving us behind in a limbo that feels both familiar and foreign. Friends and family may struggle to understand what we are going through, their well-meaning advice sometimes falling flat. This disconnect can deepen the sense of isolation, making us question whether we truly belong anywhere at all.

Ultimately, the experience leaves scars that linger long after we leave those walls. The struggle to reintegrate into the “real world” can be daunting, as we grapple with the memories and emotions that the ward has etched into our minds. We often find ourselves caught in a cycle of seeking solace in the very patterns we aimed to escape, questioning if true healing is even possible.

Yet, amidst the darkness, there is a flicker of hope. It’s the recognition that we are not alone in this journey. Sharing our stories and connecting with others who have faced similar battles can be a vital step towards healing. While the road ahead may be fraught with challenges, there is strength in vulnerability, and perhaps, in time, we can learn to navigate our pain in a way that leads to growth rather than despair.

In contrast to previous experiences, my time at Johnstown Behavioral Health was genuinely therapeutic. From the moment I arrived, the atmosphere was filled with compassion and understanding. The staff listened deeply, fostering a safe space where I could explore my feelings without judgment.

The programs were designed not just for crisis management but also to equip us with practical tools for recovery. I felt like an active participant in my healing process. Engaging in therapeutic activities and group sessions created a sense of community that had been missing before, reminding me I was not alone in my struggles.

At Johnstown, I began to understand my mental health episode better, gaining insights that had previously eluded me. The combination of professional guidance and peer support encouraged personal growth and self-reflection, allowing me to see hope amidst the turmoil.

This experience shifted my view on mental health care, showing me that sanctuary is possible even in chaos. My time at Johnstown Behavioral Health equipped me with resilience and the understanding that true healing can be achieved.

Destonie R.

I went here with an open mind.

There’s a schedule posted letting patients know what to expect and when. The only problem with that is the schedule is usually not adhered to. So, be prepared to sit and just wait in hopes a group will be held. Most of my time here (along with many others), was spent playing card games, sleeping, and watching the one TV in the main area.

The groups and most of the counselors are pretty mediocre. The counselors read typical material you can find online related to mental health and addiction. The thing that really helped was talking to others that were also being seen at this facility. Don’t get me wrong, the learning materials they teach can help someone without knowledge. Nonetheless, the material you do know can benefit you, if you are ready to hear it and accept it.

The doctor forgot who I was the first day he was supposed to chat with me. So that was a little awkward. I was given medication that has helped tremendously with my mental health so I thank him for that.

72-hour holds are not a real thing here. If you try to fight it they will put you on another 72-hour hold. I’m sure this is so they can squeeze whatever insurance or money out of you they can.

The few good doctors, techs, counselors, and cooks are trying their best with what they have. What I did notice was the employees were being overworked and overwhelmed and this shows when trying to provide quality care to patients.