Embark Behavioral Health

If you are reading this review, you are probably a parent who was where I was - distraught, scared, unsure and lost. And to cut to the chase, I would not hesitate to send your precious child to Embark. Our teenage son had struggled with mental health and had a pretty disastrous first PHP experience at another facility. We had no other choice but to find another PHP and based on the reviews and a very positive phone intake process, we decided to give Embark a try but with apprehension.

As soon as we entered Embark, it felt different. Though it’s a very small place, it was warm and inviting unlike the clinical and stifling environment we often find in mental health institutions. We met with Matt, the executive director and Tony, the clinical director, to learn more about the program. Matt sounded confident that my son would benefit from their 6 week PHP but that he is required to attend every day. I was a bit skeptical that my son would make it through the 6 week PHP when he refused to attend the 2 week PHP. To my surprise and whatever magic Embark had, he attended the program fully.

What I also appreciated was that they ask the child and parents to fill out a survey every other week so that the progress can be measured. I couldn’t get the other PHP to tell me what the goals and plans were, let alone some evidence based results. Embark PHP also requires family therapy which I we benefitted from tremendously because I don’t know how you work with children without addressing the system they are part of. My son was not in a good place with us so these sessions gave us a safe place for us to dialogue with the help of his therapist. I can only share my experience but after 6 weeks of PHP, my son was able to manage his anxiety and depression enough to return to school to finish the school year. We continued with the outpatient with Embark and the day my son came home after discussing the results of his most recent survey and said “Mom, I’m not clinically depressed anymore!” I bursted into tears. I experientially knew that he was getting better but it was another confirmation to see a number tell us that. I attribute much of his progress to Embark PHP and his therapist.

I understand that every therapeutic experience is different, and the fit of a program/therapist and your child can’t be predicted but I can say if you are in a crisis with your child, definitely reach out to Embark. You will be able to tell the caliber of the staff immediately with their warmth, knowledge, professionalism, care, and commitment to the welfare of the children. I extend warm compassion to every parent/caregiver needing to read this review.

After several experiences with various programs, and levels of care, I am so grateful we found Embark. In a warm, comforting, safe, and inviting environment we finally found the place for my teen to heal and grow. The staff gives their hearts to these kids, and their families. My child’s therapist is amazing and has frankly brought them back to me, and to themselves. After months and months of disappointments and frustrations experienced throughout the broader mental health system I could not have been more impressed with this program - Embark is doing it right everyday for these kids. They feel like family now.

We went to Embark at absolute rock bottom and five months later have a child that has interests, socializes and smiles now. We tried other programs in the past and they do not compare to the well rounded, immersive experience you will find at Embark Berwyn. They deserve a million gold stars in my opinion. They helped our child find a lot of reasons to keep living. We are grateful!

If you're a parent reading these reviews, I can relate. I did the same thing when we were "shopping around" for a place that could help our teen. We had experience with other places and were sorely disappointed so when I say we were all in when we read these reviews, I really mean it. Embarks program provides group, individual and family therapy and in my non professional (parent only) way, it's the trifecta to making long term improvements. Don't get me wrong, it's not foolproof. The family needs to put in the work in addition to the patient. And the Embark staff are there to help support, offer advise and provide words of encouragement. My teen was not happy the first few days and wanted to quit. There were some other tough days too. But, they stuck it out, put in the work, and has graduated from the program. We're not done though - we still work as a family to make sure our teen is supported and heard. They still work on the coping skills they learned at Embark. It's a process that we learned from the talented staff at Embark. As one parent said to me on day two when I didn't know if this was going to work, Trust the Process. We did and we cannot thank the Embark team enough!

High praise for Embark at Mainline! I can't say enough great things about this program. The facility is beautiful, clean and inviting. The clinicians and staff are kind, caring and truly invested in the healing of the kids they work with. I was routinely reached out to by the clinicians to check on how my daughter was doing which warmed my heart because I truly felt she was cared for and safe; I felt good about her being there.The team at Embark have great energy, clearly love what they do, and because of that I believe it really made all the difference for my daughter. She was motivated to work hard and enjoyed going in every day. I'm impressed by the progress she has made and so grateful to everyone at Embark for helping my daughter. This program works, keep up the great work you're doing and Thank you!