most of the good review you see here are all from the private pet of the hospital in 2021 i spent 6 months in birch ward at 14 it was awful staff pick and choose who they like the food is awful many patients had ed’s that staff ignored completely. patients myself included were left for hours having incidents or were imed straight away with no attempt at verbale de-escalation. The care protect cameras would be randomly turned off allowing patients to have big incidents that can be life threatening. the ward is extremely understaffed and patients are left to help each other through incidents. it is an extremely damaging place and i strongly advise you to ask for a different placement if you get a bed here almost all patients i met there got significantly worse and then discharged when they needed help more than ever it is not somewhere you can recover and it has added to my ptsd. certain staff members were abusive in a lot of different ways and should not be a loud to work with kids but the priory chooses to ignore it. Education staff helped me more than therapists did shoutout to sarah from education for listening to everyone. there was ofc the certain hca’s who helped me and sat with me but there was only about 2-3 that actually showed they cared most night staff made it very obvious they were only there for the money and did not care about patients

My son came here a couple of years back for treatment. As the time progressed, we couldn’t see any difference in his health. He was perfectly fine but now he is cut off from his normal life. He is behaving as in he is not interested in his normal life. He now has extreme resentment towards his family which is shocking. Instead of him getting better, as a mother I cannot see any improvement. I think he has become worse with the treatment. This place has ruined my son. I am so frustrated I don’t know what to do. Whoever is thinking of going for treatment. Think twice.

i was an inpatient on birch ward (camhs unit). some of the patients were lovely and a selection of staff, however this place should really be improved. first of all, the staff care more about you attending school than anything else. there is rarely any activities on the ward, very understaffed. i went 2 weeks without being outside even though i asked. mdt is very small, not many people included in your care, and don’t listen. they try to get rid of you as quickly as possible in my opinion. food choices were bad, and many patients suffered with eating disorders which were ignored by staff meaning they wouldn’t really care. staff had favourites, and treated everyone differently. barley anyone would be treated the same, and some staff had no respect for patients even though it’s a psychiatric hospital. overuse of restraint methods, medications. the aim was to basically sedate us without helping us move foward in recovery. we had group therapy every day and we got told off or forced into our rooms if we didn’t want to go. lounge was locked most of the time and there was no wifi meaning a limited amount of things we could watch. the staff would make us hotspot our own mobile data to the tv for some form of entertainment. the area has no surrounding gates, meaning absconsion was easy. the camhs garden was a tiny wooden fenced boxed off area, which was not great at all. the place was very dirty, and cleaners left bleach bottles in the bedrooms! patients could go ages before getting attended to during incidents. the ward was very depressing. bedrooms were nice but the whole ward was one small hallway which isn’t helpful. honestly would never want to send anyone here.

The DBT programme has no 1:1 therapy in adjunct to it, as recommended by Marsha Linehan, the founder of DBT. This in itself could possibly have been made up for by extra support from the therapists but this was not the case. During the group sessions one therapist had trouble remembering people's names and sometimes the course material. He often looked like he was at the point of falling asleep while you were talking to him. Yet he chastised members of the group if they were even 5 minutes late. After I left the group, the second therapist, Benjamin Terry, who had first admitted me to the course, did not acknowledge my email telling him I was leaving and thanking him for the time I had spent in the group. During my time there he did not respond to emails telling him if I was going to miss a session. He only communicated with me before I was admitted to the group. I feel the two therapists could do more to ensure that members of the group do not feel invisible, irrelevant or invalidated - the very experiences people undertaking DBT are trying to overcome. On a separate point, the bureaucracy at the Priory seems to be confused; there were three secretaries for the consultant I was dealing with and it was difficult getting information. Perhaps this is just a temporary situation because of the chaos of covid-19 and lockdown. Even in a referral letter forwarded to me, vital details, that should have been included, were not, and I had no way of finding them out besides booking another (very costly) consultation. I want to add that the people on the DBT course could not have been nicer. As there was only the group work, we were our own 'teachers', and I was continually impressed by how perceptive, empathetic and emotionally mature my fellow group members were. I wish them all the best and hope they can take away valuable components of Linehan's therapy in spite of the inadequacies of the channel through which it is being dispensed. I have just edited this rating down to 1 star after learning that my health insurance have been trying to contact the relevant psychiatrist (Vikram Watts) for over two months to ask him some questions because his referral letter (which I went though one hour long and one 30 minute consultation in order to achieve) was deeply inadequate (I concur; it was five lines long, if I remember). Yet there is no way to ever contact your psychiatrist at the North London Priory. All correspondence goes into a black hole. You can see that this experience is the very last thing someone trying to get over something like PTSD needs. AVOID this place AT ALL COSTS.

I went there in 2008. At the time I thought it was fine. But I now realise how poor a mental hospital it was, given the rates charged. They present themselves as the pinnacle of treatment. They most certainly are not. No doubt some of my criticisms would still hold so I will mention them. 1. They love to upsell trauma workshops. Not everyone in early addiction recovery is in the mental state to do trauma programmes and they made it seem like I was supposed to do it. I did it and it didn't go well. Explaining trauma and its underpinning of addiction is fine but they sell it to you like "do you want fries with that?" I.E. It's a 1 size fits all approach to who gets to do it. Met other alumni from there many years later and they have said similar. People who were in too a fragile state to say no to paying for it and so fragile that it could be detrimental to them. Unfortunately I have heard 2nd hand horror stories of people relapsing after doing trauma workshops in early recovery at the Priory. 2. They are really shaming and anything that you call them up on they say is your addiction. I will say that they didn't do this to me because I was pretty compliant. But they do this to everyone else I was there with. Primary addiction treatment therapists are often not that sharp and every problem is a nail when you only have a hammer. They use shame to make you do things. They treat you like you are a naughty child and they are the parent. I watched this many times (most often with the newer therapists) but with seasoned therapists also. I won't name names because they are likely to have left so it would be pointless but it wasn't a very progressive place when I was there. One thing that they did for me which I was very grateful for was to refer me to an excellent secondary treatment centre. TBH the reason now I think the Priory was so bad was because the second place was so excellent. I realised how poor the programme was at the Priory and how much better it could have been. The Priory felt like a business. The second place felt like a new chance at life.

I stayed on general ward for a month in September 2021. It was a poor experience to be honest. Very little actual therapy, doctors don't listen to you, and a lot of the staff seem like they've had next to 0 training. Dylan the nurse was great, and the other patients i met in there were honestly the the only good part, the hospital din't help at all.

This hospital is disgusting no one was treated right staff was always rude called patients abusive,bully,and the manager Esther was incredibly rude the staff couldn’t keep patients safe at all patients managed to get into the meds room and patients managed to get restricted items from staff! Staff allowed patients to hurt themselves and didn’t help them checks where never done properly! Brich ward.

I was distraught and broken and a lot of other adjectives when I went in. I couldn’t function let alone socialise and this place has been my saviour. I read the reviews and I panicked and almost didn’t come but it’s highly probably the best thing I’ve ever done for myself in my life. Please keep up the good work. I can’t reiterate how much it has saved my life

I’ve just completed the 28 day ATP programme. The ATP therapists are incredible and the care from all the staff at The Priory was wonderful. It’s a perfect environment for anybody struggling with addiction issues - clear boundaries and expectations are set at the start of the 28 days, with support from the therapists, consultants and peer group throughout. The expertise of the ATP team, along with the blend of therapies and workshops have educated and set me on a path to recovery. Thank you. Rooms, food, cleanliness and general environment are all great.

Don't usually leave reviews but saw all the negative ones here and thought it's only right I make people aware of the positive things that happen here to. I've just been discharged from The Priory North London after a short crisis admission and have only positive things to say. The place was clean and well kept, my room was very spacious and comfortable. The room didn't feel at all "clinical" like what you might expect going into a hospital. There were always plenty of staff around ready to help you if you needed extra assistance and all the staff I dealt with were incredibly kind and caring, nothing was too much trouble for them. The staff listened to my input on how I wanted my care/stay to go. I always felt understood, listened to and never felt judged or disrespected. I felt very safe here. The kitchen and cleaning staff were also very kind and welcoming. My consultant was a fantastic help and very supportive while helping me out of my crisis. I always felt like I had the time needed with them to discuss issues without feeling rushed and everything regarding my treatment was always explained clearly with the opportunity to ask questions when needed. I'm so grateful for the help and support I received during my stay here. My thanks go to all the staff who each made my admission a positive experience and helped get myself stable again.

I am a little disappointed by some of the 1 star ratings. But I know and understand the fact every individual experience is different from than others. Perhaps common expectations of many people is being in mental hospital existence of so called "Magic Pill". It doesn't exist and only miracle can happen only you put effort to get better. Like everything in life, people has to work hard to achieve stable and stress free life. No different in the mental hospital environment. They are encouraging people to make and effort. They can only give us 20% of what we need rest of it has to come with our selves. We do need to work hard to achieve our goal to get better. Obviously some cases needs more time depending on the severity of every individual cases. Daily sessions are way better structured than previous years. Added DBT and Trauma education is very useful. But some of the sessions repetitive and after a while people early losing interest to attend the sessions after a while. Staff is very friendly and I personally can't pick one as favourite. They are always there when it needed but they should not looked at personal butler. Being here is not all about getting help from consultants and therapist. They are well equipped and trained to talk to you if you struggling to cope any time of the day. Yes it is looked at 5 star luxurious hotel but behind the scene well equipped fully functioning hospital. Money cost to stay here always a debate, for that reason expectation is very high. People forget the fact a lot happening and so much money spend on to keep this place running. Only thing perhaps I call as downfall and not aiming directly to the hospital. It is the amount of time given to some of the private health care companies. Given someone 28 days of inpatient/outpatient time is not sufficient enough to get better on some cases. Especially when people starting a new medication and sometime this can take up to 3 weeks to make an improvement. By the time they're can get full benefit of the sessions on 1-2-1's they are force to leave. Seeing so many people leaving and not ready to leave very upsetting. Perhaps this is something should considered between the hospital and the private health firms. Overall this is a hospital does what it says on its title from Director to cleaning staff. They are dedicated to their job and doing it with plenty of human touch. At the end all comes to personal experience and seeking for so called perfection when it comes to reviews. Finally in a way we're all lost out on the bearing sea on a different boat. This hospital is the light house for me to find a safe harbour.. Journey continues...

I’ve been a patient on lower court 3 times, I’ve been in over 6 psychiatric hospitals and lower court is one of the best I have been in. The staff are caring and attentive and I have felt I’m able to be honest and open with most of them. They keep me safe when I’m unable to keep myself safe and on the whole all my experiences have been positive. I have spent around 9 months in total on the ward and feel able to accurately describe the experience. Of course, it is a psychiatric hospital so it’s difficult to be here at times but overall it’s good. The ward manager speaks to patients and takes in feedback and is attentive. My doctor is Dr Tyagi (the ocd doctor) who is very good and one of the few doctors who makes me feel heard and understood. I feel very lucky to be able to receive this standard of care.

ATP treatment was the best decision I ever made. Zaheen, Michelle, Alison, Steven and Owen are a vibe. They honestly saved my life. Thank you very much for all your support, couldn’t have done it without you.

The Priory, Southgate are just incredible. My mum was on the general programme and you saved her life, as well as mine and my family’s. We thought we’d lost her and you brought her back to us. I will be eternally grateful for everything the Staff members have done for us. I’ve finally got my fun loving, bubbly, enthusiastic Mum back. Thank you a thousand times over.

I knew this was a CAMS service, but it was local, what I didn't expect is the physical and verbal abuse towards me outside the hospital by paramedics, for asking them to correct an inaccurate log before I signed it. I was also being threatened to be arrested, instead of transported urgently to a hospital for treatment and discharge. Things changed when I pulled out my ID but by then the damage was done and has lasted longer than it should have.

I have my 17 yrs old son staying in this hospital at Birch ward .stuff treat me with no respect and lies . Complaints through the hospital website and email the manger but no response .the hygiene and beds sheet.pillows are terrible condition,when asking the staff they said will change if the patient request! This place make you mor ill.

I went here back in 2010 and it was like walking into a completely different time zone. There were doors missing, and staff trying to de-escalate..what am I talking about, trying to pin in patients in the kitchen about 5 to 1. Staff all hiding in the staff room, never return property or forward on mail, the whole place was dark even the walls told you people have died here. At the end of the corridor you got patients just chilling with aerosol cans and towels, getting high. Just all in all, please if you're a parent and you're reading these reviews - listen to them. This place isn't for recovery it needs to be shut down. Do not send your child here they will get worse, not better. The things the other children got up to, it's scary stuff. I still remember the day I watched my mum walk up that long road with that look only a worried, stressed out, exhausted, done with it, had enough parent-face looks like. Why did I put my mum through that awful experience let alone me.

When I first arrived I was terrified, but giving this place a chance is the best decision I’ve ever made for myself. In 10 days as an inpatient I have learned more here than I have in 7 years of on and off out-patient work. My advice is to give it a chance.

I was one of ATP patients in Dec 2021. For me it was a life changing opportunity. Thanks to the great therapists Michele, and Zaheen in addition to all the caring nursing team.. Highly recommended for ATP program

Dr Tang was extremely fair and accurate in her comments about my current state of health. She was very open minded about her enquiries into my circumstances and my previous history. At the end of my initial appointment I was given some useful feedback that will help me to improve my personal and professional skills. All the staff at the Priory group were inviting and friendly, treating myself and my chaperone with the highest degree of respect and support. I would recommend this institution to anyone looking to seek fair, impartial and genuine care.

Staff use im’s without trying to de escalate the situation , we were only allowed outside for about 30 mins per day and they lost most of my stuff and when i tried to get it back they said they lost it and didn’t even offer to reimburse me , staff also talk down to patients instead of listening. A horrible experience overall

I was supposed to have a treatment at the Priory Hospital but each time it was postponed. When I actually managed to get a booking for the treatment, it actually got cancelled as the member of staff completely messed up my booking. I sent my details to ATP department a number of times but they kept asking me for the same information over and over again. It is actually shocking how such a place can be so disorganized and it does not have any accountability or care to wellbeing of patients.

Worst hospital for mental health, was interviewed by channel four with multiple other ex patients ! The abuse both patients and staff have to deal with including bullying severe in adolescent units. Including the ward manager Bernice showing me how to hang myself with my coat belt. Many like myself have gone into this hospital and have come out with multiple other illnesses diagnosis, Injurys when being restrained and so many have actually succeeded in their attempts on suicide

Imposing building, not open to public but presumably with many original interior features intact

Child adolescent patient of 1m and another admission of 1y and didn’t solve my mental health problems. Lot a close friend to suicide and serious failings of social services and mental health staff. RIP Mary Stroman

Marc Serfaty completely changed my life. I was seeing Marc for about 11 months. Started seeing him 3 times a week then tailored that out to eventually once month. It was hard work but if you stick to it it really pays off. I actually started to look forward to my sessions and the tasks he would set me. He completely gets you. He understands. And most importantly he knows exactly how to help you. Everything can be fixed. I immediately felt completely comfortable with him. He really has completely changed my life and I am now enjoying it which I didn't think was possible. I owe my life to Marc. I really can't thank him enough. Anyone reading this....go for it.

I was a pretty messed up on arrival, I found there services and staff most efficient indeed. The food served was 5 star. There therapy sessions were tough and challenging at times but well worth the effort. A big thanks goes to Dr Anshul Swami his eye for detail was spot on on my given needs. I’m very disappointed with negative reviews left buy other users !!! Don’t let there review put you off ! You got to remember there dealing with us with addictions and other issues. Thanks again to alll the team !

quality service, comfortable room and healthy food