Southwestern Virginia Mental Health Institute
Save340 Bagley Circle, Marion, VA 24354
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
What level of care are you interested in?

Assisted Living

Memory Care

Independent Living

Skilled Nursing Facility

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)CCRC

Other
Across a broad set of personal accounts, the facility emerges as a place of sharp contrasts. Some visitors describe warmth, accommodation, and thoughtful attention to the needs of families who travel long distances, while others recount frightening memories of mistreatment, neglect, and overly aggressive interventions. Taken together, the reviews portray a setting where moments of genuine care coexist with episodes of distressing practice, leaving a complicated impression of what the facility can offer and what it cannot.
Several reviewers praise the facility for making arrangements that ease the burden of distance and family separation. One family member, seven hours away, emphasizes how the staff went above and beyond to accommodate their situation, easing the worry of leaving a loved one in care. This account highlights a staff demeanor described as friendly and approachable, with a capacity to create opportunities for meaningful time together. Specific staff members, Nurse Doss and Dr. Fields, are singled out for commendation: their expertise and welcoming attitudes left a lasting impression. The reviewer notes that, while these two are the ones remembered by name, the entire staff is seen as outstanding, punctuated by genuine smiles and kind words that conveyed reassurance during a stressful period.
The reviews also include deeply disturbing personal memories from years past. A depressed teenager recounts an incident involving a mentally challenged African-American girl, referred to as Rashawnda, who experienced what feels like needless and escalating mistreatment by a nurse when she did not want to take her medicine. The sequence is described with alarming specificity: a nurse's raised voice, the nurse insisting "take it now," the medicine allegedly yanked away, and a nurse declaring that the patient had to take it "for me." The scene reportedly escalates to security intervention, with R being restrained and placed in a padded room while the other children were gathered in the kitchen. The haunting memory of R pleading for her mother and home reverberates for nearly two decades in the reviewer's mind. The account ends with a hopeful, if cautious, wish that R has found safety and happiness away from the setting that caused such trauma. The reviewer emphasizes that children, and especially those with special needs, deserve care marked by patience, kindness, and respect.
In that same vein of concern, the writer speculates about motives and character, suggesting the nurse may have targeted Rashawnda to make an example of her, potentially driven by racism, fatigue, or a desire to project authority. The language reflects a conviction that the incident was not merely a bad moment but indicative of a systemic problem that could inflict lasting harm. The reviewer's aim is protective: to share a painful memory so that other families may be spared similar trauma and to advocate for better, more compassionate handling of vulnerable patients.
Another reviewer delivers a stark critique that reads as a cautionary warning to anyone considering this facility for a family member. Describing "deplorable and dangerous conditions" and "uncaring staff," this account centers on a mother with postpartum depression, psychosis, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. The patient reportedly received medication adjustments without addressing the underlying postpartum depression or psychosis, and there is a strong accusation that the staff treated her "like children in kindergarten." The complaint extends to communication failures - difficulty reaching staff by phone, long holds, and being left in the dark about care plans. The overall verdict is alas negative: the reviewer longs for their mother to come home and asserts that the facility did not genuinely help her during what was described as a critical period.
In contrast to these grievances, one reviewer asserts that the facility serves SW Virginia with professional staff and a quiet environment, and that the detox program can initiate healing for the body and mind. This voice emphasizes improvement and personal progress, insisting that the treatment path can lead to a better life. It adds a sense of balance to the set of testimonies by acknowledging tangible benefits and personal recovery, even within a framework that includes other, more troubling experiences.
Additional voices add to the complexity. A patient who describes themselves as "most excellently behaved" claims to have had their own attempts at interacting positively with others go unacknowledged, accusing staff of heckling, interrupting peaceful times, provoking unnecessary responses, and even disconnecting patients from calls and information. The critic notes that while the food is excellent and lodging seems acceptable, deceitful behavior by some staff is alleged, tempered by a recognition that a few respectful, patient-focused employees exist who will engage thoroughly about treatment when asked. The juxtaposition of kindness and hostility within the same environment underscores how variable experiences can be from one staff member to the next.
Another account presents a mixed experience: a male staff member allegedly pushed the patient, resulting in a fall, while the patient (who has Cerebral Palsy) describes the range of staff behavior as a mix of rude and kind. The patient expresses a desire not to return, highlighting how physical safety and interpersonal care intersect in shaping overall impressions of the facility. This narrative reinforces the sense that even when some staff display consideration, safety concerns and inconsistent conduct color the overall experience.
A final, intense narrative centers on the most troubling charges: the hospital is described as among the worst mental health facilities, with a sense of administrative rigidity and a misalignment between patients' self-identified needs and the doctors' diagnostic frameworks. The reviewer recalls a particular female doctor who questioned the patient about episodes in detail, seemingly prioritizing specifics over listening to broader personal history. The patient explains that they had previously relied on a holistic approach and did not want injections; in their view, court-ordered injections were imposed without listening to their perspective. The critique emphasizes that the care team appeared focused on symptoms of hallucinations and delusions while not fully acknowledging other triggers - such as alcohol use - that the patient believes were central to their condition. The impression left is one of being unheard and coerced, with dissatisfaction that the care team did not validate the patient's lived experience.
Taken together, these accounts reveal a facility whose strengths lie in the dedication and warmth of some clinicians and the practical support provided to families navigating long distances. Yet the darker threads - reports of mistreatment, racism, coercive interventions, communication breakdowns, and a sense of being unheard - loom large enough to demand serious attention. The spectrum of experiences underscores the essential tension in mental health care between compassionate, patient-centered treatment and systems that can feel impersonal, misaligned, or even harmful when the patient's voice is overlooked. For families evaluating care, the recurring themes suggest the importance of proactive advocacy, clear communication with the care team, careful monitoring of treatment choices, and openness to seeking alternative or supplementary supports if distressing patterns emerge. The lasting message across these narratives is a call for vigilance, empathy, and accountability in the treatment of vulnerable individuals, especially children and those with special needs, so that care can be as healing as it is structured to be.
The Southwestern Virginia Mental Health Institute in Marion, VA offers a comfortable and supportive assisted living community for individuals seeking mental health care. Our facility provides a range of amenities to enhance the well-being and comfort of our residents. Each room is fully furnished with cable or satellite TV, and residents can enjoy access to Wi-Fi and high-speed internet.
Our dining room offers restaurant-style dining with special dietary restrictions catered for, ensuring that all residents receive nutritious and personalized meals. Housekeeping services are provided to maintain cleanliness and hygiene, allowing residents to focus on their mental wellness programs and other activities.
The institute promotes an active lifestyle by providing various activities for residents to participate in. These include resident-run activities as well as scheduled daily activities that cater to different interests and capabilities. In addition, our small library offers a quiet space for reading and relaxation.
Residents at Southwestern Virginia Mental Health Institute receive 24-hour supervision from our dedicated staff who provide assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and transfers. Medication management services are also available to ensure the proper administration of medications.
For added convenience, move-in coordination services are offered to assist new residents with a seamless transition into our community. Outdoor spaces such as gardens allow residents to enjoy nature and fresh air.
Located in Marion, VA, our community benefits from its proximity to parks, pharmacies, physicians' offices, restaurants, transportation facilities, places of worship, theaters, and hospitals. This ensures easy accessibility for residents' needs outside of the community.
At Southwestern Virginia Mental Health Institute in Marion, VA, we strive to provide a nurturing environment where individuals can feel safe while receiving the care they need for their mental health.
Southwestern Virginia Mental Health Institute is located at 340 Bagley Circle, Marion, VA 24354 in Smyth County, Virginia
Southwestern Virginia Mental Health Institute on seniors.fyi includes 7 photos including images showing architecture, landscaping, building, flag, exterior, trees, mountains, outdoors, and more.
Valley Health Care Center
Chilhowie, VA
Positive rehab outcomes and engaging activities noted by some families.
Valley Health Care Center reviews
Valley Health Care Center images
Carrington Place of Rural Retreat
Rural Retreat, VA
Improved care with friendly staff and clean environment.
Carrington Place of Rural Retreat reviews
Carrington Place of Rural Retreat images
Dogwood Crossing Senior Living
Tazewell, VA
Caring administrator and staff with reliable meals and medication support.
Dogwood Crossing Senior Living reviews
Dogwood Crossing Senior Living images
Carrington Place at Wytheville
Wytheville, VA
Compassionate staff and effective medical care; well-maintained facility.
Carrington Place at Wytheville costs
Carrington Place at Wytheville reviews
Carrington Place at Wytheville images
Fecal Incontinence in Older Adults: A Comprehensive Guide
Fecal incontinence, prevalent among older adults, arises from factors like weakened pelvic muscles and nerve damage, significantly affecting well-being and social interactions. Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation and tests to inform tailored treatments, while caregivers and preventive measures can aid in managing the condition effectively.
Recognizing the Journey: Understanding and Navigating Anticipatory Grief
Anticipatory grief is an emotional response to the impending loss of a loved one, characterized by complex emotions such as sadness and anger, and involves navigating stages similar to those identified by Kübler-Ross. Coping strategies are vital for managing this process, emphasizing compassionate communication, self-care, and support groups while recognizing the cultural influences on grieving.
Encouraging Participation in Adult Day Care: A Guide to Supporting a Hesitant Parent
Adult day care programs offer essential support and activities for older adults, yet many hesitate to participate due to concerns about independence and stigma. To alleviate these apprehensions, families should facilitate open discussions, explore financial resources, suggest trial visits, and collaborate with healthcare providers to highlight the benefits of such services for both the participants and their caregivers.