Need really good psychiatric treatment for family member

sorry for the long post -- I am looking for a top notch psychiatric treatment facility for a difficult case of depression / anxiety / suicide. We have tried a few hospitals and one private in-patient institute, with no luck.

If you can recommend any facilities (anywhere in U.S.) please post a reply! I will check them out online and give them a call.

Here is my story:

My dad, age 70 -- has severe depression for 5 years -- he is now recovering from a suicide attempt (attempt #2). He has not responded very much to meds over past 5 years, and will not open up to therapy. He is not really interested in treatment at all -- but he does take his meds and go to the 15 minute psychiatrist appointment every 3 months. Group therapy is worthless for him -- due to his reserved nature and shame over his depression. He is very bad at talking about his feeling, has a very set daily routine, and is not open to new things.

If we stick with the normal course action after this current suicide attempt (acute stabilization followed by intensive outpatient (mostly group) therapy), he will say what the therapists and psychiatrists want to hear (no thoughts of suicide, mood improving) just to get out and try suicide again.

We need a great in-patient facility with great doctors who actually care whether he kills himself, have a wide variety of treatment options (meds, ECT, talk therapy, cog. behavior therapy) and don't see through his act. We want him in a safe environment until his depression is really lifted, not a place where they kick him out as soon as he says he won't commit suicide.

We can do private pay, at least for a few months.

Hi midwest,

I know that Sheppard Pratt has excellent psychiatric facilities and an equally excellent reputation. They have a couple of facilities in the Baltimore area and elsewhere. I suggest that you go to their website and would really encourage you to contact them.

Would like to know how you make out.

There is excellent help available. You have to be patient and persist.

Good Luck,

mermaidmo