Four Winds Hospitals – Katonah

I posted this review 9/8/2025 at approx. 9:10PM, but it does not seem to be visible. I decided to delete it and re-post in hopes it will now be visible to the public. Asterisks have been added when discussing sensitive… topics. I was a patient here in 2012, and I stand by my 1/5 stars. I came back to leave this review in 2025 because you had a historic press run from like 2023-2025, and it really reminded me of my experience. 9/8/2025 at approximately 9:10PM: I am curious about the recent influx of 5 star reviews the past four weeks. Multiple referencing the medical director, Dr. Sarah Klagsbrun. Is this due to the s*xual ab*se l*wsuit, failing to provide proper treatment to Main*’s de*dliest m*ss sho*ter (Robert C*rd) or just the preponderance of 1 star reviews from former inpatients? Staff is poorly trained, facility is poorly run and supervision is lacking. Do better, or you will keep hearing complaints, getting su*d and having bad press. If you are paying for 5 star reviews, or have reached out to former patients, families and providers to provide positive reviews, I would try to space them out more for authenticity. As of today (8/31/2026) I did notice that Dr. K has an instagram where their activity picked up around a year ago, when they started their "Ask Dr. K" series. Did Dr. K notice all the bad reviews her hospital was getting? Was it the over 20 s*x ab*se laws*its that came in 2025? For whatever reason, multiple well written 5 star reviews (many written by physicians, not patients or families) started getting posted late summer 2025. Sad how social media makes us so dishonest.

This hospital should be closed. They discriminated against me based on a disability. when I asked the nurse director how this disability would affect my treatment he hung up the phone on me. Save yourself and go to a… better hospital. this hospital makes one suicidal not emotionally sound.

I stayed here twice, once in early August of 2020, and again in September of 2020. I will start with August, which I consider the worst stay out of any psychiatric hospital/ward I've been in. August of 2020, I come into… Deerfield unit in the evening after getting through admissions (I was 12 at the time, we were supposed to be at Gatehouse iirc), and my first night sucked. The bed was uncomfortable, and I was hit by another kid and ended up in a fight just by looking at the kid. The staff forced me to sleep in the common area because the kid was still awake. There was a ZERO percent chance of me sleeping on those benches. I eventually was able to go downstairs to my room, and got into my uncomfortable bed, and cried because I was homesick. Staff did NOTHING but tell me to "go to sleep" and "sleep always wins" and the such. NOTHING to calm me down. NO PRN, NOTHING. The medications that they did give me, were sedating as hell. They did put me on melatonin for sleep AFTER the first night. This hospital is not equipped like a regular hospital to immediately get medications via pharmacy. THEY DON'T EVEN HAVE A PHARMACY ONSITE. I remember walking from either the school or the gym and I was falling asleep and barely was able to keep up with the crowd. The staff were sometimes rude, and often were there just for a paycheck. After I was put on lithium, blood levels were taken and I was discharged after 7 days. I would say that this hospitalization DID NOT help me. September of 2020, I was hospitalized for a SECOND time due to the ineffectiveness of the first hospitalization. This time it was at Gatehouse. I was sedated nearly the whole time, and I met my therapist once and my psychiatrist once. Same thing with the first hospitalization. This was for a medication adjustment, but honestly I don't remember them changing my medications, just monitoring my lithium levels. We did have a fire drill my last night. About my last night, I had a panic attack. THE STAFF DIDN'T EVEN GET THE NURSE TO ADMINISTER A PRN, NOTHING. They just led me to my room, to bed. Four Winds is by far one of the worst "therapeutic" places in New York. If I could rate it negative stars, I could. I could've just gone to my local ER. Going the ER route was effective, and they did change my meds and FINALLY gave me a psychiatrist and therapist that we were looking for, effective by the way. I'm in a much better place NOT because of Four Winds, but because of the subsequent visit at my local hospital psych ward. Shame.

i went to four winds in march 2026 (it’s currently july 2026). i stayed in the south gate unit with a lot of other girls my age. the staff and people there were amazing. i went there after an attempt to end my life and… i came out of four winds knowing i had purpose. i had a new sense of self and new sense of love i’ve never experienced before. the girls there were amazing and were a huge help to my experience. it’s so easy to fit in and make friends there which was something i never experienced before especially not at school. the nurses, medicine, dbt groups, the staff, the therapists, everything. was amazing. i highly recommend going here especially if you are struggling from mental health. four winds saved my life.

Stayed here a few years ago after my father’s passing, workers are very dismissive and you rarely get one on one treatment. This place is also currently in a SA law suit. Would not recommend unless you want to feel… worse. Seek better options please.

This is a great place!! Aliyana Traison is so amazing!!! She cares so much about the kids and really takes the time to spend with the kids . She goes above and beyond. My daughter loves her and feels so safe with her.… She makes sure your child's needs are met. She is the best!!!!

I gave a one star because, while my daughter was there she said the beds are uncomfortable, they ate the same food everyday, one of the laundry detergents leaves residue on clothing, the staff is slow, attending to your… needs, and worst of all they confiscated her clothing (tank tops, shorts, shoe laces) during her stay and never returned them at discharge. We've been trying to get them back for a week now and nobody returns our phone calls like they said they would, "after searching for them." To top it off, when she was discharged she forgot her clothing in the dryer, Nurse Laura was able to track them down and said she would put them with the nurse supervisor, he the supervisor would contact us to coordinate a pick up day and time, so we've been trying to get those back as well. NOBODY has been helpful.

This was excellent. I admit I was really worried after hearing so many negative comments, but we shouldn't let others' dissatisfaction—stemming from things not going their way—color our own views. Please give the staff… a chance; they are truly special and professional—believe me, I have no reason to lie. God bless everyone who works there. If you need a volunteer, I’m ready to help! 👍🏻

Absolutely horrible I made a few friends there poor food some staff where bad only a few good staff my favorite was surgeo and they gave me no roommates even though I was in a two bunk room because I was a trans

Based on reports from patients and families, there are concerns that some individuals did not feel adequately supported when they became overwhelmed or felt unsafe. Some people have expressed frustration that they were… encouraged to remain in common areas rather than being offered additional support or alternative options. There have also been concerns about communication and organization, including inconsistent daily routines and a lack of clear schedules. Patients often benefit from predictable structure, and improvements in communication could help create a more supportive environment. The hospital should carefully review these concerns and work to ensure that every patient feels heard, respected, and supported during treatment.

I like grandpa Matt He's nice He also said he could jump over a table (Sure you can buddy😐) From Billie :)

After reading reviews, i think your experience will entirely depend on the unit and time you get there. I, at the westview unit, had a fair experience where the staff that was there at the time were nice and responsive… and the kids there at the time were also nice, but it seems like that isn't a common experience. I had a friend who went at the same time as me who told me horror stories about his experience at the sunset unit, so i don't think my relatively positive experience applies for everyone. people at my unit also complained heavily about their therapist, Tyler, which is another area where experiences vary because my therapist, Jenny, was wonderful and very helpful. naturally it sucks being held against your will, but besides that, i had an alright time. experiences will vary heavily

This place blocks their patients from having contact with their own family. This is the last place you want your family to be.

Permanently scarred from this place, go to silver hill before you get sent here please.

I went to four winds around a year and 2 months ago. I still have nightmares about it to this day. Its hard for me to even talk about without me breaking down. I couldn’t even feel anything when i was there because they… had me so drugged up but when i got home the impact of the pain and suffering i got there hit. I could barely eat there. Barely sleep there. I would just lay there and sob for my mom. Im 16. When they diagnosed me, they told me that i had bipolar disorder. After i got out i had learned that they had misdiagnosed me and i was later formally diagnosed with severe borderline personality disorder. I really can’t even imagine someone sending their kids to this place without crying. Please don’t send your children here. Please don’t GO here. I KNOW for a fact that there are better psychiatric hospitals and services out there for you.

Would not recommend -

I was here and it was hell there was only one staff member who really helped me adjust in his name was Steve. I don't know where you are now Steve or if you even still work there but thank you thank you for protecting… me. Thank you for reassuring me. thank you for helping me understand me.

I liked when I was here for the summer, I met very nice girls who are still my friends today and amazing staff, their were a lot of fights but if you pass that the experience is very nice and welcoming 10/10. I do… recommend

After reading the horrible reviews i was so scared having my child placed there. I had no choice since there were no beds at any facilities around my area. I went to admissions and the staff was great they walked me… through everything. Mind you it was a Sunday night and after 7pm. I met with the many doctors and it made me feel comfortable. I walked to the unit with my child and staff and we received a warm welcome. They gave me a mini tour and said I could stay as long as it was necessary. I of course stayed. They gave us the kitchen area for privacy. It was hard to leave her it broke my heart but i had a good feeling of the unit and staff. I visited her everyday and met the staff. They are all kind and very professional. The residents are another story. I asked my child if staff changes attitudes and maybe puts on a show for visitors and she said absolutely NOT that they are nice all the time and it’s the residents that are mean and disrespectful to them . I enjoyed all my visits. My child received the right treatment there after years of trying to get her help all over with no luck. Four Winds has done so much great to her that she is a new person. I admire the staff 100%. Seeing the negative reviews made me doubt the hospital but it’s not what people say it is. I am grateful for all those who worked with my daughter and for calling me just to update her progress. I have nothing negative to say about the place. Thank you Four Winds. You truly are a lifesaver.

They were incredibly helpful for our family. The care was coordinated and conscientious. Would highly recommend.

Treated my daughter very poorly never again.

GOD BLESS U MY CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ,, SISTERS,, OTHERS PEACE BE WITH U , U THINK I FORGOT THE GOODNESS I HEAR MANY OF U DO THERE? U WILL BE BLESSED HERE AND NEXT LIFE !!! ALL OF U TEENS WHO GO THERE TO GET HELP SAY… NOTHING NEGATIVE TO PEOPLE THAT WANT TO MAKE YOUR LIFE BETTER!!! ALSO STAY AWAY FROM THE DARK SIDE EVIL , PRAY TO GOD ! DO GOOD FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT EVERYDAY,, LISTEN TO YOUR FAMILY FEW THAT LOVE U, NEVER BE ADDICTED TO BAD THINGS THATS THE DARK SIDE ,EVIL. GOD LOVES ALL OF US !!! GOD NEVER NEEDS US WE ALWAYS NEED GOD. I PRAY ALWAYS FOR THE GOOD IN WORLD .☪️✝️🔯☮🌉🌅🌇🌄🕍🕌🕋⛪🌏👣🇺🇸❤🧿💙🤲👊

No phones? This place sucks!! Kids and staff fight, Some kid told another kid to kill themselves. Couldn't sleep due to not having a phone for rain sounds, Overall experience was crappy in total.

When I read the existing reviews I was terrified After consulting with professionals my concerns were eased A very good decision- the staff are excellent and they care. Observations are real time and suggestions… extremely helpful. Thank you Tyler and Time and the rest of the staff who helped.

In short: decent in some ways, but definitely not for highly sensitive teens. Detailed review: I initially liked the place (we previously had experience with only one other hospital). It looks cozy, the bathrooms are… ok, the premises are beautiful. The program is longer than the one we were used to, I felt like they'd really do some deeper work than just keep my child for a while in a protected environment and then let go. The psychiatrist and therapist looked thorough and professional. The psychiatrist was definitely caring, well informed and up-to-date. Now the downside: the environment is chaotic, noisy, and messy. My kid is easily overwhelmed in social situations, sensitive to noise, and also reported that the space was unpleasantly filthy. There even are some accommodations for these situations like the quiet room where you can spend half an hour to wind down. But this wasn't enough. Also, the unit was overlooked by a team of very young people who at times looked overwhelmed themselves. In the end, my child asked me to pick them up. This was the point when the therapist started acting weirdly and told my child they should "learn how to cope with uncomfortable situations/places they don't like". Seriously? They already are in a mental hospital! Go cope! Also, I know my kid and I know if they say they can't do it, this means they really tried and it's serious. You don't dismiss that. Reaching out for help and quitting situations that aren't beneficial/are harmful for you is a life skill, too. I felt like the hospital just has a goal to prevent early discharges. Which turns into not-really-humane situations. We stayed as was planned in the end (it was just two days longer). My child is agitated and peeved more than usual after the stay, but we'll cope. Also, just on top of everything, they tested positive for strep the next day after coming home. Putting three stars because for some folks that all (except the strep) probably would be ok, and because the psychiatrist did a good work.