McDowell Center – Dyersburg

My son just completed a little over 3 months at McDowell. He has a complex list of mental health diagnosis and despite our best efforts we were not able to help him overcome his meltdowns. We decided to try this… facility when home was no longer safe. The admission staff and admitting nurse were very kind and answered all my questions. In the beginning he really hard a hard time and gave the staff a hard time but they continued to work with him and helped him gain more self control. He quickly became attached to his therapist Ms. Shanika and he loved his sessions with her. We live 7 hours away so she made it a point to offer zoom family therapy sessions and that was wonderful. It took my son some time to finally get on board with the program and once he did he began earning outing. He attended multiple movies and had trips to McDonald's and a pizza buffet. Those rewards really stuck with him. The transport staff met me and some other parents once about 5 hours from the facility so we could have a home pass. That was a huge help!! The teachers also did a wonderful job working with my son whom has been homeschooled. They were very accommodating to his needs. The doctors also did an amazing job quickly adjusting his meds. All of his medical needs were addressed during his stay. So to wrap up, he's been home one week and I'm so thankful full for the progress he has made and the skills he gained. It was the most difficult decision to commit to residential but I am thankful we did it. It has gave me my son back!

My son went there and he continued to fail there. Most of the children that were there were due to fighting and drug related issues. None of that applied to him. His “issues” that he had going into the program, he still… has and that Center only caused more issues. He now knows too much about gang affiliations, which according to McDowell….. they have “no affiliations.” I was pretty much told that If I didn’t comply, I was told that the Judge of Tipton County would take him into State custody. So, i complied. Now we are dealing with so much more than I could’ve ever imagined. Furthermore, The McDowell Center in Dyersburg, Tn needs to be thoroughly investigated.

I was there for 6 months in 2026 my name there was km My Review of McDowell Center for Kids My experience at McDowell Center for Kids was not a good one overall There were a lot of fights, the food wasn't very good, and… the rooms felt more like jail cells than bedrooms. We only got two phone calls a week, which made it hard to stay connected with family. Even though I didn't like being there, I will say that Mr. Maze and Mr. Shawn were always willing to talk if you needed someone. They tried to help and gave advice instead of just judging people. Before I left, they told me that if I didn't make better choices when I got back into the real world, I would end up in even more trouble. At the time, I didn't really believe them. About two weeks after I got out, I ended up at JCDC, which was an even worse place. Looking back, I realized they were right. It really isn't that hard to stay out of trouble if you make good choices and keep working to improve yourself. I still didn't enjoy my time at McDowell Center, and there are a lot of things that should be better, but the lesson they tried to teach me ended up being true.

We found McDowell in a crisis with our teenage son. From pre-intake through discharge all members were nothing short of exceptional. The skills they teach are a great foundation for our young man.

Unsatisfied with the staff communication and attitude. Not going to waste my time explaining when nothing will be done about it ANYWAYS.

My little brother is currently there and the staff there seem to not be much of a help when it comes to communication with my parents. Some of the staff that my mom has talked with is rude, cant seem to answer simple… yes or no questions. So my mom has made a request of the return of her child immediately. Just from hearing my mom vent to me and seeing the reviews her, I wouldn't take my child here if I were to have one. Whoever considers putting their child here, please reconsider.

If you have the chance to be involved with this facility, you should jump at the chance. The employees genuinely care for your child's success. Ms. Naomi was wonderful and helped us put our family back together while… helping my child grow and develop. They provided great communication from beginning to end. I highly recommend this caring group of people.

We found this center when our family was in crisis. The mental health care is above board. We discharged knowing he had gained skills to help him continue to advance. The depth of care for young men struggling with… mental health far exceeded our expectations. In a time of uncertainty and fear, the staff and providers at McDowell gave us hope and a future.

It's really disheartening when we have been told that it would be no problem at all to meet half way for a home visit because we are almost 5 hours away. Every time we go to set it up we never get a for sure answer… until the following week then it's always no can't do it. Why even offer it to us to begin with?? Desperately need better communication going on. If y'all aren't willing to actually help why even offer a service that doesn't exist. We keep getting our hopes up along with our son trying to figure all this out and he only has so many hours he can come home but when it's a 10 hr round trip plus having to work would've been really nice to follow through with what was offered! Just to clarify this is what was offered and stressed to us through the counselor. She said just let her know what day and they would set it up. We've told her several times and every single time it's met with either no staff or there's an outing or something but we don't get told until 2 days prior to this happening. I'm not understanding the process here as to why certain arrangements couldn't be made so that we could meet and pick him up. That hasn't changed on our end but for some reason it keeps changing on your end of the deal.

It is a great place I was there from. JUNE TO DECEMBER.

My son was in this facility from August till the end of December. I was at a loss when I found this facility I spoke with Ms. Chasity in admissions she was amazing and should be the marketing person for the facility.… She made me feel at ease about my son going there. The day we brought our son to the center I was so nervous but everything went amazing. While he was there I never met any staff that was rude always kind and caring. Amber was amazing and her husband Dr. Strubble they properly diagnosed our son and medicated him properly listened to all of our concerns. Then Ms. Monica ( therapist) is truly an amazing person and really took our son and helped him with goals and took her time with him to help him understand everything. The nursing staff was always informative about any medical changes. Staff in general were amazing also. Mr. Lee and Ms. Carin were amazing with school and I greatly appreciate them as well. I would definitely recommend this facility they know what they are doing and care about the kids. Thank you again for everything you all do for these kids you are all amazing.

The staff here truly care about the kids and work hard to give them the tools they need to succeed. The program is structured and supportive, which really helps create stability and positive change. They keep safety a… top priority and involve families in the process so progress can continue at home. a great place for children who need extra behavioral health support.

My Son unfortunately had to come to Mcdowel for some mental issues that he had been dealing with. The staff was amazing with working with my son and his mental health. They were able to get him on the right meds and get… him on a better path for himself. He was a different kid coming out in a great way. I am so thankful for the staff for taking their time working with my son and im grateful for the facility! Thank you Mcdowel.

Very helpful very supportive and great therapist shout out to Courtney p and ms Jessica !!!

Great place 👌

At first I had my doubts and was worried about sending my son here, but i was at a point I didn’t know what else to do and I knew he needed to get help, so we took the chance, and so thankful that we did. The nurse, Mrs… Laura, who done our admission, put me more at ease and made me feel more comfortable with leaving him there. His therapist, Ms Courtney Patrick, was a blessing. She was always so helpful and caring. Honestly, ALL the staff have been wonderful, and caring. They always made sure he had everything he needed, took him to plenty of outings, and always had good things to say about him. I truly appreciate each and every staff member there. I don’t have nothing but wonderful things to say about this facility and the staff members. My son came out saying he’s changed and does not want to go back to his old ways.

Therapist Courtney Patrick and the McDowell Center staff have been more than gracious and helpful during a turbulent time in the lives of my child and our entire family. They have kept us well informed, and have been… patient and kind to him and to us. I regret that we have to use these services, but I am thankful that we have The McDowell Center to navigate this life change with us.

I was at my wits end. Times have certainly changed. McDowell knows how to approach these issues. I’m very happy with who he is now

Worst center ever they let my child out basically rushed him Thur the whole process kept most his clothes and I’m still struggling to get his things back from them. This Conpass company and its sister site here is… terrible would not refer anyone to them PERIODT they deserve no STARS

This was the third inpatient facility our son has been to and definitely the best out of anywhere he had been before. With the smaller patient load versus other facilities, we felt that there was a better handle on our… son and the other kids there. Courtney Patrick is exactly the therapist he needed and aided him in being successful. So thankful for her and the progress he made at his time in McDowell!

I can't say enough good things about Courtney Patrick my sons counselor nor the staff! My son stayed 5months and because of his stay,I know his future is bright! We have been blessed because of the McDowell Children's… Center!

Don't send y'all's kids here unless u want them to be locked up in a jail cell for a bedroom I went to this place when I was 16 they do mistreat kids as well idc what the company days I'm a victim of it and it's not… going untoled. But all seriously this was an old jail or prison and the still have the cell doors as well

McDowell Center for Children offer wonderful services and have very caring staff.

If you believe medication is the cure for everything than you’ll love this place

My son learned a few new coping skills and how to start opening up to therapists.

Cannot say enough positive things about McDowell! The staff are amazing. My sons treatment plan was fabulous.