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Treatment Abuse, Behavior Modification, Thought Reform => Facility Question and Answers => Psych Hospitals => Topic started by: Anonymous on May 09, 2005, 03:14:00 PM

Title: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Anonymous on May 09, 2005, 03:14:00 PM
Found this site while "celebrating" the 17 year anniversary of my incarceration in the "ACCEPT" unit at Fair Oaks in Summit.  I haven't been able to find anything online about it, actually, since it was shut down over a decade ago, but I am curious if anyone else here may have any links or other information.  Just wondering if anyone else still has nightmares about "Dr. Strong".....
Title: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Antigen on May 09, 2005, 06:22:00 PM
I don't think I've heard anything about it. Was it similar to some of the programs we like to dis around here? Do tell.

I give money for church organs in the hope the organ music will distract the congregation's attention from the rest of the service.
--Andrew Carnegie, Scottish-born American industrialist and philanthropist

Title: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Anonymous on May 17, 2005, 01:30:00 PM
Ohhhh.  I remember Dr. Strong very well.   " Dr. Strong Adolescent Unit !" "Dr. Strong Adolescent Unit!"  I served a good  6 months back in '87 or so in that institution and I didn't even do drugs.    A hell of a place.  All I did was play pool, learn how to make bombs, smuggle in "banned" music, and be on room restriction nearly the entire time.  The place was shut down for bilking insurance companies.
Title: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Anonymous on May 17, 2005, 08:55:00 PM
I was there in 1990...for no other reason because Dr. Rosenberg convinced my parents he could "reform" my wild ways.  Mind you...I was a pretty normal 14 year old...no eating disorder, never did drugs, didn't drink...he just knew that my parents would do whatever he told them.

Fifteen years later and I still think about it.
Title: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Anonymous on May 18, 2005, 06:39:00 PM
I was there in 1990 as well! From January 29 to April 11th...
Title: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Anonymous on May 19, 2005, 12:00:00 PM
I was twelve, turned 13 there....I'm sure I knew you and you knew me. I was there for depression, the only person on the Adolescent Unit who wasn't on medication. There was some girl named Carolyn who was schizophrenic and saw snakes...
Title: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Anonymous on May 19, 2005, 12:01:00 PM
Can you post the link?
Title: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Anonymous on May 21, 2005, 07:20:00 PM
I always wondered what happened to that place..I was there from Nov94-Feb95. What a way to spend the new year. I was 17 at the time and had some pretty serious issues..But looking back on that experience now, being in Fair Oaks was the best time of my life.. :wink:
Title: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Anonymous on May 23, 2005, 04:50:00 PM
hEY I WAS THERE I WAS LIKE MAYBE 10 YRS OLD IM NOW 20 MAYBE I KNEW SOME OF YOU THERE AS WELL.I WAS THERE BECAUSE I USED TO SAY I HEARD VOICES AND I USE TO SAY THAT I WANTED TO KILL MYSELF BECAUSE I COULDNT HELP MY MOTHER PAY BILLS AND I FELT BAD FOR HER. I USED TO TALK TO IMAGINARY PEOPLE AND I TOLD MY ROOMATE THERE THAT THE VOICES WERE TELLING ME TO KILL HER BECAUSE SHE WAS BAD BUT I WAS LYING THE WHOLE TIMEI DONT KNOW IF I WOULD HAVE KILLED MYSELF OR SOMEONE BUT IM GLAD I WENT TO FAIR OAKS I HAD SO MUCH FUN THERE! THANK GOD I WAS NEVER TIED UP TO THE BED OR SEDATED I WAS A GOOD GIRL JUST WANTED ATTENTION
Title: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Anonymous on June 01, 2005, 07:14:00 AM
Hello former roomies!!  I was also in Unfair Oaks in 1990.  The exact dates were October 19, 1989 to February 7, 1990.  Why do we all remember our dates???  No major issues, a little depressed and I hated my parents.....typical teenage stuff.
Title: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Anonymous on June 13, 2005, 07:08:00 PM
Exactly. I was there for depression and was the only person on the adolescent unit who wasn't on medication. Anyone from 1990 remember Carolyn the schizophrenic?
Title: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Anonymous on July 21, 2005, 11:30:00 AM
Unfair oaks patient here to!  Jan 13, 1991, to Feb. 29, 1991... and yep, can't believe all this time later, I still remember the dates!
Title: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Anonymous on August 01, 2005, 12:46:00 AM
i thought that i was the only one that thought that FOH was the most effed up place on the planet....well I guess i'm in good conpany....I'm an april 1987 graduate of the institute, and I must say....Dr. Rosenberg should have his liscence revoked. I was 12 years of age and suffered from depression ( which is still an on going battle ) but, for sure, that hospital DID NOT help.

at 30 years of age, I'm am still dealing with primary issues that should have been addressed in the hospital. An on going process, but for sure, the institute DID NOT help.

Peace.
Title: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Stripe on August 04, 2005, 02:39:00 PM
Title: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Anonymous on August 05, 2005, 04:55:00 PM
The memories FOH brings back.  I remember being in "assertiveness training" and I was tapping my foot (something I do when I'm bored to this day) and because I wouldn't admit to staff that this actually meant that I was upset and bothered by something I was put in the Quiet Room...
Title: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Anonymous on August 05, 2005, 04:58:00 PM
When were you there?  

I remember a few people having birthdays -- I remember there being cake.

Anyone remember Elvis one of the night staff people??
Title: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: dedasc on August 07, 2005, 01:46:00 PM
I was at Fair Oakes around Nov.1985-Feb.1986.  I checked myself in for treatment for eating disorders.  I found Dr. Jonas to be of alot of help.  Do you or anyone else out there know what happened to him?
Title: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Anonymous on September 17, 2005, 05:07:00 PM
I was at Fair Oaks in the early 80's. I do remember Elvis,but i also that place being a nightmare, i was always in so much trouble, but my favorite was relaxation theropy, good naps
Title: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Anonymous on January 27, 2006, 09:37:00 PM
I was a mental health associate and worked there for about 5 years.  I was called on more Dr. Strongs than you can imagine.  I also worked in recreational therapy and use to take the patients bowling.  The good old daysl
Title: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Anonymous on January 27, 2006, 09:38:00 PM
How could I forget Elvis, he worked nights on my unit!!!
Title: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Anonymous on March 20, 2006, 05:56:00 PM
I was there October 19-November 16, 1990.  I just remembered them taking us out when we got to a certain status level.  I remember going to the mall at one point.  And to Jockey Hollow.

THe highlight of my time there was becoming Vice-President of the unit because everyone else there had been dropped for some reason and I was the only status (2??) left.
Title: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Anonymous on May 09, 2006, 12:39:00 PM
I've forgotten so much of that place!

What was the code just below Dr. Strong?
Title: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Anonymous on June 21, 2006, 12:07:00 AM
I was there at the same time!  Do you remember me?  I was also very young.  I was 12 or 13 at the time also.  I was a pretty nerdy kid.  My name is Jon / Jonathan.
Title: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Anonymous on October 23, 2006, 11:26:42 AM
This is an old post- I wonder if anyone will see it. I was " so very lucky" to be a guest of fair oaks in 1987...spring-summer. I often wonder how people are doing.

I remember Elvis too :)
Title: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Anonymous on October 30, 2007, 02:48:11 PM
Wasn't Elvis actually a skinny black lady? I'm not sure some of you actually remember.
Title: Re: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Stacey11 on October 22, 2008, 02:09:17 PM
****LOOKING FOR FORMER PATIENTS TO TALK TO*********

I was a patient at Fair Oaks in 1985-1986. Went in Nov. 1985 on Eval unit and got transferred to Adolescent unit in Jan. 1986. Was finally released in June 1986. I remember Dr. Rosenberg clearly and does anyone remember Dr. Bronchoto (spelling)? I also remember Dr. STRONG very well. I also spent ALOT of time in the "quiet room" because I wouldn't "talk about my problems". I was told everyday for 6 months that I was "in denial and want to kill myself" and the sooner I admitted to it, the sooner I would get "points" and could have "privleages".

(I just found out about National Medical Enterprises scam a few months ago)

I was released THE DAY AFTER MY INSURANCE RAN OUT! They made approx. $138k from my Insurance company. Alot of the patients there had "normal teenage problems". I'm not negating the fact that SOME people really needed to be there. But even those that did - were NOT helped. Patients were not viewed as human beings with problems that they wanted to help, we were COMODITIES. I was 15 when I was there and am now 38. I have lived with this for a long time....alot of uncertainty and "self doubt". But it all makes sense now. I would like to talk to anyone who was a patient there around that time and anyone who has persued them legally!
Title: Re: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Anonymous on November 10, 2008, 07:22:45 PM
HI. I remember Elvis very clearly and "SHE" is female.Some of you are not so well yet and are still telling lies to fit in. If you dont remember that ok, i'm sure you still have very important things to say.I know i would like to here them. I just spent 35 nights talking to Elvis. I could never sleep and she would talk to me for hours. she was not aloud to but she did. Sorry if i took her memory personaly, but as you can see i'm not well yet either.
Title: Re: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Ursus on November 11, 2008, 01:22:37 AM
From Wes Fager's site (http://http://www.thestraights.com/theprogram/suicides-page2.htm), blue color emphasis mine (Mark Gold is still very much associated with Fair Oaks, judging by the prolific google results, one of which roundly sounds the alarm on the evils of marijuanna, lol):

Quote
It's uncanny when you hear of some bizarre suicide by an American youth to learn that some how an associate of Melvin and Betty Sembler might be linked to the story.

    On March 11, 1987 Lisa and Cheryl Burgess, Thomas Rizzo and Thomas Oltonfour, four teenagers from Bergen County, New Jersey committed suicide by automobile exhaust fumes. Exactly one month and one week later former Straightling Duane Rholfs and his friend Chris Kelley committed suicide by automobile exhaust fumes. Regarding the four deaths in New Jersey, Miller Newton, Melvin and Betty's former national clinical director at Straight, made an immediate press release blaming drugs even before the coroner's autopsy. Fair Oaks Hospital in New Jersey also called a press conference to sound the dangers of teen drug use, but the spokesperson was taken aback when a reporter asked him whether one of Fair Oak's former patients had not been one of the deceased kids.
In fact, Thomas Olton had been a patient at Fair Oaks Hospital. The nation-wide drug rehabilitation program for the Fair Oaks was the brain child of Dr. Mark Gold. In the 1980s Fair Oaks ran a national-level TV ad advising us to call 1-800-COCAINE if you had a loved one in trouble. Turns out if you called in and had a good insurance plan you were referred to one of their hospitals at $1,000 a day, but if you did not you were given the number for your local city social services department. The front page of Straight's newsletter EPIDEMIC, Vol. 10 carried this statement by Arnold Washton, a psychopharmacologist at Fair Oaks. "Crack is the most addictive drug known to man right now. . . It is almost instantly addictive." That statement scared the hell out of Straight parents. [Washton had made a statement about the addictiveness of crack cocaine in the March 17, 1986 edition of Newsweek, the veracity of which has been in question.] Straight had two drug czars associated with it, another drug czar is apparently associated with Fair Oaks. Today Dr. Mark Gold is a director on Save Our Society (SOS), another Betty Sembler charitable organization, this one to save us form drug use.[/list]
Title: Re: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Ursus on November 11, 2008, 01:45:39 AM
And here are two intriguing tidbits from (what is left of, after hackers and spammers descended upon) the guestbook of http://www.ect.org (http://www.ect.org) (re. electroconvulsive therapy; generally anti-, certainly anti- sans informed consent), blue color emphasis mine:

http://www.ect.org/guestbook.html (http://www.ect.org/guestbook.html)

Quote
MARTIN HIRSCHFELD  | @

Dear Juli,
I just got back from the ICSPP in New York City last night.
After seeing your TENET page I honestly feel if I were run over by a truck tomorrow my purpose on earth would have been fulfilled. I would gladly tell you of the nightmare I endured in a Tenet/NME hospital in 1989, but I am one of
thousands. My father did manage to have two doctors fired from subsequent jobs, Mukesh Patel, Carrrier Hospital, Belle Meade Peter Herriage, Overlook in Summit, NJ, (he was chief of shrinkology!) just on the basis of my personal medical records , but the New Jersey State board of Medical Examiners has yet even to this day to respond coherently to the carefully written and documented complaints he filed against four physicians. The administrative law attorney, Ben Zander, who was recommended to us wanted $15,000, just to file a writ of mandamus, (a court order compelling the state to respond).

He believes the correspondence is the most bizzare thing he has ever seen. All the court order would entitle us to, if granted, is a response, not a favorable response. ['Fuck-off' is not worth $7,500 a word.] In New Jersey the state is
a criminal enterprise, and far worse than the criminals
on the street. It will always be that way.

Martin
27 September 2000 - USA
Quote
Martin Hirschfeld  | @

The four physcians previously employeed by Fair Oaks
Hospital against whom my father, who is a resident of
New Jersey, filed complaints of professional misconduct are:

    Mukesh Patel, MD
    LNA - 29 Ichabod Crane Lane
    Belle Mead, NJ 08502

    Robert Moreines, MD
    LNA - 12 Tuxedo Rd
    Glenn Ridge, NJ 07028

    Peter Herridge, MD
    LNA - 1 Seward Place
    Chester, NJ 07930

    Charles Ciolino, MD
    LNA - 36 Smithfield Court
    Basking Ridge, NJ 07920

Note: Charles Ciolino's legal employer was 'Psychiatric Associates of New Jersey', (PANJ) not NME/Tenet. Fined by the New Jersey State Department of Insurance in 1991, for accepting per capita 'kick-backs' from NME. PANJ falsely represented itself as the 'Outpatient Department' of Fair Oaks Hospital, Summit, NJ. In addition to cash payment, PANJ, accepted free office space on the hospital property, in exchange for meeting an in-patient admissions quota. The legality of this practice is uncertain in New Jersey.

No professional sanctions were imposed against any physician in New Jersey
for bribary, fraud or conspiricy alone.

The 19 Prospect Street facility, 'Fair Oaks Hospital' was purchased by Charter Behavioral Health Care of Georgia, USA. The Hospital remains in operation.
Charter Behavioral filed for bankruptcy 11 Feb. 2000, following the killing of four patients by employess, and the collapse of the share price.

In June of 1999, I obtained a seven page list of mental health associates, incuding addresses, employed by Fair Oaks in February and March of 1989. The original is in the office an attorney in New Jersey. On June 22, 1999, Lori Rizzuto, RN 402 Bershire Drive, Princeton, NJ, 08540 (the Hospital Administrator of the month), filed a criminal complaint of harrassment against me in Summit, NJ. Obviously I've never met, heard of, or had any contact with this individual. Apparently she went clinically ape-shit when she discovered I had a list of MHA's from a decade earlier, but given to me by a currrent Tenet employee, and tried to save a job she has since lost by filing a false police report.

If you would like a photo copy of list of the sadistic little brats who worked at Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, New Jersey in February and March 1989 please write to:

Summit Brats '89
c/o Martin Hirschfeld, LICSW
POB 264
Fairfax, VT 05454

There is no charge for this, but a letter size envelope with your address would help.

All joking aside, I believe it is a matter of public safety that every individual who was employeed in Fair Oaks in any clinical capacity be identifed and prevented from having any license in any health related field, or a position law enforcement, teaching or any area in which authority over chidren or force of any kind can be exercised. In the past eleven years I'm sure many have gone on to these professions.

27 September 2000 - USA
Title: Re: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Ursus on December 04, 2008, 01:54:42 PM
From a piece in the archives of HighBeam Research, in case anyone has a subscription for the full monté:

—•?|•?•0•?•|?•— —•?|•?•0•?•|?•— —•?|•?•0•?•|?•—

PATRICIA ALEX
The Record (Bergen County, NJ)
07-19-1991


FAIR OAKS HOSPITAL IS FINED $400,000 (http://http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-22593047.html)
By PATRICIA ALEX

Date: 07-19-1991, Friday
Section: NEWS
Edition: Four Star B, Also in Three Star P


The New Jersey Department of Insurance has levied a fine of
$400,000 -- the largest in the agency's history -- against Fair Oaks
Hospital in Summit for insurance billing irregularities, a spokeswoman
confirmed late Thursday.

The hospital -- a private drug-treatment and psychiatric facility
that runs a nationwide cocaine hot line -- entered into a consent
agreement to pay the fine following a department investigation into
allegations that the hospital knowingly billed for procedures not
covered by ...
Title: Re: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Ursus on December 04, 2008, 02:08:25 PM
And another, also from HighBeam:

-------------- • -------------- • --------------

LESLIE BRODY, Record Staff Writer
The Record (Bergen County, NJ)
03-22-1993


FAIR OAKS HOSPITAL APPOINTS NEW CEO (http://http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-22663186.html)
By LESLIE BRODY, Record Staff Writer

Date: 03-22-1993, Monday
Section: NEWS
Edition: All Editions -- 3 Star, 2 Star P, 2 Star B, 1 Star Late, 1 Star Early


Fair Oaks Hospital of Summit, a private psychiatric institution
that was the target of a state investigation into alleged billing
improprieties two years ago, has named Edward Owen Jr. its new chief
executive officer.

National Medical Enterprises, the hospital's parent company,
announced Sunday that Owen, 43, will immediately become responsible for
Fair Oaks' administration and finances.

His appointment is the latest in a series ...
Title: Re: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Anonymous on January 13, 2009, 10:58:18 AM
I currently work in the Mental Health feild now 22 years after being locked up myself for close to a YEAR AND A HALF at that place. You can't Imagine how hard is to get someone funding for a week now it's insane! As well as some of the practices used on the Accept Unit, Dead Time, The Silent Treatment, days of restaints!! I actually bit someone after 12 hrs! Having yelling assigments in the quiet room and getting sent back in to do it again because it wasn't from the gut! I still keep in contact with a friend from there .
Title: Re: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Anonymous on January 23, 2009, 01:26:33 PM
Wow - I actually started this thread years ago, I'm amazed to see it's still going.  I thought it was really weird that there was just no information at all on this place anywhere on the internet (plenty on how it was sued out of existance, and took per-capita kickbacks for filling beds- Marjorie B., I'm looking in your direction.)

I did find a website for Nathan F. out there that's worth taking a look at for anyone that was there - looks like he's still making his money by convincing parents that if they aren't listening to him, they are enabling thier children to commit suicide.  Now that I'm a parent, I can see both the seduction and the evil in that sales pitch.  Take a look at the written testamonials on his site - You'll probably recognize some of the other staff from back in the day, still spouting the same party line.
Title: Re: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Anonymous on April 20, 2009, 02:21:18 PM
I was on the adolescent unit for about 6 months, back in 1987 (I think!) from Feb to July. Funny, I remember the date I got out no problem, just fuzzy on the year! Fair Oaks was an awful place and even now, as an adult, I have nightmares. The sad part was that I needed help, my family needed help- but it took years to figure out that isnt what they were there for.

R- I knew someone with the same initial/last name, wonder if it was you...
Title: Re: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Anonymous on August 23, 2009, 12:06:00 PM
I was there Oct.1981-Jan 1982.  While I was there they invented the Prospect School which was for kids that could not return to reg high school since they were "incorrigible".  I was the first to be an outpatient after my inpatient stay and finished my senior year in FOH.  Doc was there then, and so was DR. Strong, lol God, I hadn't thought about that word in 30+ yrs. Doc (Rosenberg) knew that if I went home I would be kicked out at 16 so he DID use my fathers insurance to keep me in so could finish high school.  He knew nothing was wrong with me, just rotten step parents.  I was able to retrieve all my records later in life, you know, the binders staff would write in, eval unit reports etc. All said I was ok just emotionally wrecked.  Doc proceeded to make sure I went on job interviews and learned how to budget since he knew I would be out on my own when I graduated.  He never forced meds on me and I sure gave him a hard time.  Maybe some of you heard of our crew...we were the ones who barricaded ourselves in a room until the fire department came with ladders to remove the windows, lol.  We were just bored, lol.  

I know Doc got in a lot of trouble for the insurance fraud issue and my case was used as an example in court.  In hind sight he saved my life.

If any of you were in and the unit was still on the top floor and saw the painted Pegasus on the wall, I did that.

Good luck to all of you.

Denise
Title: Re: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: hann on July 02, 2010, 12:00:41 PM
Stacey - I was in Adolescent Unit Feb-Jun 1986. My name is Heather. I'm not sure if i can place my memory of you - but I think I know who you are... I remember Erica, Krista and Melanie - and Greg with the long hair...and others... Its been a long road since then but really reaching my stride the past few years. I often wonder how kids I knew there are getting on in their adult lives.

I've been trying to remember the last name of a counselor named Denise who did the relaxation therapy sessions. Those were really beneficial to me. Do you remember her? And for all the Elvis fans out there... I had the 'pleasure' of her watching me shower because i was on "arms length" due to confessing I wanted to hurt myself.... yeach! ;)

My experience there fortunately for me was  positive - not that I was happy to be there or I enjoyed it -- but that being locked up kept me from progressing into more dangerous drug use and behavior. I know enough about myself now to understand that I function best with an imposed structure - which that place gave me. The staff introduced me to AA (which when I was ready for it, 5 years later, saved my life - I am grateful to have had that exposure at 17) and the Relaxation Therapy taught me skills which became the basis for a path of education and coping that continues to be a significant part of self care, everyday.

I was discharged after my insurance ran out -- obviously I was part of the system there along with everyone else. But, I was in big trouble back then and probably wouldn't have survived without intervention. It's upsetting to know that perhaps many of the kids were damaged by what was apparently a somewhat corrupt system. I know that other hospitals had strong reputations as places of abuse - I'm grateful I wasn't in one of those places. I'm sorry for anyone who was - or is - hurt, in any way, by these malfunctioning institutions.
Title: Re: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: bstan1976 on September 12, 2010, 10:30:23 PM
I was in Fair Oaks in summer of 88. My parents were duped into sending me there by a family friend/shrink(who no doubt got a cut for his referrals) because I was "incorrigible" . Just reading the words Dr. Strong and quiet room makes me sick. I was 12 years old when "Dr" Robin Shimmel prescribed heavy antipsychotic drugs that made me blind and wet the bed. I often dream of returning there as I am now (6'6 240lbs 34years old) and seeing if they would attempt the same abuse they enacted on the scared 12 year old I was. I am now married with two beautiful children of my own, but my teens and early twenties were marred by drug abuse and depression that Fair Oaks had a large hand in. I dont blame my parents but I hope every single staff member that worked there while i was there fries in hell for what they did. Its ironic that my family still doesnt believe me about the stuff that happened there.
Title: Re: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: DannyB II on September 13, 2010, 12:11:32 AM
Quote from: "bstan1976"
I was in Fair Oaks in summer of 88. My parents were duped into sending me there by a family friend/shrink(who no doubt got a cut for his referrals) because I was "incorrigible" . Just reading the words Dr. Strong and quiet room makes me sick. I was 12 years old when "Dr" Robin Shimmel prescribed heavy antipsychotic drugs that made me blind and wet the bed. I often dream of returning there as I am now (6'6 240lbs 34years old) and seeing if they would attempt the same abuse they enacted on the scared 12 year old I was. I am now married with two beautiful children of my own, but my teens and early twenties were marred by drug abuse and depression that Fair Oaks had a large hand in. I dont blame my parents but I hope every single staff member that worked there while i was there fries in hell for what they did. Its ironic that my family still doesnt believe me about the stuff that happened there.

bstan1976,
My name is DannyB II, I was wondering if I could have a dialog with you concerning your statement that you don't blame your parents. I am genuinely curious as to why and how you came to this conclusion. I am not being judgmental or do I have a agenda.
Recently in my life I have had to re-think certain conclusions I had formed in my basic foundation of thoughts, I built over the years, since I left treatment. So I am looking for other members insight.
BTW thanks for your post.
Title: Re: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: psy on September 13, 2010, 12:52:27 AM
Quote from: "bstan1976"
Its ironic that my family still doesnt believe me about the stuff that happened there.
Of course not.  Then they'd have to deal with the guilt.  Have you ever tried telling them you forgive them?  That can help take away the possibility of guilt and make accepting the truth a lot easier for parents (did with mine).
Title: Re: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: bstan1976 on September 13, 2010, 11:27:01 PM
sure danny no sweat
Title: Re: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Dreamwhisper on October 18, 2010, 01:22:50 AM
I went there when I was 14, from Nov. 1971 to June 1972, then again from Feb. to June 1973. It was pretty bad then, but it sounds like it got even worse over time.

I keep looking for pictures of the old building, but I can't find any online - does anyone know if there's a book or publication out, that has pictures of it? After all these years, the place still haunts my dreams.
Title: Re: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: lisa37030 on January 11, 2011, 10:03:20 PM
OMG hello roomies!!! I went there in 1990 until my insurance ran out. I was in for attempted suicide smoking weed and Lsd, not typical teenage stuff but i grew out of it. Alot of what fair oaks had to offer still haunts me, like the great white quiet room that was all but quiet, I remember smoking tea and snorting baby powder.lol and the wonderful walks to school where some quy reached in his pants and offered me his pubic hair during math class. Does anyone remember those whale sounds they made us listen to while laying on the floor, I never could stop laughing enough to get the full effect. And whats up with , "" and how does that make you feel?" Im sorry but since when does getting high make you go to the crazy house because I was with some kid you kept asking me if he could have my tampons and use my makeup. Strange. I roomated with a girl named Michelle from new york I still miss her. And I too never made it to  being on level 2, sorry but still to this day Im not gona suck up to people who think they know more than I do just because they where a badge. I was restrained at times, made to sit in my room refrained from Movie night and so on, hated sitting in that god awful wreck room in the middle of the joining boy and girl halls. i was Lisa nannie does anyone remember me?????
Title: Re: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: bstan1976 on February 06, 2011, 10:33:57 AM
Hi Lisa I just missed you there by about a year. Sounds like you had same experience as I did. The first day I was there on the eval unit I got sick from something I ate. THeir solution was a shot in the ass full of Thorazine and strapping me to a bed. I was a drooling idiot for two days. To me there is nothing lower on this planet then adults who prey on children, nevermind for profit. Oh how i would love to return there now and send a few of those staff members into the quiet room.
Title: Re: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: weave.and.unravel on June 11, 2011, 05:46:37 PM
I was there five years ago after it had changed over to being "Summit Oaks".
Title: Re: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: got2bme on June 13, 2011, 03:18:18 PM
hello dear friends i was at fair oaks around 1979 was there for a full yr and left(was transferred to trenton psych hospital) the day my insurance ran out.
I still have nightmares of my experiance there. i was wondering does anyone remember me i was 11 yrs old the youngest patient at the time and kind of became there mascot the 1st half of the yr i spent there was spent either in seclusion or restraints. my name is Pam btw
but my question here is does anyone remember mark ( he was a staff member)in the adolescent unit that played guitar. also if anyone knew the nurse Nancy king I wonder where they are now and wish i could tell them how much they helped me.
If you remember me or those staff members please respond.
Title: Re: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: akorive on August 13, 2011, 04:21:11 PM
i was there from 1/5/88 to 4/4/88. friggen crazy place that to me know almost was run like a scientologist org (albeit they gave a crap load of drugs). I was 18 and state committed there and basically brainwashed. then sent to MN as part of their cow herding tactics for more scamming of money for another 6 months or so. nathan fears had some scam with "after care" programs in MN that were overcrowded, dirty, and TOTALLY dsyfunctional. I still have mental anguish over that time frame and the crooks that ran those establishments.
Title: Re: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: bass57 on November 16, 2012, 08:17:17 AM
Hi

My name is Andrea and i was in Fair Oaks in Nov 93... There was a staff member there named Rose who really had an impact on me and I have been thinking about her a lot lately for some reason...I never knew her last name unfortunately ...so i can't do a search or anything..i only knew her first name and birthday...she was the only one who really seemed to care as my first 4 days there i was crying and then broke my toe and she was the only staff member to ask if i was alright and fixed my toe...anyway i know this sounds crazy but i would love to get in touch with her to thank her for so much ...So i was wondering if anyone that was in there remembers her at all?  she had short reddish hair green eyes...etc.. sorry i know thats not a good description I believe she ran the adolescent unit and did group therapy.. etc...

Thank you
Andrea
Title: Re: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: sami420 on September 08, 2015, 11:20:34 AM
Ok, I was 16 years old when I was put in that disgusting place for weed, oh you saw it, weed. Ty all the people who gave me cigs from the mental unit. That being said, I stayed there 28 days. I did not comply with any of their bs. I refused to say I was a drunk, uh cause I didn't drink. I still don't. I was made fun of because I was there for weed. I saw more crap in that place then i ever saw in life. I saw this kid jesse run away and I was so jealous. I was put in the quiet room, ugh. restrained to a bed because I was a teenager. They falsely dx me with hep b, and swore I had sex with a junkie, Uh no I said, assholes, no hep b. My roomates told on me for having cigs, they can go f themselves too. I was put in the Lingle house in mn in 1991, around may, I was in fair oaks april of 91. I stayed at that mf place 9 months. Endured alot of bs. The girls were mostly the c word. I never got my allowance and I refused to admit a damn thing. In jan 92 I was able to go home for the holiday in dec, at that time I told my parents get me out or I'll blow that place up. I meant it. I'm a very non violent person, so thank god I got out. 9months of my life stolen.Funny now, I'm a nj mmp, I have fibro, prob had it all along.So at 40, I mad my mother pay the 200 for my mmp card. A nice I told you so and a big FU. FYI, I am an RN. So I got my education. The MD I see has me on more drugs then I ever took in the 90s. Go figure. I just wanted to share. I smoke everyday since I left that pos place and I'm fine. F Them
Title: Re: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Newleaf512 on September 08, 2015, 06:14:19 PM
I have the dubious distinction of being the in patient with the longest tenure clocking in over a year from 1983 through 1984. My BPD mother was looking to dump me, I remember Elvis, smoking by the pool table and bizarrely watching "The Wall" on movie night one night. I'll go into detail more soon.

I also remember lining up to eat and David Crosby from CSNY being there and him saying disgusting things to me.

I was released and 2 months later I became the very first victim, I mean student at the John Dewey Academy JDA where Tom Bratter molested me frequently.
Title: Re: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: sami420 on September 09, 2015, 03:04:42 PM
That place wrecked lives. I'm sorry for anyone who had to be there at all. ???
Title: Re: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: Newleaf512 on September 17, 2015, 09:00:33 PM
In the time I was there I also remember Elvis. This was in part of 84. One of the other things I remember is of the many roommates I had, one of them was there for smoking pcp which she explained she called Sherman sticks.

I also remember as a privilege some girl had a guitar and wrote songs about not using drugs and we were allowed out of the hospital to go to (I think) schools and put on a little singing performance and then talk to the other students about drugs. As I had never used drugs I found it odd they chose me.

I was there for so long, and had so much medication (remember having to take the medication and then open my mouth) I was a zombie.

There is so much that I can not recall but there was a boy there, his initials are BM and he was there for doing graffiti and if I can remember correctly was from Pennsylvania someplace and ran away once.
I remember another boy whose name I don't remember. I believe he was there for OCD and he was fixated on all things religious.

Does anyone know how I can obtain all my medical records? 
Title: Re: Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ?
Post by: bass57 on October 10, 2015, 05:41:11 AM
Newleaf512   I know FOH destroys medical records after a certain amount of time has passed.. (as do most hospitals) if you were in different hospitals you could try calling them and asking and if they have them there is a fee you are probably going to have to pay to get them...anyway hope that helps some.