Behavioral Health - Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
Substance Abuse / Behavioral Health Clinics • Sarasota, FL • Since 1925 • 1 (Cornell Behavioral Health Pavilion, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System) locations
About
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System (SMH) is a nonprofit regional health system based in Sarasota, Florida, founded in 1925. It operates the flagship 897-bed Sarasota Memorial Hospital and SMH-Venice (212 beds), offering comprehensive services across heart, vascular, cancer, neuroscience, obstetrics, pediatrics, Level III NICU, and Level II Trauma Center care. With more than 2,500 medical staff and extensive outpatient centers, SMH serves as a regional referral center and safety net for the uninsured. The system emphasizes broad specialty coverage, including its notable obstetric and pediatric programs, and operates two hospital campuses plus freestanding ERs and outpatient facilities. For behavioral health specifics, SMH is primarily described as a broad acute-care system; details on behavioral health services would require checking the system’s behavioral health/psychiatry offerings on their site or contacting them directly. If you’re seeking behavioral health resources, you may contact SMH at 941-917-9000 or visit smh.com for department-level information.
Clinic Type
Substance Abuse / Behavioral Health Clinics
Address
Cornell Behavioral Health Pavilion, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
Phone
941-917-7760
webmaster@smh.com
Opening Hours
Not published — contact the clinic to confirm hours.
Emergency Care
24-hour availability; Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 9-8-8
Services Offered
Technology & Equipment
Team
Insurance & Payment
Self-referrals are welcome.
Languages Spoken
—
FAQs
What services does Sarasota Memorial Behavioral Health provide?
Inpatient and outpatient mental health services, including assessments, individual/group/family therapy, and post-hospitalization care planning.
Who can access inpatient services?
Adults, adolescents and children needing short-term, intensive psychiatric treatment.
Is there staff available 24/7 for urgent consults?
Yes, professional, certified staff are available 24/7 for urgent consults and by appointment during normal business hours.
How can I get a free evaluation?
For a free evaluation, call 941-917-7760.
Is the Behavioral Health program accredited or licensed?
Yes, accredited by the Joint Commission and licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services.
Do they accept referrals and insurance?
Self-referrals are welcome; most insurances including Medicare/Medicaid are accepted.
What contact number for ECT coordination?
ECT coordinator at 941-917-8133.
Awards & Accreditations
Social Media
Photos
What Patients Say
Overall sentiment across review platforms: mixed
- Birdeye (Cornell Behavioral Health Pavilion): 2.8 out of 5 stars (55 reviews)
Patients praise
- Some staff members described as professional, empathetic, and supportive
- Effective organization and efficiency noted by some during intake processes
- Life-changing experiences reported by some patients and families
- Employees occasionally highlighting supportive coworkers within units
Common complaints
- Inconsistent quality of psychiatric care and treatment planning
- Dissatisfaction with discharge planning and follow-up care
- Reports of punitive management and poor work environment at Bayside Behavioral Health/Cornell Pavilion from employee perspectives
- Concerns regarding billing practices and responsiveness to patient complaints
- Mixed experiences regarding staff professionalism and empathy
"The hospital was organized and efficient during my sister’s Baker Act admission. However, the psychiatric care was disappointing. She did not receive a clear or accurate diagnosis, nor an appropriate treatment plan."
— Birdeye Review"As someone who had a family member admitted here for 6 weeks and enrolled in ECT for 14 sessions... my experience with the hospital was exceptional and my family member continues to this day to say Cornell not only saved their life, but completely changed it for the better."
— Birdeye ReviewSynthesized from public review platforms as of Jul 11, 2026 — sources: [1][2][3][4].
In the News
- The 411 on 988: The National Lifeline for Mental Health Emergencies — Sep 9, 2025
- Current Events Impacting Mental Health | HealthCasts Season 7, Episode 23 (Video) | Southwest Florida — Nov 19, 2025
- Innovative Trial Using Robotic Pets Enhances Dementia Care, Patient Outcomes at SMH — Feb 17, 2026
- SMH-Sarasota HealthConnection: Healthy Thinking, Healthy Living: Insights from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy — Feb 20, 2026
- 2026 Community Report: SMH Expands Services, Sets New Benchmarks for Quality Care and Innovation — Jun 17, 2026
Information sourced from the clinic's website as of July 11, 2026.
More substance abuse / behavioral health clinics clinics in Sarasota
Centerstone is a large nonprofit behavioral health organization providing mental health and addiction services nationwide, including Florida. In Florida, Centerstone operates under its national model with local offices and programs offering mental health care, addiction treatment, and supportive services. The organization emphasizes evidence-based practices, crisis support through national initiatives (including 988), and specialized military services. If you’re seeking Centerstone’s Florida programs in Sarasota specifically, you may want to visit Centerstone.org or contact their Florida locations directly for programs, intake, and eligibility.
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