Admissions

The process of admissions at Riverwoods can begin with a simple phone call. When you call us, there will be no expectations placed on you. Instead, we will simply do all that we can to guide you in the right direction. If you prefer not to call, you also have the option of coming directly to our treatment center for an evaluation.

Recognizing that the need for care can arise at any time of the day or night, our intake department is open 24/7/365. Our team of compassionate mental health professionals is available to provide free, confidential assessments at whatever time is most convenient for you.

If you choose to come directly to our treatment center in order to begin the admissions process, you will be able to have an assessment completed at that time. If you feel more comfortable calling first, the admissions counselor with whom you speak will assist you in setting up a time for you to come in for an assessment.

These assessments are designed to help our team gain an understanding of the concerns you have so that the most appropriate level of care can be recommended.

The following are examples of the type of information that you may be asked to provide your assessment:

• Demographics
• Presenting concerns
• Mental health history
• Substance uses history
• Treatment history

This, however, is not an exclusionary list. When working with one of our admissions counselors during this assessment, he or she will ensure that any and all pertinent information is obtained so that the type of care that will be of most benefit to you can be provided.

Once the appropriate information has been gathered, it will be reviewed by one of our doctors who will make the recommendation for the level of care that will best meet your needs. At Riverwoods Behavioral Health System, we offer the following levels of care:

• Inpatient hospitalization
• Detoxification services
• Partial hospitalization programming (PHP)
• Intensive outpatient programming (IOP)

The services offered within the recommended level of care will be explained to you so that you have all of the information necessary for making a decision that you feel comfortable with.

Once the level of care has been determined and agreed upon, treatment will begin immediately. If the recommendation is for partial hospitalization programming or intensive outpatient programming, you can begin engaging in treatment as soon as possible, depending on when your assessment takes place.

If during the assessment, it is determined that the programming at Riverwoods Behavioral Health System will not be of optimal benefit to you, we will refer you to a program that will be able to meet your needs.

Admissions into programming here at Riverwoods Behavioral Health System is always determined on a case-by-case basis. That being said, there are some general criteria that we review prior to admittance. Individuals who receive care in any of our programs may meet some, or all, of the following criteria, depending on the level of care that they will be engaging in:

Inpatient Treatment

• Suffering from severe symptoms of a mental health disorder that are impairing his or her ability to function appropriately
• Engaging in self-harming behaviors
• Suffering from suicidal thoughts / is a danger to self
• At risk of harming others
• Demonstrating aggressive behaviors
• Suffering from active psychosis
• In a state of crisis
• Being unable to care for oneself
• In need of medical supervision and stabilization due to withdrawal symptoms of addictive substances

Exclusionary Criteria for Inpatient Treatment

Individuals who present with the following cannot be effectively cared for in our inpatient program:

• Open wounds
• Severe symptoms of autism spectrum disorder
• Developmental delays

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

• Suffering from symptoms of a mental health disorder that do not require around-the-clock monitoring
• Passive suicidal ideation, with no plan or intent
• Passive thoughts of wanting to harm others, with no plan or intent
• Any psychiatric or substance abuse symptoms that do not present a danger to oneself or others

Exclusionary Criteria for PHP and IOP

Individuals who present with the following cannot be effectively cared for in our partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient programs:

• Danger to self
• Danger to others
• Suffering from symptoms that require monitoring / cannot be appropriately treated at the outpatient level of care

If you are going to receive treatment through our inpatient program, we recommend that you bring the following items:

• Appropriate, warm, casual, and comfortable clothing for 3-5 days
• Undergarments for 3-5 days
• Slippers or shoes without laces
• Travel-sized personal hygiene products

The following items are not allowed at our treatment center, regardless of the program that you will be enrolled in:

• Clothing with hoods or strings
• Alcohol-based or aerosol products
• Items with electrical cords
• Belts
• Scarves

If you have any questions regarding items that are appropriate or inappropriate, please do not hesitate to contact our admissions department.

If you are suffering from the symptoms of a mental health disorder or are battling the challenges of an addiction, please do not hesitate to contact us. Or, if you have a family member or loved one who is struggling with these concerns, please let us assist you in finding the appropriate interventions for him or her. We are ready and willing to help you in any way that we can.