How Does the DBT Works Admissions Process Work?
We have recently received some questions about how admissions work for our Day Program. We strive to make the admissions process as smooth, efficient, and informative as possible. See below for a summary of how it works. Please let us know if you have any questions. Note that this process is specific to the Day Program. The Comprehensive Outpatient Program has a separate process.
Initial Contact: Can be through email, call, or through our website. For the quickest response, please contact Christina at admissions@dbtworks.com or 978-440-2168.
Info Call: Once the initial contact is made and we have determined the case is a potential fit (e.g., within our age range), we always begin with a 30 minute complimentary informational Zoom or phone call. This is typically with a parent, though it can certainly be with the patient themselves. We are of course happy to speak with a provider first, but we will always do an info call with a family member after that. Christina schedules these and can usually get them on the calendar within a day or two for time-sensitive referrals. The call focuses on initial assessment of fit for the program and orienting families to the program.
Paperwork and Intake Scheduling: After the info call, if the family wants to proceed, we will send the intake paperwork through our patient portal. We can simultaneously schedule the intake appointment. We will also that you provide copies of any relevant assessments and documentation at this time.
Intake appointment: This is typically a one-time 90 minute appointment. We can also do two 60 minute appointments if needed. Our preference is to do these in-person if possible, but we can do Zoom for clients who are admitted to a higher level of care at the time of the intake or who are otherwise unable to attend an in-person intake. During the appointment, we will gather relevant history and background, identify potential goals for the program, assess for relevant symptoms, discuss key treatment targets, and work together to assess and build motivation and commitment for treatment. If the clinician and client agree that the program is a fit and the client is motivated to start treatment, they will then be offered a spot in the program. At this time, the client and family will also be notified about any additional information or requirements that we need for admission to the program (e.g., participation from a medical team, dietician involvement in the case of severe eating disorders).
Admission: Once the intake is completed and the client is offered a spot, we can proceed with admission as soon as the client is ready, or as soon as there is a spot available. Note that we only admit new clients Monday through Wednesday. We find that if we admit later in the week, clients don’t have time to get used to the program and be comfortable seeking support from on-call staff. We do typically recommend that clients coming from inpatient or residential units discharge from the unit on Monday or Tuesday and admit to us the following day to avoid a lapse in structure and care over the weekend before starting the program. However, this is not a firm limit for us, and we do defer to the team, the patient, and the family on the specific timing of the admission.
Orientation: On the day of admission, the client will receive an orientation to the program and facility from our staff. Parents will also schedule a 30 minute parent-only meeting with their child’s primary clinician for their orientation to the program and to share more about their experiences and goals.
Please feel free to contact us at any time with any questions or concerns about potential referrals. For scheduling, please contact Christina directly at admissions@dbtworks.com.
