programdescription

Program Description

The Retreat at Sheppard Pratt consists of two eight bed units designed for patients seeking a comprehensive evaluation and intensive treatment experience in a psychotherapeutic milieu, unencumbered by the payment policies of third parties. The Retreat offers an elegantly appointed setting for an intermediate length of stay of several weeks to several months. A significant minority of our patients have psychiatric conditions complicated by alcohol or substance abuse (dual diagnosis). These problems are addressed comprehensively at The Retreat in the context of the whole person, within a supportive 12-step framework.

The Retreat offers a multi-disciplinary treatment approach to a variety of psychiatric conditions that can be treated safely and effectively in a voluntary, unlocked environment. Individualized treatment involves at least five elements:

diagnostic assessment
psychopharmacological interventions
individual and group psychotherapy, both psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral
activity therapy, including art therapy and Eastern movement and meditative practices.
transition to after care with follow-up

The Retreat is located in a safe, comfortable and elegantly appointed setting in a specially renovated space within the Sheppard Pratt Hospital. Each patient is assigned a private suite, inclusive of a bath, with the highest quality amenities. These include individual television with cable access, bedside telephones and internet connection. The Retreat affords patients complete confidentiality and discretion throughout all aspects of their stay.

Patients admitted to The Retreat must function at a level where they do not need a locked unit, seclusion, or restraint. Patients who are acutely suicidal, violent, or acting out in self-destructive ways may be transferred to an inpatient unit with Sheppard Pratt, where such acute problems can be addressed within the safety of a locked unit. At The Retreat, patients have the rights and responsibilities commensurate with an open door and free access to leave the grounds during unscheduled periods, after an initial observation period has confirmed issues of safety and a therapeutic alliance.

The Retreat treats patients with a variety of psychiatric diagnoses, such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders and disabling adjustment disorders. The Program Director, in consultation with the Medical Director, assesses the presenting issues of each patient seeking admission to determine their clinical appropriateness for the milieu.

The Dual Diagnosis track at The Retreat at Sheppard Pratt is specifically designed for those patients with co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders. It is integrated into the overall Retreat treatment program, and includes individual and group therapies, acupuncture and Eastern movement therapies, medical evaluation, psychopharmacology, as well as an emphasis on 12-step groups for the maintenance of long-term sobriety. The Retreat has counselors, family therapists, and psychiatrists with special training and expertise in the evaluation and treatment of these challenging conditions.

Often, treatment focuses only on the psychiatric symptoms or substance use issues. We believe that for most people, a more comprehensive approach addressing both problems at the same time is the most successful. In addition to the standard Retreat programming those in the dual diagnosis track will be seen in consultation by a psychiatrist with special expertise in addiction medicine, meet with a certified addictions counselor with over 20 years experience, go to a Retreat-based addictions group as well as weekly educational didactics, and have access to 5 different 12-step meetings per day on the Sheppard Pratt campus. Family therapies will be done in person, or if this is impossible, via conference call.

Our philosophy is to treat the whole person in the most individualized, compassionate, comprehensive way possible giving them every opportunity to have a full recovery and get on the road to a happier, more productive life.

All patients should anticipate a minimum stay of 20 days in order to complete the diagnostic assessment and begin effective treatment. Continued length of stay is determined based on the recommendations of the treatment team and the patient's desire to continue receiving care at The Retreat. Some patients may extend their stay for one to three additional months.