Admissions

Riggs has an unusual and highly specialized treatment program. Intensive individual psychotherapy and the open setting are not suitable for everyone. As a result we pre-screen prospective patients in several ways before offering them admission.

The admissions process begins with the first phone call or
Internet contact. Through a series of steps that involve the prospective patient, his or her family and the referring clinician, Admissions staff members gather relevant clinical and financial data used to assess the appropriateness of the Riggs treatment approach. An Admissions physician reviews the clinical information to determine whether the Riggs approach is potentially appropriate. When a prospective patient is found not to be a candidate for Riggs, we make alternate recommendations. If the individual is a potential candidate, we place him or her on the waiting list for an admission consultation. The decision about whether or not to offer admission to Riggs is not made until the admission consultation is complete. The amount of time on the waiting list varies, based on discharges and other factors; we can only predict the wait with rough accuracy.

An important note: Active substance use disorders seriously compromise self-examination and the ability to benefit from treatment. Active substance use at the time of consultation is the most frequent reason why patients who might otherwise be suitable for treatment at Riggs are turned away. We generally require that prospective patients with substance use disorders abstain from use of alcohol and other substances of abuse for 30 days prior to admission to Riggs, preferably from the moment of first hearing about this policy.

Admission Consultation
The three-hour admission consultation is the final step in the Admissions process; it is our hope that we will be able to offer admission after this meeting. The day usually begins with a patient-led tour. Then, the prospective patient generally meets with the Admissions Officer alone, while accompanying family members meet with a social worker, who begins gathering family history. Next, the prospective patient and his or her family meet together with the Admissions Officer. At this time, we invite family members to give their perspectives on the problems, explain the Riggs treatment approach, answer any questions, and review financial considerations. Based on the information obtained during this process, the Admissions Officer may offer or refuse to offer admission to either inpatient or residential programs.

• The new patient meets with his or her sponsor (another patient who has volunteered to help a new patient get acquainted with Riggs.)
• A room is assigned.
• The patient and family will meet with business office staff to discuss financial arrangements, make the prepayment, and sign a guarantee of payment form.
• The patient and his or her family may have lunch at the Inn with the sponsor to experience the setting more fully and meet other patients.
• The patient meets with his or her psychotherapist and psychopharmacologist.

If you have questions about the admissions process, please call our Admissions Department, (800) 51-RIGGS (74447). Representatives are available from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday.

Austen Riggs Center
P.O. Box 962
25 Main Street
Stockbridge, MA 01262-0962