Online IOP for College Students and Emerging Adults in MA

Getting Started at Riggs

To help you be more comfortable as a new patient at Riggs, here are some tips for what to bring with you, and a brief look at what to expect on your first day.

What to Bring?

Riggs patients compiled this list of items for incoming patients. Some are practical items you may not think to bring; others are suggestions to help you feel more comfortable here. In the spirit of managing patient expectations, our Admissions staff is happy to answer any questions.

Suggested Items to Bring

  • Seasonally appropriate clothing and shoes
  • Robe, flip-flops, slippers, toiletries, and shower caddy
  • Personal electronic device(s)—cellphone, tablet, laptop, and associated chargers (NOTE: cellular service is limited in Stockbridge, but there is wi-fi in all campus buildings)
  • Hairdryer
  • Hangers (housekeeping has a limited supply; if you plan to bring many hanging clothes, please bring your own hangers)
  • TV (you may bring your own to use your room, but there are several entertainment centers in the patient residences and Community Center)
  • Writing supplies
  • Sporting gear (bike, rollerblades, yoga mat, etc.)
  • Workout attire
  • Laundry basket or bag
  • High Efficiency (“HE”) laundry detergent REQUIRED (we use front-load washers; label on detergent must read “HE”)
  • Books (but there is a library in the Inn and a local library in town)
  • Hobby items (knitting, needle pointing, etc.)

Items Provided by Riggs

  • Linens (sheets, pillows, pillowcases, blankets) and towels
  • Toilet tissue and bar soap
  • Cleaning supplies and light bulbs (vacuum, wet broom, sponges, garbage bags, disposable gloves, bathroom cleaners); you are responsible for keeping your room and bathroom clean
  • Cable (hook-up provided in your room if you choose to bring your own TV)
  • Public computers are provided in the Community Center
  • Wireless internet access
  • Charging cords at charging station

Your First Day at Riggs

Even your personal tour of our campus can provide only a glimpse of what to expect as a patient here. Naturally, it will take time to settle in, but here is a brief outline of your first day.
  • Once admitted, you may meet with a patient sponsor—another patient who has volunteered to help you get acquainted with Riggs
  • You and your family may have lunch at the Inn with a patient sponsor, to experience the setting more fully and meet other patients
  • You move into your room in the Inn
  • You and your family members meet with the Business Office to discuss financing the stay, make the prepayment, and sign a guarantee of payment form
  • In the afternoon, you meet your psychotherapist and psychopharmacologist
  • Later in the day, you meet with a member of the nursing staff

Your Treatment Experience

While your treatment will reflect your own choices, all of our residential treatment programs start with intensive psychodynamic psychotherapy as the core, and include a range of complementary elements.

Contact Us for More

For more information on long-term residential treatment at Riggs, or answers to any questions, please feel free to contact us.