Residential Program FAQs
Interested in learning more about residential life at The Bridge? Browse our FAQs to learn more about life at The Bridge.
- What will my loved one be doing at The Bridge?
- How long will my loved one be at The Bridge?
- Who will be working with my loved one?
- When may I see my loved one?
- Who may attend family visits and what may we bring?
- May I speak with my loved one by phone?
- What should I do with my loved one's medication?
- What should I do about medical appointments that have already been scheduled?
- May my loved one come home while in treatment?
- What should my loved one bring with him when he arrives at The Bridge?
- How may I help my loved one?
- Will my loved one be able to attend school?
- Will anyone help my loved one when he or she leaves The Bridge?
- Whom do I call to obtain information about my loved one?
Q: What will my loved one be doing at The Bridge?
A: Your loved one’s days will be structured with activities such as group therapy three times per week; individual therapy sessions a minimum of once each week; family therapy sessions a minimum of two times monthly; school every day; numerous life skills activities; and vocational programs including classes in cooking, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, music and video production, gardening, engine building, computers and animal-assisted therapy.
Q: How long will my loved one be at The Bridge?
A: Your loved one will be here for approximately three to nine months depending upon how he progresses in treatment.
Q: Who will be working with my loved one?
A: Your loved one will be assigned a primary therapist, a continuing care (aftercare) worker and a treatment team. There will be many other staff involved in your loved one’s treatment as well.
Q: When may I see my loved one?
A: Initially, visits occur in family sessions with your loved one’s therapist. The therapist will call you and set a date and time that is good for both of you. Visits occur on Saturday or Sunday between the hours of 2:30 and 4:30.
Q: Who may attend family visits and what may we bring?
A: Up to four family members other than the resident, including children, may attend family visits. We ask that you do not bring any food, snacks, candy or drinks unless it is a special occasional and has been approved two weeks in advance by staff.
Q: May I speak with my loved one by phone?
A: Phone calls should occur on a weekly basis and are contingent upon a time mutually convenient for you and the therapist or treatment team member. The phone calls are for immediate family only. All other requests for phone contact should be forwarded to the primary therapist.
Q: What should I do with my loved one’s medication?
A: We must have a new prescription prior to the day of admission. Please request this from your doctor. Please do not send any medication from prior prescriptions.
Q: What should I do about medical appointments that have already been scheduled?
A: Please give all information to us so our medical department can make sure your loved one attends.
Q: May my loved one come home while in treatment?
A: You loved one will return home for day passes and then progress to overnight passes once you, The Bridge treatment team and your loved one agree that he or she is ready to begin the process of transitioning home.
Q: What should my loved one bring with him when he arrives at The Bridge?
A: Your loved one will need underwear, socks, T-shirts, one belt, one pair of sneakers, one pair of shoes and gloves. Please do not bring your loved one anything else until you discuss this with his therapist. We provide shirts and trousers to our residents free of charge.
Q: How may I help my loved one?
A: The family is an active participant in treatment. All of the staff will need your help to help your loved one be successful at The Bridge. We will need you to attend family sessions as well as the many events we host throughout the year. Your investment in treatment and consistent attendance at sessions will be a tremendous asset for all involved.
Q: Will my love done be able to attend school?
A: The Bridge operates a licensed private school on its grounds. The credits your loved one achieves while at The Bridge will be transferred to his high school when he leaves.
Q: Will anyone help my loved one when he leaves The Bridge?
A: Your loved one will continue to work with his continuing care coordinator for at least three months after he leaves The Bridge. The continuing care coordinator will assist you and your loved one with obtaining resources in the community, such as scheduling out-patient appointments, school registration, after-school activities and employment.
Q: Whom do I call to obtain information about my loved one?
A: For ongoing treatment needs you can reach your loved one’s therapist by calling The Bridge’s main number at 215.342.5000.