This information is designed to address questions you may have regarding admissions, privacy policies, patient rights, and more.

Please don't hesitate to contact us directly for clarification, or to address any particular questions you may have:
1-800-RETREAT. 1-800-(738-7328)

FAQ's

What is Involved in the Inpatient Admissions Process?

We recognize that being admitted to any of our programs, and particularly to the hospital, can be a trying time. We treat all people with dignity and respect, and we strive to make the experience both positive and helpful. To help assure that the admissions process goes smoothly please contact our Patient Access Department where the clinical support staff will help coordinate any pre-admission steps that need to occur. We value you and look forward to helping you in a safe manner following COVID guidelines.  All referrals for inpatient admissions are submitted through local crisis teams and emergency rooms.  

Common steps in the admissions process:

  1. Arrive at the Retreat’s Main Entrance/Registration Desk. For the safety of all concerned during COVID-19, we request that adult patients not be accompanied by family members/significant others. Pediatric and adolescent patients may be accompanied by no more than two people.

  2. A nurse will meet with you to begin taking your medical information and provide you with important information about your stay.

  3. A Patient Access coordinator or Patient Financial Services representative will discuss insurance policy limits, co-pays, and deductibles with you.

  4. You will meet with a licensed independent practitioners (usually a physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner) to discuss your history of mental health/substance abuse treatment and current needs.

What Should I Bring if I'm Admitted to the Hospital?
  • Clothing. Patients should wear comfortable, casual clothes during their stay at the Brattleboro Retreat. Bring one bag of clothes, with machine-washable day and night wear including underwear, socks, shoes, bathrobe and slippers. Mark all pieces of clothing, as well as such items as eyeglasses, contacts, and canes. Do not bring any clothing with strings, ties, laces or belts. These include sweat pants with drawstrings, sashes, scarves, belts made of leather, cloth or metal, and laced shoes.

  • Personal Care Items. Patients may bring the following items, if appropriate: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, and deodorant. Please do not bring any glass containers or anything with alcohol in it such as mouthwash or cologne.

  • Personal Belongings. The Brattleboro Retreat is not responsible for personal items, including eyeglasses and dentures. Patients are advised to leave valuables, including jewelry, at home and not to carry more than $10 in cash. Cameras are not allowed on the units.

NOTE: Each patient's belongings are placed in a locked space. Please be aware that for safety reasons, belongings are subject to search.

Are There Things I Should Not Bring for an Inpatient Admission?

In addition to glass containers and items containing alcohol, patients are not permitted to bring computers, cell phones and other handheld devices. Jewelry is also prohibited. As mentioned elsewhere, do not bring any type of clothing that has ties, strings or belts including scarves, sashes, sweatpants with a drawstring, laced shoes, and belts made of leather, cloth, or metal.

Specific programs may have additional prohibitions based on the nature of their services. Please ask your Admissions Coordinator for more information.

What Will My Days Be Like?

Treatment will consist of groups conducted by our clinical staff. Each patient will have a treatment team and meetings with the various team members will be done during the day. Many different groups are offered and your treatment team will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is individualized based on your specific needs.

What are the Patient Rooms Like?

Most of the rooms at the Brattleboro Retreat are private rooms. Each of the units of our inpatient areas are locked. Weather permitting, patients can access a secure outside courtyard area with approval from their medical team.

Does the Retreat Have Interpreter Services?

Interpreter services are available for deaf and hard of hearing patients, and non-English speaking patients and their families. Telecommunications devices for deaf and hard of hearing patients are also available. Staff members will assist you in obtaining these services.

Can I Send and Receive Mail?

As a patient at the Brattleboro Retreat, you can send and receive mail. Any letters and packages sent by U.S. mail are delivered to and picked up from patient units on a daily basis. All packages must be opened in front of staff.

Are Telephones Available for Patient Use?

Telephones are available on every program for local calls and long distance calls. Calls are free of charge.

Is There a Cafeteria?

A full service cafeteria is located on the Retreat's campus. A variety of hot and cold menu items are offered for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

What is the Retreat's Tobacco Policy?

The Brattleboro Retreat is a tobacco free campus. Patients, staff and visitors (including volunteers, vendors, contract workers etc.) are prohibited from using tobacco products anywhere inside Retreat buildings or on the grounds of the Brattleboro Retreat.

If you are a patient being admitted to a Retreat program you will be asked about your tobacco use, if any. This information will be shared with your treatment team. If necessary, we will work with you to help you feel comfortable without tobacco.

People visiting the Retreat for a short time--outpatients, family members, guests, etc.--are asked to refrain from all tobacco use as well.

What is the Retreat's Policy on Alcohol and other Drugs?

The use of alcohol and other drugs on Brattleboro Retreat property is prohibited.

Does the Retreat Have an Adult Residential Rehabilitation Program?

The Brattleboro Retreat does not have a traditional 30-day adult rehabilitation program. However, we have a variety of treatment options that may suit your needs. Please contact the Patient Access Department to find out more about our programs.

What are the Brattleboro Retreat's visiting hours?

Visiting hours are available seven days a week in most cases. However, different programs at the Brattleboro Retreat have different policies regarding visiting hours. Check with the appropriate nurse manager or charge nurse if you have questions.

What is the Retreat's Discharge Time?

On the day you are scheduled to leave inpatient treatment you will be discharged promptly at 11:00 am. We will assist you in arranging for transportation to a safe, stable environment where you can continue the next phase of your recovery.