Patient Financial Aid Fund at Silver Hill

The Patient Financial Aid Fund at Silver Hill offers need-based assistance to patients who otherwise could not afford treatment. It helps address the growing mental health crisis in the United States, serving as a lifeline for patients who otherwise may have to forego high-quality mental health and addiction treatment. Financial assistance is available for inpatient and residential stays at Silver Hill.

Treatment at Silver Hill is transformative. Recipients of patient financial aid express immense gratitude to the donors who make it possible. Nick came to Silver Hill in early 2024 for substance use issues. His fiancé, Sarah, was pregnant with twins and the life she imagined with Nick grew less likely every day. 

Nick did a short inpatient stay for detoxification but could not afford the four-week residential program that would provide a foundation for continued success. He knew if he went home, he would quickly slip back into his old habits. Thankfully, Nick was awarded patient financial aid and it changed everything for him and his family.  

Patient financial aid has been a priority at Silver Hill since our founding in 1931. Thanks to Silver Hill’s philanthropic supporters, increased financial assistance is now available for adults and adolescents needing to participate in select Silver Hill Hospital inpatient and residential programs. Each year, we award approximately $1 million in financial assistance. Awards range from 25% to 90% of the program charges, with an average of $30,000 per patient. 

Our goal is to double the PFAF’s funds to $2 million annually from both outright and endowment funds, allowing us to provide support to even more people.?The life-changing impact goes beyond the patient, extending to family, friends, caretakers, and others who care deeply about the patient, their health, and their life. 

You can help us reach our goal by visiting our giving page.

Silver Hill currently has eight named endowment funds to support patient financial aid. The funds are invested so that annual disbursements will be available for patients in need inperpetuity. 

Creating an endowed fund designated for patient financial aid creates a legacy of providing treatment to deserving individuals, regardless of their ability to pay. 

Endowed funds may be created with a minimum commitment of $100,000, which can be pledged over a number of years. The fund may be named to honor or memorialize the donor or a loved one, and it can be designated to support a particular area of treatment – for example, adolescent patients or those with suicidal ideation. 

Endowed funds ensure that current and future generations of patients benefit from your generosity.

For more information about starting an endowed fund, contact Interim Director of Advancement Sarah Shevchik at (203) 802-3129 or sshevchik@silverhillhospital.org

Each fall, Silver Hill invites former patient financial aid recipients, donors, staff, board members, and the general public to “Celebrating the Patient Financial Aid Program.” The evening event features touching stories from former patients, who speak openly about their lives before and after treatment at Silver Hill.

Not long ago, Christy suffered from depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. Her usual bubbly and bright demeanor had been turned off and all she felt was darkness. Job stress, COVID isolation, and family emergencies had her feeling suicidal. 

She desperately needed help but could not afford the level of mental health care she needed. The Patient Financial Aid Fund pulled Christy from the depths of despair and saved her. 

You can support the Patient Financial Aid Fund at Silver Hill by visiting our giving page.

More information about the fund, including how to apply, may be found in this PDF.