Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a psychiatrist on site at all times?
Yes. There is a psychiatrist on site at Silver Hill Hospital 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
How often will I see my psychiatrist?
Each day.
How often will I see my social worker?
At least once a week, more frequently as needed.
Should I bring my medications with me?
Yes. You should bring all medications you are currently taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamin supplements and homeopathic remedies.
Will you change my medications?
Your psychiatrist will determine if medications are appropriate. Any medication changes will be discussed with you prior to being made.
Can I have my phone or computer?
No. Personal phones and computers are not permitted in the facility.
How long will I be there?
Your psychiatrist will discuss with you how long you will be here for treatment. The average length of stay in Main 2 is 5-7 days and Acute Care Unit is 10-14 days. The average length of stay on the Adolescent Inpatient Unit is 7-10 days.
Will I be allowed to smoke?
Silver Hill Hospital is a smoke-free campus, including the restriction of vaping and e-cigarettes on campus. For patients who regularly use tobacco/nicotine products, we are dedicated to providing options for smoking cessation treatment and educational information to support the individual needs of each patient.
Is the unit locked?
Yes. All inpatient units are locked.
Can I leave when I want to?
If you wish to leave the hospital prior to your suggested discharge date, you are encouraged to discuss it with your psychiatrist.
What do I do when I leave?
We take discharge planning very seriously and our clinical staff will work with you and your family from day one to create a safe, healthy, and meaningful plan for life after you are discharged. This may include further residential treatment, intensive outpatient treatment, or scheduled appointments with your physicians and therapists.
Can people send things to me/care package?
Yes. Please refer to the what to bring list to determine what is permitted.
Will I be allowed to do school work? (Adolescent Inpatient)
Yes. Time is set aside each day for school work under the guidance of a certified teacher.
May I have visitors?
Covid has affected our visiting policy. Please contact us for more information.
What are the visiting hours?
Covid has affected our visiting hours. Please contact us for more information.
How many days a week is this program?
The program meets three days a week, for eight weeks.
Will I have individual treatment?
All our Intensive Outpatient Programs are group-based programs. In our Dual Diagnosis Intensive Outpatient Program you will meet with a social worker in addition to meeting with the psychiatrist as clinically appropriate. In all our other Intensive Outpatient Programs, you will need to maintain a relationship with your community clinicians.
Are these programs covered by insurance?
Yes. Silver Hill Hospital participates in many insurance and managed care networks that provide coverage for intensive outpatient services. We are required under our insurance contracts to collect co-payments, deductibles or co-insurance for which the insured is financially responsible. Our Admissions Staff can help you determine your insurance benefits and the amount, if any, of your financial obligation for the treatment.
May I visit patients in other programs?
No. Current Silver Hill Hospital patients are not permitted to interact with patients in other programs.
Where do I park?
Parking is available in front of the Martin Center and Scavetta House for our adult programs and parking is available in front of K-House for our adolescent program. View our campus map for those locations.
How much of this cost will my insurance company reimburse?
Silver Hill’s Utilization Review team will provide information to your insurance company to help support your case for reimbursement. Given that plan policies vary, we cannot guarantee what, if any, amount will be reimbursed. You can help us obtain preauthorization by giving us information about your plan and the details of your specific policy.
How often will I see my psychiatrist?
At least once a week. More often if needed
How often will I see my social worker?
At least once a week individually, often more frequently.
Will I have my own room?
All rooms are designed as doubles. However, private rooms can be made available at an additional cost.
Will you change my medications?
Your psychiatrist will determine if medications are appropriate. Any medication changes will be discussed with you prior to being made.
Should I bring my medications with me?
Yes. You should bring all medications you are currently taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamin supplements and homeopathic remedies.
What are the exercise options?
We have an onsite fitness center, a large gymnasium, and an indoor pool available to patients.
When can I use the fitness center and pool?
During the open free times listed on your daily schedule.
Will I be allowed to smoke?
Silver Hill Hospital is a smoke-free campus, including the restriction of vaping and e-cigarettes on campus. For patients who regularly use tobacco/nicotine products, we are dedicated to providing options for smoking cessation treatment and educational information to support the individual needs of each patient.
Can I have my phone and computer?
In the Adult Residential Program, while personal cellphones and computers are not permitted, you will have access to iPads and computers within the residence.
In the Adolescent Residential Program, no phones or personal computers are permitted. There are computers in the houses available for use for school purposes only. Phones may be kept in the staff office to access contact information.
How do I get access to Wellness Services?
Our Wellness program coordinator will assist Adult Residential Program patients in scheduling wellness services.
Are Wellness Services covered by insurance?
No. Wellness Services are self-pay.
What happens when I leave?
We take discharge planning very seriously and our clinical staff will work with you and your family from day one to create a safe, healthy, and meaningful discharge plan. This may include further residential treatment, intensive outpatient treatment, or scheduled appointments with your physicians and therapists.
Can people send things to me/care package?
Yes. Please refer to the what to bring list to determine what is permitted in your program.
Can my dog visit?
No animals are permitted on campus. However, trained volunteers and dogs from The Good Dog Foundation provide pet therapy visits.
What are the visiting hours?
Covid has affected our visiting hours. Please contact us for more information.
What can I bring?
Do I have to attend 12-step meetings?
Yes, the 12-step meetings are one of the foundations of the recovery process in the Adult DBT-S Residential Program.
Do I have to go to group meetings?
Yes. All activities listed on your daily schedule are integral to your recovery and require your attendance.
Am I allowed to leave the campus?
In our Adult Residential Program, after you have been in the program for 14 days, you are permitted to request a day pass to leave the campus with a supportive family member. After 21 days, you may request an overnight pass with a supportive family member. Requests are reviewed and approved by your treatment team based on clinical appropriateness. Patients have the option to attend an early bird AA meeting in New Canaan after being in the program for four days. If you have a medical or dental appointment, arrangements can be made with your treatment team’s approval.