three girls on deck forming a heart with their hands

Admissions

Wellspring’s residential treatment program is intentionally designed to feel warm, nurturing, and home-like—setting it apart from many mental health facilities. On campus, the Arch Bridge School delivers clinically supported special education within a private school environment.

Referrals and Questions
Nancy Thurston, Director of Admissions: 203-266-8002
email:

Admissions Process

The admission process for Wellspring’s residential programs and special education school is caring and confidential. We welcome new residents and students to the Wellspring treatment community by rolling admission. Referrals typically come from school districts, hospitals, educational consultants, treatment centers, wilderness programs, clinicians and family members.

Our first step is a phone conversation to determine whether Wellspring’s psychiatric and educational services are suitable for your loved-one. We will communicate honestly and clearly to help you make the right decision for the best outcome. If our initial dialogue leads us to further exploration, we will begin to collect and review current clinical information and school records.

Residents skipping to the Chapel Barn

Typical Client Profile

The following list is a partial list of mental health issues that Wellspring works effectively with:

Mood Disorders
Depression
Dysthymia
Bipolar Disorders
Anxiety Disorders
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Relational Problems
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder
Other Personality Disorders
Disordered Eating
Dual Diagnosis/Drug and Alcohol Misuse*
Attachment Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Self-Injurious Behaviors

Individuals struggling with eating disorders and those with dual diagnosis will need to have successfully made a commitment to recovery to be considered for our programs.

Contemplative Hike

“

I am here, because there is no refuge,
Finally from myself.
Until I confront myself in the eyes
And hearts of others,
I am running...
— Excerpt from "No Refuge" by Richard Beauvais, Ph.D

Criteria for admission includes:

Voluntary admission
Some motivation to change
Capable of participating in a treatment community
Not imminently dangerous to self or others
Not in an active phase of addiction
Able to participate in all therapeutic activities
Able to meet the cost of treatment
For Adolescent Girls Programs: Parent(s) or Guardian(s) are able and willing to be actively involved in the treatment process as indicated and recommended by the Treatment Team

Additional Criteria:

Suicidal Ideation
Self-Injurious Behavior
Family Adjustment Difficulties
Adoption Issues
School Refusal
Learning Disabilities and Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities
Grief and Loss
Relationship Problems
Manipulation
Low Motivation
Hopelessness
Peer Issues
Entitlement

“

Our clients are bright and creative individuals with a complicated diagnostic picture that prevents them from establishing and maintaining healthy relationships.
— Nancy Thurston, Director of Admissions

resting on rocks after a long hike in the woods

Residents enjoying blueberry picking at a local farm

Will your loved one get better here?

If they’re willing to do the work…The Answer is Yes!

“

Wellspring is a wonderful place. Before she got there, my daughter spent more than a year in and out of various placements to address her mental health. No matter how great the program, she wasn’t getting any better.

Once she got to Wellspring, the fabulous staff offered her and our entire family the wrap around care that was needed to fully support her. Her knowledgeable therapist understood what she was going through in ways we could not, and helped us understand. The staff saw her through things she hadn’t been able to reveal before. And during her time there, she attended school and realized how much she loves learning, made friends and even found a special connection to nature while participating in the land and animal program. Wellspring will always hold a special place in our heart.
— Parent