Appleton

Appleton provides comprehensive psychiatric treatment for adults ages 18 and over. Personalized care is geared toward building resilience and independence. We aim to support and empower individuals on the path to recovery.

Our self-pay program is ideal for those who:

• Have experienced psychosis and/or received a diagnosis such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, or depression with psychotic features
• Also have co-occurring conditions such as substance use, mood, personality, and anxiety disorders
• Want to learn skills to find their own path to recovery and independence

For more information or to make a referral, please call 844.660.3866.

Located on McLean’s campus in Belmont, Massachusetts, our residential program is one of only a few in the country specifically developed for people experiencing psychosis that is also on the grounds of a psychiatric hospital. Patients benefit from access to McLean’s full continuum of services and world-renowned clinicians and support staff.

As part of McLean’s Center of Excellence in Psychotic Disorders, our dedicated multidisciplinary staff includes psychiatrists, clinical social workers, an occupational therapist, psychiatric nurses, a certified peer specialist, and community residence counselors. Every individual is cared for by a personal treatment team that coordinates a customized treatment strategy and aftercare plan. The average length of stay varies to accommodate the needs of each patient.

Appleton is a renovated historic mansion—one of the oldest buildings on McLean’s historic campus—that accommodates up to 24 patients. We offer a peaceful, home-like setting where individuals can focus on their goals for recovery.

Learn more about bipolar disorder and schizophrenia treatment at McLean.

“Structured groups and support from my team at Appleton helped me to successfully transition to the community; they were essential for my recovery, including support from my husband, son, and family. I am a healthy and happy person because of the Appleton program.”– Former Appleton patient

Treatment Approach

Appleton specializes in comprehensive treatment for adults ages 18 and over who have a primary diagnosis of psychosis and/or bipolar disorder and may also have coexisting conditions such as addiction, anxiety, or depression.

Individuals who come to Appleton may be entering residential treatment for the first time or may be transferring from another program in order to receive the tailored, robust services that we offer. They may also come to our program from an inpatient program at McLean or elsewhere and are in need of continued safe and secure care while they transition back to the community.

Our personalized treatment approach is based on a recovery model with five flexible phases so that individuals may progress through the program at their own pace. Working with the guidance of a designated clinical social worker and treatment team, each phase builds upon the patient’s accomplishments, incrementally developing skills and reaching goals.

• Phase I of this process involves stabilizing the patient’s symptoms and establishing therapeutic relationships with the treatment team.
• In Phase II, the treatment team assesses the individual’s capabilities and focuses on implementing a daily routine, identifying goals, and enhancing social skills needed for recovery. Using occupational therapy assessments for guidance,
• Phase III looks at the patient’s ability to function in the surrounding community. Individuals at this stage may begin to do volunteer work or take a continuing education class.
• During Phase IV, the patient can pursue ongoing educational and vocational activities, utilizing new skills acquired in the previous steps.
• During Phase V, the individual solidifies accomplishments in functioning within the community and begins to work with clinicians to develop aftercare strategies.

Group therapy is a central part of the program, with 20 groups per week covering a range of specialized topics such as self-assessment, family issues, interpersonal skills, mindfulness, and more. Group therapy also incorporates evidence-based modalities such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These proven strategies focus on building skills to connect thoughts and behaviors.

We take a holistic approach to treatment, recovery, and well-being. There is an emphasis on stress management, overall health, fitness, and nutrition. Daily schedules include activities such as meditation, yoga, nutritional support, gardening, and expressive therapies. Patients also have access to an on-campus fitness center, a certified trainer, and a nearby athletic club.

Our treatment approach also focuses on life skills groups, with activities such as cooking and food shopping trips, as well as community outings to bookstores, cafes, bowling alleys, malls, and museums. Weekly community outings are designed to build skills, and support independence.

We encourage individuals to attend self-help groups on the McLean campus, such meetings hosted by the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. For those with co-occurring substance use disorders, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and SMART Recovery meetings are available. McLean’s College Mental Health Program is also a good resource for young adults in need of support and group therapy.

Family and friends play a significant role in treatment, recovery, and long-term success. With permission of the patient, we partner with the patient’s family and friends to work together to identify opportunities for growth when developing support strategies and an aftercare plan.

At Appleton, our goal is for each individual to leave the program with the skills needed for a lifetime of future growth and development.

Admission & Cost

Admission

Appleton specializes in comprehensive treatment for adults ages 18 and over who have a primary diagnosis of psychosis and bipolar disorder, with or without co-occurring conditions such as substance use, mood, personality, or anxiety disorders. Our individualized care helps set patients on the path to independence and recovery.

Our self-pay program is best suited for those who may benefit from a residential program structure. Though some may be seeking this level of care for the first time, individuals often come to Appleton from other residential or inpatient programs at McLean or elsewhere. The average length of stay varies to accommodate the needs of our patients.

People come to Appleton from across the United States and around the world. We can help arrange admission from most domestic or international locations.

For more information or to make a referral, please contact:

Stephanie Lombardi, LICSW, Director of Admissions
Phone: 844.660.3866
Email: mcleanappleton@partners.org

We hope to answer your call directly or will return your call or email within one business day.

We work with individuals, their families, and referring clinicians to determine if our program is an appropriate option. A preliminary screening is conducted over the phone to gather as much pertinent information as possible, and during this time we also explain our mission and how our program works.

Cost

The fee for the Appleton residence is $750 per day. As a self-pay program, Appleton does not accept insurance or directly assist with insurance reimbursement. Some ancillary treatment expenses may be recovered through insurance.

For more information on what is included in the Appleton day rate, please see below.

Treatment Team

Program Leadership

Kirsten W. Bolton, LICSW, Program Director

Since 2008, Ms. Bolton has been working with patients and their families in the Center of Excellence in Psychotic Disorders. Most recently, she was the program director for McLean OnTrack, a first episode psychosis clinic for young adults. A graduate of Simmons College, she began her work at McLean as a clinical social worker in the Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder Inpatient Program.

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Jeanne McElhinney, MS, RN, BC, Nurse Director

Ms. McElhinney began her career at McLean Hospital in 1986, and her passion for nursing continues to this day. Her leadership and professionalism has garnered her numerous awards and recognition. She is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to patients and a supportive work environment for the staff.

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Daniel Epelbaum, MD, Associate Medical Director

Daniel Epelbaum, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist and an instructor in psychiatry, part-time, at Harvard Medical School. He has extensive clinical experience, including outpatient, intensive outpatient, partial hospital, emergency, and inpatient psychiatry treatment programs.

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Joseph Stoklosa, MD, Clinical Director, Center of Excellence in Psychotic Disorders

Dr. Stoklosa is an instructor in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School (HMS) and the assistant program director for the MGH/McLean Adult Psychiatry Residency Training Program. He has earned several teaching awards from the HMS medical students, as well as from the MGH/McLean psychiatry residents. His research focuses on education including founding the Clinician Educator Program to train MGH/McLean residents to become clinician-educators.

Staff and Associates

Our multidisciplinary treatment team includes psychiatrists, licensed independent clinical social workers, occupational therapists, psychiatric nurses, and community residence counselors who work with referring physicians and mental health professionals on the patient’s behalf.

These dedicated and well-trained clinicians and support staff have extensive background in the treatment of serious and persistent psychiatric conditions and specialize in helping patients to understand, accept, and effectively manage their illnesses. Our clinicians have experience working with patients from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds from across the country and around the world.

Appleton operates within the Center of Excellence in Psychotic Disorders, led by Dost Öngür, MD, PhD.

Accommodations

Located on McLean’s campus only eight miles from downtown Boston, Appleton is a renovated historic mansion that accommodates up to 24 patients. We provide a home-like environment and offer spacious common living areas including a solarium, atrium, kitchen, and dining room. Appleton is designed to help individuals feel comfortable as they focus on treatment and recovery.

Breakfast is continental style, and lunches and dinners are prepared by staff, with meal planning oversight from our registered dietitian.

Appleton is only a few miles away from many recreational, educational, and vocational opportunities in the Greater Boston area. There are numerous colleges, adult education programs, and volunteer opportunities that patients can integrate into their treatment plans. Cambridge and Boston are easily accessible by public transportation.

FAQ

Where is Appleton located?

The program is located on the Belmont campus, in Appleton House. For more information on directions, parking, and local accommodations, please visit our Maps & Directions page.

Who benefits most from Appleton?

Our residential program focuses on treating individuals with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder or a psychotic disorder who would benefit from personalized treatment.

Is family involved in treatment?

With permission of the patient, upon admission, our clinical social workers meet with the family—in person or by phone—to gather patient history and general information related to the patient. Weekly communication, phone calls, and/or scheduled meetings is a standard part of treatment. Family therapy is recommended, if clinically appropriate.

Is smoking permitted?

Except during treatment commitment times or when curfew is observed from 11pm to 6am, smoking is allowed, in designated outdoor areas only. No smoking is allowed inside any of our buildings.

When are visiting hours?

Visiting hours begin after 4:30pm Monday through Friday (as visitors are encouraged to wait until the treatment day is completed), and as arranged with the case manager on weekends. All visits are approved by the case manager.

Are cell phones and other electronics allowed?

Individuals are allowed to hold and use their cell phones and computers, except during treatment, with some guidelines to prevent disruption of the program and other patients.

Is the patient’s stay at the program kept private?

Privacy is of the utmost importance to Appleton and we ensure confidentiality through our highly trained, professional, and discreet staff. No third party, whether known to the individual or not, has access to medical records, health information, or any information about a patient’s stay without prior, written authorization from the patient.

Are support and educational resources available?

From helpful online resources to self-help groups and more, McLean Hospital is committed to providing support and mental health education to aid patients and families on the path to recovery.

Is aftercare planning a part of the program?

The treatment team works closely with the individual as well as with family, significant friends, and outside providers to develop a personalized aftercare plan. Recommendations by staff are made based upon clinical needs, progress made during treatment, and long-term treatment goals.

Can former patients access their medical records?

All requests for medical records should be directed to McLean’s Health Information Management Department.

Are support groups offered?

To complement our programs’ services and encourage individuals’ initiatives in their own treatment course, many self-help groups are hosted by McLean.

Does McLean gather patient feedback?

McLean is dedicated to maintaining high-quality and effective patient care. To ensure that those standards remain at the highest level, we utilize a number of feedback instruments and quality indicators. Among these tools are the Perceptions of Care survey, which monitors patient satisfaction and BASIS-24™, a psychiatric outcomes measurement tool created at McLean and widely used in the U.S. and around the world, which delivers feedback on the patient care experience.

What services are included in the Appleton day rate?

Clinical services such as:

• Psychiatric assessment
• Intensive group therapy, medication evaluation and management
• Registered dietitian offers nutritional assessments, ongoing dietary support, and a weekly nutrition group
• Family meetings via phone and in person
• Patient education services
• Case management services, including ongoing communication with referring clinician, if applicable
• Aftercare planning
• Occupational therapy assessment with weekly OT support
• Nursing support/appointments set up for medical needs

Non-clinical services including:

• Double rooms
• All onsite meals, snacks, beverages
• Access to McLean fitness center and certified trainer
• Community trips to museums, malls, bookstores, Harvard Square, etc.
• Laundry services onsite

What is not included in the day rate?

McLean Hospital ancillary services such as:

• Individual psychotherapy, behavior therapy
• Neurological services
• Neuropsychological testing
• Specialty imaging, MRI
• Specialty psychiatric consultations, forensic consultations

Other medical services:

• Ambulance services, emergency room visits
• Dental services
• Laboratory testing
• Physical therapy
• Sleep study

These optional ancillary clinical and medical services may or may not be covered by insurance.