Appleton
Personalized and compassionate mental health care. Contact us today to talk to our admission staff to find the care you need.
Appleton provides comprehensive psychiatric treatment for adults ages 18 and over. We aim to support and empower individuals on the path to recovery.
Our self-pay program is ideal for those who:
- Have experienced psychosis or been diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
- May also have co-occurring conditions, such as substance use, anxiety disorders, or depression
- Want to learn skills to find their own path to recovery and independence
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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 Division of Psychotic Disorders, 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 our program 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.
Patients may also come to Appleton from an inpatient program at McLean or elsewhere and are interested in continued intensive care while navigating a path to recovery.
Psychosis and bipolar disorder can often derail individuals from being able to accomplish their life goals. Our core philosophical approach is to help individuals develop the skills necessary to gain back control over their lives.
Group therapy is a central part of the program, with more than 20 groups per week covering a range of specialized topics such as mindfulness, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), interpersonal skills, spirituality, and much more.
Many of our patients participate in a wide variety of work, educational, and volunteer opportunities in the community. Boston and Cambridge are easily accessible from Appleton via public transit. Patients often leave the program during the day to work or attend courses as well as to go on outings to work on social skills.
At Appleton, there is an emphasis on stress management, overall health, holistic health, fitness, and nutrition. Daily schedules typically include activities such as meditation, yoga, hikes, nutritional support, gardening, and expressive therapies. Patients also have access to an on-campus fitness center, a certified trainer, and a nearby athletic club.
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 tools needed for a lifetime of success.
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, 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 the structure of residential care.
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:
Sophie Kwass, LICSW
Phone: 844.660.3866
Email: @email
We hope to answer your call directly or will return your call or email within one business day.
Referral Form
If you are interested in coming to Appleton, or are referring a patient to our self-pay program, please fill out our referral form below.
We work with individuals, their families, and referring clinicians to determine if our program is an appropriate option. Once we have received your referral form, our admissions coordinator will be in touch to discuss next steps.
Cost
The fee for the Appleton residence is $800 per day.
Please note: As a self-pay program, Appleton does not accept insurance or directly assist with insurance reimbursement. You may be able to recover some ancillary treatment expenses 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 Division of 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.
Jeanne McElhinney, MS, RN, BC, Program 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.
David Frederick MD, Medical Director
Dr. Frederick earned his medical degree from the Tufts University School of Medicine and completed his psychiatry residency training at Massachusetts General Hospital/McLean Hospital. He has earned teaching awards for his work with medical students and residents. He is co-director of the Clinician Educator Program for the MGH/McLean Psychiatry Residency Training Program, which trains residents to become clinician-educators.
Andrew Wu, MD, Associate Medical Director
Dr. Wu is dedicated to working with diagnostically complex patients and developing individualized medication and therapeutic treatment for his patients to maximize their well-being. He also conducts research related to improving physician wellness using econometric methods.
Joseph Stoklosa, MD, Clinical Director, Division of 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, psychiatric nurses, clinical social workers, community residence counselors, an occupational therapist, and certified peer specialists 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 psychosis and related psychiatric conditions. They specialize in helping patients to understand, accept, and effectively manage the path to recovery.
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 Division of 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, with 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, lunch is prepared or provided, and dinners are prepared by staff. Meal planning is overseen by our registered dietician.
Our comfortable bedrooms offer a retreat during leisure time. We offer wireless internet access and have computers available for patient use. Appleton’s comfortable sitting and gathering areas are full of natural light and picturesque views of the surrounding area.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 a psychotic disorder or bipolar disorder who would benefit from personalized and intensive treatment and are interested in gaining skills on their path to recovery.
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.
With permission of the patient, our clinical social workers meet frequently with the patient’s support system. Our clinical team is available to answer questions, coordinate care, and provide support to the patient’s family members and support network. Depending on the needs of the patient and their support network, Appleton offers family therapy.
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
- Nutritional consultation, ongoing dietary support, and a weekly nutrition group
- Family meetings via telehealth or in person
- Patient education services
- Case management services, including aftercare planning
- Occupational therapy assessment with weekly ongoing support
- Nursing support
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:
- Specialized individual therapy outside Appleton, in cases of diagnostic complexity
- 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.
McLean Is Here to Help
Let us help you or your loved one. Call us today to learn more about treatment at Appleton.
