Being at Silver Hill

Silver Hill is a nationally recognized, independent, not-for-profit hospital for the treatment of psychiatric and addictive disorders, treating over 3,500 patients annually. It stands among the best private hospitals in the country for substance abuse and psychiatric inpatient, transitional living and outpatient care.

Nestled on 44 acres of Connecticut hill country, our campus is a tranquil setting for your time of reflection, recovery and reconnection with the rest of your world.

We pledge to each patient who comes to Silver Hill that:

• You will be treated with respect and dignity.
• You will receive the level of care you need, when you need it.
• You will have the advantage of a superbly-skilled staff taking a multi-disciplinary approach to your treatment. This means we can provide the experience and expertise you need, no matter how complex your condition may be or who has tried to treat it before.
• We will collaborate with supportive family members and referring clinicians to ensure your positive outcome.

And we’ve been doing all this for 85 years and counting.

Treatment at Silver Hill includes:

• A thorough diagnostic evaluation from a world class clinician.
• Three levels of care all on one campus: Inpatient, Transitional Living and Outpatient.
• Six areas of clinical expertise including: Substance Abuse and Co-Occurring Disorders, Personality Disorders, Psychotic Illnesses, Adolescent Disorders and Executives and Professionals treatment.
• Expertise in the primary conditions of Addiction, Anxiety and Self Harm, Depression, Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder. Expertise as well in treating co-occurring disorders.
• Individualized treatment that is directed towards your specific needs.
• A safe and confidential environment that fosters healing.
• A comprehensive team approach to your care provided by an expert, multi-disciplinary staff.
• Therapies that are patient-focused and evidenced-based.
• Programs that support your family and loved ones.
• A plan for safe discharge in a supportive community when you complete your stay.

We provide three levels of care that correspond to your stages of illness, all on one campus. That means you can move seamlessly between levels as your symptoms dictate, without interruption or disruption of your treatment.

Adult Inpatient – for the acute phase of illness

Our Main House Inpatient Service takes place at the Patricia Regnemer Main House building. You are assigned according to diagnosis and the type of inpatient treatment that is best suited to assisting in your recovery. The average length of stay varies by diagnosis, ranging from 5 to 12 days.

In this safe, supportive environment, you will explore:

• Problem solving
• Relapse prevention
• Managing emotions
• Self-esteem
• Coping ahead
• Health and medication education
• Communication skills
• Stress management

All inpatient units are locked for your safety, and no personal computers or cellphones are permitted.

Your 14-hour day will include some or all of the following:

• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Group Therapy, Including Psychoeducational and Skills Groups
• Medication Education
• Twelve-Step Work, When Appropriate
• Psychopharmacology
• Family Program
• Recreational Activities
• Nutritional Consultation, When Clinically Indicated
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy
• Visiting Hours (Family Members 12 Years of Age and Older)

Your schedule will include daily meetings with your psychiatrist and social worker.

Visit Inpatient FAQs

Adult Transitional Living– for continued therapeutic recovery

When you stay at Silver Hill for treatment, you can expect a safe environment that promotes healing and recovery. During this minimum four-week program, you will reside in one of the seven well-appointed treatment houses on our beautiful campus.

Houses typically have a large living room and well-equipped kitchen/dining area. Rooms have private baths and accommodate two people. (Private rooms may be available at an additional cost.) There is a washing machine and a dryer on premises for laundry.

While personal cellphones and computers are not permitted, you will have access to iPads and computers within the treatment house as well as computers in the library. Visitors are welcome during regular visiting hours. Check with the clinician in charge for visitation polices and hours. An onsite fitness center, large gymnasium, and indoor pool, and library are available to patients.

Your 14-hour day will include some or all of the following:

• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training or Other Therapy
• Group Therapy
• Goal Planning
• Mindfulness Meditation
• Recovery Discussion Meetings
• Recreational Activities
• Visiting Hours

Adult Intensive Outpatient Programs – for continued treatment from home

We offer several Intensive Outpatient Programs, each specific to a disorder or particular therapy.  In some cases there are separate programs for men and women.  Intensive outpatient programs generally last from six to nine weeks, and meet two or three days a week on campus. Ask your clinician for the program that’s right for you.

At Silver Hill, we believe your family’s support is important throughout your treatment, and we encourage your family members to meet with your social worker, psychiatrist or other members of the treatment team.

All of our treatment programs also offer meetings and forums to:

• Educate your loved ones about your illness
• Improve family communication and functioning
• Address coping strategies specific to the your condition

We also offer DBT education and skills training at the weekly DBT Family Program.

During your treatment with us you may also purchase our Wellness Services, which offers a holistic approach to recovery in recognition of the integration of body, mind and spirit. Services include yoga, acupuncture, personal fitness training, meditation and massage therapy. These alternative therapies complement, not replace, traditional medical care. They are most effective when combined with medical treatment to help alleviate symptoms of pain and anxiety. The benefits, both short term and long, help promote a feeling of wellness.

Adolescent Inpatient – for crisis stabilization

Adolescent inpatient treatment takes place on the third floor of the Patricia Regnemer Main House. There are five double rooms, each with their own private bath. All units are locked for your safety and no personal computers or cellphones are permitted. A large open common area is used for groups as well as free time.

You will have daily meetings with a board-certified adolescent psychiatrist and frequent meetings with a social worker. Group therapy will address issues such as conflict management, self-esteem and managing emotions. There is also time allotted to keep up with your school work. Family members 12 years of age and older may visit during scheduled visiting hours. Check with the clinician in charge for visitation polices and hours. The average length of stay is seven to 10 days.

Your 14-hour day will include:

• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• School
• Group Therapy
• Goal Planning
• Recovery Discussion Meetings
• Recreation Therapy
• Leisure Time, Gym, Art Therapy
• Journaling
• Visiting Hours

During your stay, you will be able to continue school work under the guidance of a certified teacher. To minimize disruption to the school year, and with your family’s permission, our teacher will communicate with professionals in your school. Specialized support for academic areas such as foreign languages, higher level sciences, and advanced placement classes is available from private tutors for an additional fee.

Visit Inpatient FAQs

Adolescent Transitional Living – for continued therapeutic recovery

During your stay, you will reside in K-House. This residence features two large common rooms and an outdoor area. It contains both double and single rooms, each with its own bath. There is a washing machine and a dryer on premises for laundry.

While personal cellphones and computers are not permitted, you will have access to iPads and computers within the residence. An onsite fitness center, large gymnasium and indoor pool are available. Visitors are welcome during regular visiting hours. Check with the clinician in charge for visitation polices and hours.

Your 14-hour daily schedule will vary by day and week, but typically include:

• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Group Therapy
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training
• Recreational Therapy
• Art Therapy
• Visiting Hours

During your stay, you will be able to continue school work under the guidance of a certified teacher. To minimize disruption to the school year, and with your family’s permission, our teacher will communicate with professionals in your school. Specialized support for academic areas such as foreign languages, higher level sciences, and advanced placement classes is available from private tutors for an additional fee.

Visit Transitional Living FAQs

Adolescent Intensive Outpatient – for ongoing treatment from home

Our 6-week Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program meets in the large group room in K-House. While you are attending the program, you will continue to maintain a therapeutic relationship with your community-based therapist and psychiatrist for medication management, where required.

Visit Intensive Outpatient FAQs

We believe that collaboration with family members is fundamental to your success in treatment. Like medical illnesses, psychiatric illnesses are a family affair and we dedicate time to understanding and helping the family system. We always encourage your family members to meet with your social worker, psychiatrist or other members of the treatment team.

Support programs for your family include:

• Weekly Family Therapy – Family therapy addresses problematic behavior patterns, communication struggles, and difficulties understanding the patient with the goal of promoting family healing.
• Weekly Multi-Family DBT Group (Parents Only) – This program teaches parents the same DBT skills their child is learning.
• Monthly Meetings – This full-day program educates families about brain and emotional development in adolescence. It facilitates a greater understanding of mental illness and substance abuse and helps improve communication between patients and their families. It also provides supportive resources for families prior to discharge that help prepare patients and their families for a successful return home.

This program is divided into morning and afternoon sessions.

Morning (Family Members Only) –
Education, information and support for family members including time for questions and answers with the program facilitator.

Afternoon (Adolescent Patients and Family Members) –
Patients and their families are encouraged to reflect on family relationships through supportive non-confrontational exercises. They learn about family roles and dynamics and how to improve communication. They also discuss aftercare and discharge planning.

Family Resource Program – 
This program offers support and education to families following discharge should any questions or concerns arise at any point in the recovery process. The program was uniquely designed with our families in mind and in keeping with the hospital’s vision to establish a helpful, lasting relationship with our families, as well as to remain involved for as long as we are asked.