Call us for details: (413) 252-6730
Call us for details: (413) 252-6730
Saying goodbye at the door of a residential program is one of the hardest things a parent does. Knowing what the first days look like can make it easier for you and your teen. Meadow Hill Behavioral Health is a 16-bed residential mental health program for teens ages 12 to 18 in Northampton, Massachusetts. Here is what families can expect, from the first phone call through the end of week one. Exact schedules vary by teen, and our admissions team will walk you through the details for your family.
If your teen is in danger right now, call or text 988 or go to your nearest emergency room. Residential treatment is not emergency care.
Most admissions start with a phone call to (413) 252-6730 from a parent, a hospital team or a therapist. We listen to your story, ask about your teen’s history and current needs, and request recent records, typically the psychiatric evaluation, progress notes and current medications. A clinician reviews them to decide whether Meadow Hill is the right fit.
At the same time, we check your insurance. We work with PPO out-of-network benefits. Free insurance check in 24 hours. You’ll hear what we learned before admission, not after. We have no waitlist and accept admissions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so once your teen is accepted we set an admission time that works for your family or lines up with a hospital discharge. Admissions can tell you what to bring and what to leave at home.
A parent or legal guardian comes with your teen, completes consent paperwork and meets the team. Personal phones, tablets and laptops are not allowed; they go home with family or are stored safely until discharge.
Your teen then begins a biological and psychological assessment. This is how our team starts to understand your teen’s needs and build a personalized treatment plan. Teens usually start treatment right away, often joining group therapy on the day of their assessment, so the first day has structure rather than empty waiting time.
Days at Meadow Hill are structured, with staff supervision around the clock. A day includes:
Your teen also has a psychiatric evaluation, with medication management as needed. Treatment can also include expressive therapy, interpersonal therapy and other approaches based on your teen’s plan.
Families are part of treatment from the start. Teens have two phone-call times each day, at breakfast and dinner, and parents can call the program to ask for extra time. Parents take part in family therapy and treatment planning. You’ll get regular updates from the team. Family therapy is offered weekly by phone, video or in person. On-site visits can be arranged with the treatment team after your teen’s first week of adjustment.
Yes. Many teens feel angry, scared or homesick in the first days, and some ask to come home. It helps to expect this and to agree with the team on how you’ll respond. Share your worries with your teen’s treatment team rather than carrying them alone. Our staff are with teens around the clock and keep you informed.
At admission. Length of stay is individualized and depends on your teen’s progress, and we review progress with families regularly. Starting early means the team can line up next steps near home, such as a therapist, psychiatrist or step-down program, so support is in place the day your teen leaves. More answers are in our parent FAQ.
Can I bring my teen to Meadow Hill on the same day we call?
Meadow Hill has no waitlist and accepts admissions 24/7. Timing depends on a quick clinical review of recent records and an insurance check, which start as soon as we hear from you.
Can my teen keep their phone?
No. Personal phones, tablets and laptops go home with family or are stored safely until discharge. Program-approved devices may be used for schoolwork under staff direction.
When will I be able to talk to my teen?
Teens have two phone-call times each day, at breakfast and dinner. Parents can also call the program to ask for extra time.
Does treatment start right away?
Yes. Teens usually start treatment right away, often joining group therapy on the day of their assessment.
How long will my teen stay?
Length of stay is individualized and depends on each teen’s progress and clinical needs. Discharge planning begins at admission.
How does insurance work?
We work with PPO out-of-network benefits. Free insurance check in 24 hours.
Have questions about the first days? Our admissions team will walk you through them. Call (413) 252-6730, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or email info@meadowhillbh.com. You can also contact us online, verify insurance or take our virtual tour. Clinicians can use our Refer a Patient form.
We work with PPO out-of-network benefits. Free insurance check in 24 hours.
Meadow Hill Behavioral Health · 74 Coles Meadow Road, Northampton, MA 01060 · (413) 252-6730
Families we serve: New York · New Jersey · Connecticut
Resources: School refusal · Your teen’s first week