Family Wellness FAQs

What is the Sunday Family Wellness Orientation?

The Family Wellness Orientation is a brief overview of what addiction is, the beginning stages of recovery for your loved one, initial communication strategies, and an introduction to how you can take care of yourself as your loved one is entering the recovery process.

What topics are covered in the Sunday Family Wellness Orientation?

The orientation topics include: how to communicate with your loved one during your first visit, hopes and fears during early recovery, how to practice self-care and set boundaries, and information on Mountainside’s continuing care services and other valuable offerings. Learn more at our Visitation FAQ page.

What type of family involvement is available during treatment?

We pride ourselves in open communication and partnership between clients, clinicians and families. If granted consent by your loved one, our team will reach out at points throughout their treatment stay to share progress, arrange a possible family counseling session and discuss continuing care.

When can I visit my loved one?

While your loved one is in detox, visitation is not permitted. This is to allow your loved one the time and space to completely focus on getting physically well.

If your loved one is in our Residential treatment program (35-day inpatient), they will be eligible to receive visitors after successfully completing seven days in the program.

Please note that all visitors must be approved by a clinician prior to scheduling a visit. If you are a first-time visitor, you will be required to attend a mandatory Family wellness orientation which is held Sundays from 10 AM to 12 PM. Read more about visiting your loved one while they are in treatment on our Visitation FAQs page.

Can I call my loved one while they are in treatment?

You cannot call your loved one directly, however, you can call the client message center at 860-362-5096, 24 hours a day to leave them messages. Messages will be retrieved by the receptionist at 8:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 4:00 pm daily. Pertinent information from the messages will be transcribed and forwarded to the Concierge Desk for delivery. Your loved one will have access to a phone during non-program hours to make outgoing phone calls and can return your call at that time.

Can I drop off clothing items my loved one forgot or bring them during visitation?

No, Mountainside has a strict “no package” policy. If there is something your loved one needs, please coordinate how to meet those needs with your loved one’s clinician.

How do I add funds to a loved one’s account while they are in treatment?

Mountainside provides clients in our care with an incidental expense account with swipe card to cover on-site incidental costs. Examples of incidentals include card-operated laundry, vending machines, client phones, and purchase of necessities.
Family members may add funds by calling Client Services at 860-362-5066 or logging into https://onecard.mountainside.com/oneweb
We ask that clients keep no cash with them while in treatment. In the event that clients are admitted with cash, it will be deposited directly to their incidental expense account. Any surplus funds will be refunded to the client within two weeks of discharge via check or credit card.
If you have other questions or concerns please call 860-362-5066.

Can I send mail to my loved one? What is the mailing address?

All items being sent to Mountainside clients must be approved by a clinician. This is for the safety and well being of the client. There is a dedicated P.O. Box for letters and another address for packages. Please refer to your Family Manual or Client Manual for those addresses. If you’ve misplaced those manuals, please contact Client Services 860 362 5066.

When will I hear from you?

We believe in open communication and partnership between clients, clinicians, and families. As your loved one progresses in the program — if your loved one has granted us permission to do so — our team will be reaching out at designated points to keep you informed of treatment progress, arrange a possible family session as well as include you in the discussion of continuing care after treatment.

Please expect to hear from us on the following occasions:
– To answer any immediate questions or concerns
– To discuss your perspective on your loved one in treatment
– To discuss your loved one’s progress
– To answer any additional questions you may have
– To schedule a family session with approved family members
– To inform approved family members of the expectations surrounding visitation and the Family Wellness Orientation
– To inform family members about the invaluable opportunity to attend the Family Empowerment Workshop