How To Get Started

Whether you are looking for help for yourself or for someone you care about, asking for help is the very first step toward healing. We recognize that this step alone may be one of the hardest steps in the process of change. You may also find yourself asking…

So now what do I do? Who do I call? What should I ask?

Hanbleceya has had many years of experience helping individuals and families navigate through this challenging, but hopeful process of health and change, and we would be happy to answer any questions you have about the process. Please don't hesitate to call!

For Seattle Call: (206) 592-6182
For San Diego Call: (619) 466-0547

We've been here since 1979, and we'll be here for you.

Our caring staff handles all calls. They are here to answer questions and to provide information about our treatment program. During the admissions process, information will be gathered and arrangements will be made through one of our financial coordinators. Assistance is available to prospective patients in determining financial options........

Understanding the Admission Process...

Preliminary phone screening with one of our intake coordinators - The first step in the intake process is a preliminary phone screening. The purpose of this screening is to gather extensive information about the admitting client, to provide helpful information about Hanbleceya's treatment program, and to culminate the discussion by setting up an appointment to either meet face-to-face to visit Hanbleceya or to book an assessment visit. This is your opportunity to start exploring whether or not Hanbleceya is the right fit for your loved one's needs.
Preliminary clinical review of psychiatric history and documentation - For most cases our clinical team will need to review historical information about previous hospitalizations, treatment centers, and psychiatric evaluations. We will likely ask you to help us coordinate the delivery of this information from the specific providers so we can assess whether or not Hanbleceya is the best next step. Sometimes it may be necessary to involve an affiliated interim facility to maximize the potential long-term success of your loved-one in our program.
Initial face-to-face meeting - Giving your loved-one the opportunity to meet with staff and/or visit the program prior to the two-day assessment can play a significant role in minimizing the anxiety that he/she will likely experience when first visiting Hanbleceya. We have found that interaction with staff may not only be a valuable and worthwhile experience for your loved-one, but it can also help create a connection and initiate the bonding process, an important piece in effectuating a successful assessment. Whether a Hanbleceya staff person visits your loved-one or you bring your loved one to visit Hanbleceya, the time and effort can be beneficial.
Assessment visit - This can be a great opportunity to fully evaluate the program without having to make a long term financial commitment. It also provides both you and Hanbleceya an opportunity to observe how your loved-one will react to, and interact within, our therapeutic community environment. Assessment visits at Hanbleceya commence on Wednesday around 9:00am and culminate on Friday afternoon. Oftentimes the assessment visit is preceded by a half-day of psychological testing. There is a one-time fee for the assessment visit. Talk to your intake coordinator for information on cost and further details.

Prior to your visit, you will be asked to ensure the delivery of pertinent psychiatric information from hospitals, institutions, psychiatrists, and therapists. This information should be received one week prior to your arrival as the clinical staff will need time for its review. Please have all requested documents faxed to 619-466-2609 - Attn: Clinical Staff.

Your assessment visit will include the following:

Meeting with your Intake Coordinator - You and the rest of your family will visit the center, tour the independent housing, meet other clients in the program in addition to meeting other members of the Hanbleceya clinical and support staff. Use this opportunity to get answers to any additional questions you may have about the program.
Formal Clinical Assessment - After reviewing provided psychiatric data, Hanbleceya's program director will meet with both your family and your loved one to perform a formal clinical assessment. During this session you will have an opportunity to share pertinent background information and historical data about your loved one. Our objective is to acquire appropriate information so we can determine the likelihood of his/her success in Hanbleceya's Treatment Program.
Multiple Psychotherapy Sessions - Your loved one will participate in 4 group therapy sessions, a minimum of 3 individual therapy sessions, and a wrap-up family therapy session on Thursday evening. This is a good opportunity to sample firsthand how clients heal themselves at Hanbleceya. Your loved one will be encouraged to ask questions and participate in the process.
Meeting with our Program Psychiatrist - The family will meet with our Program Psychiatrist, Dr. Mark Melden, at his Coronado facility. This will be a great opportunity to ask questions of the clinician who will be in charge of medication prescription.

Treatment Team Review and Notification - At the culmination of your assessment visit, the Treatment Team will meet to review all pertinent information, share impressions from your visit and discuss all relevant psychiatric data at our regular treatment team meeting. The decision on whether or not to admit your loved one is based on numerous factors. You will be notified of our decision on Friday in a meeting with your intake coordinator.
Setting an Admission Date - Your intake coordinator will advise you of the next available admission date, usually the Monday following your assessment visit. During times when the program is using a waiting list, you may be required to provide a non-refundable deposit to guarantee your space in the program.
General Admission - Administrative and financial details are finalized is the Friday meeting with your intake coordinator.