Admissions
Skyland Trail accepts referrals from professional and non-professional sources. While professionals are an important referral source, we welcome family and self-referrals as well.
Our foremost goal in the admissions process is to assure that Skyland Trail is a good fit for the applicant, and he or she is a good fit for our program. Potential clients need to demonstrate engagement in their recovery process, which includes a decision to make positive changes in their lives through medication, therapy and other interventions.
Often when considering admission to an intensive recovery program, people feel a mix of hope and concern. We find that, whenever possible, prospective clients and families who tour our facility are able to address their concerns and feel confident in their understanding of Skyland Trail. We strongly encourage interested individuals to call the admissions department to schedule a tour of our facility.
How do I make a referral to Skyland Trail?
Each referral is reviewed to ensure that Skyland Trail meets the individual's recovery needs. The individual's past treatment process, current mental state and laboratory data will all be considered by the Skyland Trail admissions staff.
What is the admissions process?
- Assessment Interview
The individual has an assessment interview at the Health and Education Center or over the phone with one of our admissions counselors. If an individual is hospitalized we may be able to send our mobile admissions counselor to the hospital to complete the assessment. The interview lasts approximately two hours. - Admission
Based on the interview and clinical data, our staff determines admission status and a recommendation for level of care. Before residential admission, the following forms must be completed and returned to Skyland Trail. Please fax to 404.315.0105.
- Financial Arrangements
We provide upfront financial consultation for every client and/or family. A number of private insurance sources cover Skyland Trail services. Financial aid, made possible through the generosity of Skyland Trail friends, is provided in certain cases based on a review of several factors, including financial need.
Criteria for Skyland Trail clients
In addition to the applicant’s commitment to participate positively and fully in the recovery process, the following eligibility criteria apply:
- Is at least 18 years of age
- Has been diagnosed with an Axis I psychiatric disorder such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar illness or major depression
- Is willing to take prescribed psychoactive medication
- Does not have a primary diagnosis of substance abuse or a primary personality disorder
- Does not have serious impulse control problems, including suicidal or homicidal impulses, or a history of severe antisocial behavior
- Does not have a diagnosed cognitive impairment that would prevent the client from participating in a group-based program
How do I follow someone's progress at Skyland Trail?
The Skyland Trail clinical staff will be glad to advise you as the recovery plan is developed. We work to include supportive family members and other key supports in our recovery planning, and with the client's permission, we strive to keep all interested parties informed about recovery goals and progress.
What happens at discharge?
A key milestone in recovery and community reintegration is the patient's return to the care of the referring psychiatrist or other professional. Skyland Trail will communicate to you the discharge plan and date.
Financial aid
Through the generosity of Skyland Trail friends, we offer a financial aid program to assist clients and families who meet certain need-based financial criteria. The application process consists of a submittal of a financial aid application and a personal financial statement from the guarantor(s), as well as submission of the previous three years' tax returns for the guarantor(s). After a thorough review, financial aid awards are granted by a board committee to offset a portion of the program fees.
View the financial aid application
View the personal financial statement
Questions?
Please review our frequently asked questions for more information or call the admissions department at 404.315.8333.
