Admission criteria for Skyland Trail's psychiatric residential treatment and day treatment programs in Atlanta
Clients are admitted to the mental health residential treatment and day treatment programs at Skyland Trail voluntarily on referral from a mental health professional or organization. We also welcome self and family referrals. Admissions counselors are readily available to answer your questions about how Skyland Trail can help you, your client or your loved one.
Potential clients need to demonstrate that they will be actively engaged in their recovery process. Treatment is successful only when clients commit to making positive changes in their lives by taking prescribed medication (adult clients), participating in individual and group therapy, and practicing new skills and behaviors.
ADULTS
18 AND OLDER
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA
Adult Admission Criteria
Adult clients ages 18 and older must commit to participate positively and fully in treatment and be:
- Age 18 or older
- Willing to take prescribed medication
- Diagnosed with one or more of the following:
- Bipolar Disorder
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders (paranoid, disorganized and undifferentiated types)
- schizoaffective disorder
- Dual Diagnosis (primary mood disorder with secondary substance misuse problem)
- Borderline Personality Disorder, and other illnesses that can be treated using dialectical behavioral therapy
- Anxiety Disorders (generalized anxiety, panic, and others)
- Adult clients must be fully vaccinated for Covid-19 prior to the day of admission and provide proof of vaccination.
- During flu season (as defined by the Skyland Trail medical team), adult clients must provide proof of vaccination with the CDC-approved seasonal flu vaccine or be willing to receive the flu shot from Skyland Trail on the day of admission.
Adult Exclusionary Criteria
Skyland Trail is a voluntary, unlocked facility, and our clients must be willing and able to participate in group activities. Skyland Trail does not accept applicants with one or more of the following diagnoses or symptoms:
- Significant cognitive impairment (Alzheimer's, dementia, intellectual disability, organic disorder)
- A primary diagnosis of substance use disorder, eating disorder, autism spectrum disorder, or some personality disorders
- Substance use requiring medical detoxification
- Current or persistent suicidal or homicidal behavior requiring 24/7 supervision in a locked facility to prevent harm to self or others. Many individuals with recurring thoughts of suicide or suicidal ideation may be safely supported at Skyland Trail.
- Recent or ongoing violent behavior
- Current eating disorder behaviors
- Primary diagnosis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Nicotine-Free Campus
Skyland Trail is a 100% Nicotine-Free Campus. The Nicotine-Free Campus prohibits all smoking, vaping and the use of all tobacco and nicotine products, except those approved for use in smoking cessation strategies. Clients who currently are using nicotine products at the time of admission are enrolled in the nicotine cessation program as part of their treatment. Clients receive support to quit using nicotine products, including peer support, education, and mindfulness groups; educational materials; support to obtain and use nicotine replacement products; and prescriptions for medications as indicated.
ADOLESCENTS
14–17 YEARS OLD
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA
Adolescent Admission Criteria
Teen clients and their families must be willing to positively participate in the treatment program. Clients should also meet these criteria.
- Ages 14 to 17
- Diagnosed with one or more of the following:
- Bipolar Disorder
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Anxiety Disorders (generalized anxiety, panic, and others)
- Adolescent clients must be fully vaccinated for Covid-19 prior to the day of admission and provide proof of vaccination.
- Adolescent clients must provide proof of vaccination with the CDC-approved seasonal flu vaccine or be willing to receive the flu shot from Skyland Trail on the day of admission.
Adolescent Exclusionary Criteria
Skyland Trail is a voluntary facility, and our adolescent clients must be willing and able to participate in group activities. Skyland Trail would not be a good fit for applicants with one or more of the following diagnoses or symptoms:
- Significant cognitive impairment (intellectual disability, organic disorder)
- A primary diagnosis of conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder. Teens with a primary mood or anxiety disorder and co-occurring conduct disorder, or oppositional defiant disorder may be considered.
- A primary diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. A primary diagnosis of a mood or anxiety disorder with a co-occurring autism spectrum disorder may be considered.
- Active behaviors related to an eating disorder or substance use disorder. Recent history of alcohol or marijuana use may be considered.
- Active self-harming behaviors requiring hospitalization. Some current self injurious behaviors may be considered depending on severity and intent.
- Active psychosis requiring hospitalization. Teens with some active psychosis that is managed with medications may be considered.
- Current or persistent suicidal or homicidal behavior requiring 24/7 supervision in a locked facility to prevent harm to self or others. A history of suicide attempts may be considered.
- Recent or ongoing aggressive or violent behavior
- Unwillingness to stay on campus
Vaccinations
To protect the health of our clients and staff, all adolescents must provide a current record of immunizations prior to admission. The record should show dates for all vaccines on the CDC's Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule for ages 18 years or younger and be signed by a licensed physician or public health official. Unless medically contraindicated, adolescent clients in services during flu season must also have the CDC-approved annual seasonal influenza vaccine. Adolescent clients must provide proof of vaccination with the CDC-approved seasonal flu vaccine or be willing to receive the flu shot from Skyland Trail on the day of admission. All adolescent clients must be fully vaccinated for Covid-19 prior to the day of admission.