A Day in the Life of Residential Treatment Centers: What to Expect at Lindner Center of HOPE

Choosing residential treatment for yourself or a loved one is an extremely brave step to take. But it can also be a scary one. Residential treatment provides a safe and supportive environment where patients can focus on their recovery free from the stresses of everyday life. Here at Lindner Center of HOPE we meet patients where they are and guide them to live their best life.

Residential treatment, substance abuse treatment, and rehab all seem like scary words.  Knowing what to expect can help put your mind at ease. We’ve put together this guide to outline what you can expect from residential treatment.

Healing Through Structure and Routines

Structure allows individuals to focus their energy. Adhering to a routine allows patients a sense of safety and room to grow within their own treatment journeys. Residential treatment includes a strict schedule. This allows patients to know what to expect each day and helps them build new habits and strengths.

Lindner Center of HOPE offers two facilities that treat adults with complex, comorbid mental health or addiction issues.

The Sibcy House

The Sibcy House at Lindner Center of HOPE is a therapeutic residential treatment program connected to a larger hospital. At the Sibcy House patients undergo a 28-day diagnostic and residential treatment program. This program is a 10-day diagnostic assessment followed by specialized care under the guidance of clinical professionals.

The Williams House

The Williams House at Lindner Center of HOPE is a residential environment for adults dealing with comorbid mental health disorders and addiction issues. There are three main programs at The Williams House.  

  1.     10-Day Stabilizing Evaluation
  2.     10-Day Detox and Evaluation
  3.     Add on Neuropsychological Testing and/or Treatment Initiation

A Day in The Life at Lindner Center of HOPE

Both the Sibcy and Williams House offer a stabilizing environment for patients. Days are highly structured as patients adhere to schedules with few changes day to day. This provides a stable foundation for patients to heal and to build the skills they need to move forward. Sample schedules below are based on Williams House programs.  

Morning Routines, Therapies, and Programs

Mornings prepare patients for the day ahead. For example, a patient’s morning schedule may include the following:  

  •     Wake up. This will happen at the same time every day giving patients needed structure.
  •     Personal hygiene routines. Often individuals with mental health issues neglect personal hygiene. Having this on the schedule works the habit back into their lives.
  •     Breakfast. A nutritious breakfast will give patients the energy they need for the rest of their day.
  •     Physical activity. Patients have the option to use gym facilities to get in some physical movement building healthy habits for long-term recovery.
  •     Group Therapy and Goal Setting. Patients participate in group therapy and set individual goals for the day. Setting an intention takes them into their day with purpose.
  •     Individual Therapy. Patients will then meet one-on-one with their primary therapist to discuss current goals and treatment plans.        

Through this structure patients kick start their day with nutritious foods, building good habits, and productive goal setting. A morning may also include exercise or free gym time.  

Afternoon Routines, Therapies, and Programs

An afternoon will continue to build on the habits introduced in the morning. Patients will be able to further develop skills and participate in more therapy sessions. A sample afternoon schedule may include the following:  

  •     Lunch. Patients will eat a healthy lunch and receive education about how to incorporate healthy foods into an ongoing diet and the importance of staying hydrated. 
  •     Group Socialization. Patients are then encouraged to socialize together. Forming relationships with other patients is a great way for patients to work on their social skills.
  •     Group and Alternative Therapies. Patients will then participate in recreation therapy, holistic therapies, and/or life skills workshops. 
  •     Family Therapy Sessions. Patients may then engage in family therapy which is crucial to create an understanding and safe environment for a patient after treatment.   
  •     Physical activity. Patients have the option to use gym facilities to get in some physical movement building healthy habits for long-term recovery.

The afternoons are focused on skill building and group therapy. Patients may also participate in physical activity or other alternative therapies.

Evening Routines, Therapies, and Programs

Routines for patients in the evenings focus on reflection and rounding out the day. An example of evening activities may include the following.  

  •     Dinner. Patients will continue their nutrition education with dinner. Communal dining builds social skills and helps break down food-based anxieties.
  •     Socialization. Patients participate in group socialization or community building exercises.
  •     Leisure Time. Patients are given leisure time at the end of the night that can be used for activities such as journaling, art therapy, physical exercise, and more.
  •     Nightly Routine. Much like the morning, patients will engage in nightly hygiene routines and other wind down rituals.
  •     Reflect on the day’s accomplishments. Before bed patients are encouraged to reflect on the goals set for the day.
  •     Sleep/rest. Wind down rituals help patient get restful sleep that is needed to support their recovery. 

View Williams House Schedule Sample

View Sibcy House Schedule Sample

Community Driven

Residential treatment allows patients to lean on a community of people invested in recovery alongside them. Through group sessions and other communal activities patients relate to one another and find comfort in the community. Patients can expect to interact with therapists, nurses, nutritionists, and other specialists. This patient-centered team approach to treatment ensures that patients receive help across many areas that will support their long-term recovery.

Communal living also gives patients opportunities to build or rebuild social skills that will help them in their lives outside of treatment.

How To Prepare for Residential Treatment

When it comes time to prepare for residential treatment, substance abuse treatment, or rehab, it may feel daunting and overwhelming. Asking a trusted friend or family member to help you sort out any affairs needed first can be helpful. When packing, be sure to bring comfortable clothing, a favorite book, and a comforting keepsake. Reach out to the program you are attending if you have questions about what you should bring.  

Understand that what you are doing is an extremely brave and smart thing to do, your outside life will still be there when you get back.

Healing With Lindner Center of HOPE

Structure, group therapies, alternative therapy, and family therapy are all elements patients engage with in a residential mental health treatment program. Entering a residential treatment facility can feel like a lot, but the rewards will be plentiful.

Schedules are relatively strict to ensure that patients receive a consistent level of care and can focus on their recovery without disruptions to routine. This also helps patients build healthy habits and supports their long-term recovery.

Contact us today to learn more about any of our programs.