Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is your program located?
A: Our Treatment Clinic is located in West Los Angeles, in the neighborhood of Mar Vista. It is a beautiful and serene setting surrounded by coffee houses, cafes, markets, and a farmer's market on Sunday mornings. We are also only a few miles from Beverly Hills, Culver City and the beaches. We are adjacent to Santa Monica and we provide our clients free transportation when arriving from LAX (Los Angeles International Airport).
Q: How long is your program?
A: The Intensive Treatment Program is a minimum of 4 weeks with an average stay of two to three months. The healing process takes time, particularly when struggling with life-long issues. Each client is individually evaluated each week by our clinical staff, and recommendations are made regarding the optimal length of stay. We will have a more accurate assessment of a Client's particular needs in terms of length of stay after they have spent a short time in our program.
Q: Who will be providing treatment and how does that differ from other treatment programs?
A: All of our individual therapists are licensed clinicians at the doctoral level with at least 15-25 years of experience. Most have advanced training as psychoanalysts, and we offer five individual sessions per week (four individual psychotherapy and one Somatic Experiencing individual session). Most other treatment programs provide master's level therapists, and primarily group rather than individual therapy.
Q: Who will be in treatment with me?
A: All of our clients are carefully screened by the Director to assure their appropriateness for the program. PCH Treatment is not appropriate for everyone. Clients are carefully selected to fit into the milieu, as a supportive and positive atmosphere is an important part of the healing process. Anyone exhibiting behavior that is in any way inappropriate to themselves or other clients will be referred out to a higher level of care.
Q: Will each Client's confidentiality be protected?
A: We take each Client's confidentiality very seriously. All of our employees are subjected to background checks and each must sign a stringent confidentiality agreement. We have strict guidelines regarding privacy, and do not allow staff or clients to photograph other clients. We conform to all HIPAA laws to protect our client's confidentiality.
Q: How many individual therapy sessions are offered?
A: We provide individual psychotherapy sessions by licensed clinical psychologists up to five days per week. We believe that this exceeds other treatment programs, which typically offer limited individual therapy with an abundance of group therapies. We do offer a wide array of group therapies in addition to the individual therapy, as well as neurofeedback.
Q: How are Clients assessed?
A: All Clients are evaluated prior to admission by the Director. Upon admission, all Clients meet with the Clinical Director, the Program Director, their individual therapist, and our Board Certified Psychiatrist. If indicated, psychological testing may also be undertaken (at an additional cost).
Q: Can my family or spouse be included in my treatment?
A: When indicated, we encourage family members and spouses to participate in the Client’s treatment. The Client’s individual therapist will schedule sessions with family or significant others to facilitate treatment. PCH Treatment Center also offers a separate Family Program designed to incorporate family members more deeply into the treatment environment. We strive to schedule such sessions at the family's convenience (i.e. evenings or weekends, particularly for family visiting from out of town).
Q: Can I visit the Treatment Center before committing to treatment?
A: We welcome all prospective Clients and their families to visit our facility prior to admission. It is a very stressful decision to enter an intensive treatment program, and we strive to make that experience as safe and welcoming as possible. Please contact us to arrange a tour at 310.566.7625 or fill out our webform.
Q: Does PCH Treatment accept private insurance?
A: PCH Treatment Center is a private pay facility that does not accept insurance directly. However, PCH has trained staff members who will help you determine if your insurance carrier will cover some of the costs of your treatment. Our staff will provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement, when appropriate. PCH does not work with government aid such as Medicare or Medicaid.
Q: What happens after I leave the program?
A: Aftercare planning begins when a Client enters the program, as it is one of the most important parts of our treatment plan. PCH Treatment Center has a staff member whose job it is to coordinate aftercare and to maintain contact with each Client after discharge. We work to assure that each Client has a structure in place to continue the healing process. If a Client is local to the area, and did not have a therapist prior to admission, we provide referrals, as well as an aftercare program. If returning to another part of the country, we have a vast network of excellent professionals to whom we can refer. We work hard to insure that each Client's treatment does not end upon graduation from our program.
Q: Can Clients attend Twelve-step meetings while at PCH Treatment?
A: Yes, PCH Treatment will work with clients who are in a 12-step program (or could benefit from it), and we will coordinate meetings when appropriate. PCH Treatment Center accepts Dual-diagnosis patients when their primary issue is psychological. PCH Treatment Center has staff trained to treat Dual Diagnosis, as well as consultants for a wide array of related issues.
Q: How does PCH Treatment Center differ from a State Licensed Residential Treatment Facility?
A: PCH Treatment Center is a new paradigm in Intensive Psychological Treatment, where clients are involved in our full clinic program staffed by all licensed and board certified psychologists and physicians, and are given the option of residing in our safe and containing home, as well as other housing options. Our residence, The Grand View Residence House, is a beautiful home close to the clinic in which staff are available 24 hours per day. While we clinically recommend that residents participate in the therapeutic milieu, they are not restricted to the premises. Furthermore, medication is self-managed, guests are free to visit, and residents are free to explore the rich cultural and recreational activities offered in Southern California.
In contrast, most State Licensed Residential Treatment Centers offer therapy on site in addition to “Care and Supervision”, in which schedules are monitored, visitors are limited, medication is managed, and clients are generally restricted to the premises with extremely limited pass privileges (if any). As therapy is usually offered on site, there are few opportunities to leave the premises. State Licensed Residential Treatment Centers are also more costly, with charges up to double of those at PCH Treatment.
The rationale for our model of treatment is that it more closely replicates the “real world” to which clients will be returning following treatment. We also trust that most needing intensive psychotherapy can manage their self-care as well as maintain their own safety, and do not need the restrictions that a psychiatric hospital or State Licensed Residential Treatment center demand.
