GUNDERSON RESIDENCE
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| Insuranced based program Hill Center for Women |
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Welcome to the Gunderson Residence of McLean Hospital
The Gunderson Residence is a highly specialized self pay treatment program for women with personality disorders, including women whose personality disorders are complicated by one or more other psychiatric illnesses such as depression, anxiety, as well as self cutting or other type of self harm. The program offers highly structured, tailored treatment in a comfortable, supportive setting designed to foster independence and optimal functioning. Expert clinical care and psychiatric services are supplemented by the rich community resources for academic, occupational and social opportunities available in the greater Boston area.
The residence is named after John G. Gunderson, MD, founding member and medical director of the McLean Center for the Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder. A consultant to the residence, Dr. Gunderson is a pioneer in the research and treatment of borderline personality disorder and a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, a teaching affiliate of McLean Hospital.
Who We Serve
The Gunderson Residence is for women with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and other severe personality disorders. Borderline personality disorder is often accompanied by other psychiatric illnesses such as depression, anxiety, self cutting, and other types of self harm. The program is particularly suited for women who would benefit from the consistent support of treatment while working toward becoming more self reliant.
Residential treatment is for individuals who do not require the intensity and security of an inpatient medical or psychiatric program, but do need the structure of a 24-hour setting and a substance free environment.
The Gunderson Residence is led by clinicians with faculty appointments to Harvard Medical School and is staffed by a multidisciplinary clinical team trained in dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), cognitive behavior therapy and mentalization-based therapy. Our clinical staff brings extensive experience and compassion to each person's care. The clinical team is led by Lois W. Choi-Kain, MD, MEd, the medical and program director, an expert in the treatment of borderline personality disorder.
Treatment Philosophy
Our goal is to provide women the tools and resources needed to build more stable relationships and gain skills that enable them to live more effective, balanced, and rewarding lives. The treatment program at the Gunderson Residence is founded on therapeutic approaches that are proven helpful by scientific research. We integrate dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), mentalization based treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychoeducation into our group therapy program and into individual therapy as well.
A central component of the Gunderson program is collaboration—both within the clinical team as well as between each resident and their clinical team. All therapists and counselors on staff know the women in treatment and work together to sustain an environment that is safe, familiar, and therapeutic. Residents join their treatment team in taking responsibility for both their safety and progress in treatment.
Evaluation and Assessment
At the Gunderson Residence, an individualized care plan is developed for each woman who attends the program. The plan is based on a comprehensive psychiatric assessment, along with information received about past care and treatment.
Program Description
We provide each woman with an individually tailored, comprehensive program of services. This care plan is designed to provide a continuum of care from early stages of treatment focused on stabilization of severe symptoms to later stages of care focused on increasing self-reliance and building a rewarding and robust life outside of treatment.
Psychiatrists and clinical psychologists are actively involved in every client's care. Clients participate in a structured group program, individual therapy, psychopharmacological assessment and review, as well as family meetings and self-help meetings when appropriate. Our community residence counselors are highly trained in the treatment methods used and available 24-hours a day.
Services offered:
We also encourage women to become involved with the larger community through part-time work, volunteer opportunities, and classes at local colleges and universities.
- Expert evaluation.
- Individual, group and family therapy.
- Ongoing treatment reviews provided to women and their families.
- Medication consultations.
- Expressive therapy.
- Vocational and educational counseling for transitional support.
- Coordination of care with referring clinicians and after-care providers.
Family and Social Support Involvement
Involvement of both family and friends can be helpful to the success of clients in treatment for borderline personality disorder. Family meetings are a regular part of every client's treatment.
With permission, our staff communicates closely with them throughout the course of a person's stay. Family and friends are also allowed scheduled visits. In addition to support, these visits serve as opportunities for patients to practice new social behaviors and skills.
Click visitor accommodations for information on where family and friends can stay overnight.
Length of Stay and Continuum of Care
The minimum length of stay is 60 days. The actual length of stay, however, is determined by a person's treatment plan and her progress during the course of treatment. More often than not individuals choose to stay in the program more than the 60 day minimum.
Accommodations
The Gunderson Residence is housed in newly constructed town-homes conveniently located in Cambridge, Mass. near Boston and about three miles from McLean Hospital. Our open-door residential setting offers each client a private room in a comfortable, secure and safe environment.
Public transportation to sites in and around Boston is just steps from our front door.
Discharge and Aftercare
The treatment team works closely with each client, as well as with family, significant friends, and outside providers to develop an appropriate, individualized aftercare plan. Recommendations by staff are made based upon clinical needs, progress made during treatment, situation, and goals.
Referral and Admission
We look forward to speaking with you about the treatment opportunities at the Gunderson Residence. Please contact our admissions coordinator by telephone at 888.657.5699 during the business week. We hope to answer your call directly or will return your call within one business day. You can also reach us by e-mail at mcleangunderson@partners.org.
Cost and Payment
Effective Nov 1, 2012, the fee for the Gunderson Residence is $1,100 per day for a minimum of 60 days. We are a self pay program that does not accept insurance nor any third party reimbursement.
If you are seeking to use insurance for residential treatment please consider McLean Hospital's Hill Center for Women.
