Frequently Asked Questions
The minimum age is 18. The average age is typically early thirties, but we have residents in their twenties, forties, fifties and older.
We ask for a minimum commitment of three months. Beyond that, there is no set duration of treatment. When residents are functionally capable of stepping down, the team works to help them transition to a lower level of care with greater independence and lower cost. The average length of stay is 18 months.
- A phone conversation with the family and/or prospective resident to understand their interest in and motivation for treatment as well as to learn of their commitment to abstain from substances.
- Clinical information from previous clinicians and records from other psychiatric treatment programs.
- Medical records for any significant medical issues.
- Verbal commitment from the financially responsible party to finance the treatment course.
The Monarch Community Center is not an “in-network provider” with any health insurance plans and is not eligible for Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement; Monarch is largely self-pay.
We encourage families and individuals to consult with SJ Health Insurance Advocates https://sjhealthinsuranceadvocates.com/. This advocacy group has an excellent track record with securing out-of-network benefit reimbursement to offset some of the cost of treatment.
At present we do not offer financial assistance.
External scholarship support may be available for Texas residents through https://mhftx.org/
The Care Navigator and therapist help each resident design a daily structure to include a mix of therapy groups, and when appropriate, work program activities. Therapy groups, exercise, informal groups, and creative activities are from 9am-7pm Monday-Friday. Saturday and Sundays are filled with creative and enriching activities and off-campus outings.
Yes. After the first three days most residents can have cell phones and computers in their possession. House phones are available for newly admitted residents and those on special restrictions. Those residents who have a recent history of difficulty limiting technology use or have legal restrictions will have a tailored technology care plan.
There are common areas for interacting with peers, watching television or playing games, and a recreation room with game tables. Residents are free to bring or purchase books, hobby materials, and painting supplies to cultivate independent interests. In addition, there are many academic, cultural, and spiritual opportunities in Montrose for growth and enrichment. Once a resident is relatively stable, they are encouraged to attend planned outings and can work with their team to have clearance to go on their own time.
Staff are available 24 hours each day and there is always a doctor on call in case of an emergency. There are numerous activities on campus as well as regularly scheduled outings on the weekend.
Yes! We know that meaningful work builds self-confidence and agency and therefore strongly encourage residents to work, volunteer, and/or attend classes.
During the first few weeks we encourage residents to make a priority of actively getting to know the other residents, their team, and group therapies/activities to build trust and rapport. After that, work is a fundamental part of recovery.
Our on-campus work program trains and prepares residents for eventual work in the surrounding businesses in Montrose area.
Some newly admitted residents work remotely. The team encourages working at a pace that supports their recovery and active treatment.
Residents may request a change of therapist through our Executive Clinical Director.
Stepping down is dependent upon functional capacity rather than time. Attempting to step-down during the first two months tends to exacerbate symptoms. When the resident and treatment team see stable functioning for at least 4 weeks, we then work with the resident to choose the program that best meets their needs.
The process of stepping down begins with the resident's request and includes careful discussion with the therapist, care navigator, charge nurse, program manager, and other members of the treatment team. The clinical director authorizes the move to a new program.
Yes! Residents can have friends and family visit after the therapy day is completed (5pm-8pm). Families travelling from out-of-town can make special arrangements with the treatment team. Managed and limited visitation may be necessary in circumstances where family interactions cause extreme distress for the resident. Visitors cannot stay on campus overnight, but there are many hotels and short-term rentals in Montrose.
Yes. We recommend that each resident fully invest in the work here, prioritizing treatment needs and making decisions (regarding travel and other things) that are in the best interests of achieving treatment goals. A resident may wish to leave for a holiday, but many remain on campus for holidays as well, often sharing in celebrations.
Monarch is a cashless system. During the first 3 weeks of care navigators may ask families to ship essentials and daily necessities via online shopping services. Residents receive a PEX card (secure and monitored debit card). The care navigator works with the resident and family to set a weekly allowance. Residents can have their work program pay added to that balance. Transactions with select retailers are blocked (vape shops, liquor stores, etc.) as they pose a threat to abstinence.
Yes. We honor the therapeutic benefits of healthy attachment relationships and as such residents are free to maintain contact with previous providers. In general, we recommend these to be brief check-ins to maintain alliance and strengthen the therapeutic relationship.