Introduction and Basic Services
Located in Hartford, Connecticut, The Institute of Living is a non-profit that offers treatment of substance use disorders as well as behavioral and mental health disorders. Founded in 1822, the Institute was one of the first mental health facilities in the country, and the first hospital of any kind in Connecticut. Today, as a division of the Hartford Hospital, it provides a vast array of treatment programs including short-term inpatient care, a Partial Hospitalization program (PHP), an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and outpatient care. The Institute of Living also provides treatment for clients in need of dual diagnosis support.
Facility and Meals
The main campus is situated on 35 acres of land in the south end of Hartford. The expansive grounds were designed by the renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, the planner of Central Park in New York City. Even at that time the facility was created, the psychiatric world theorized that a serene environment was key to a client’s recovery.
The Insitute of Living provides treatment for a large number of clients at a time, with residents separated into three different wings of the building. Thirty “high functioning” residents live together, another 30 individuals showcasing signs of chronic illness are together and 24 seniors and children reside in their own age-specific wings. All residents have at least one roommate and up to three. The beds are adjustable and meals are delivered to the room or served in a cafeteria. Specific dietary restrictions and preferences can be accommodated.
Treatment Protocol and Team
Residents begin treatment with an assessment to determine the program most befitting their individual needs. The facility’s residential prgram is designed to be very short-term, providing crisis stabilization with lengths of stay typically no more than 14 days, but varying depending on the specific needs of the resident. The immediate focus of staff is the preparation for the transition into residential programming. Treatment for those in inpatient care is structured, with clients spending up to 10 hours a day participating in individual and group therapy as well as family meetings. Inpatient residents receive around-the-clock supervision.
After they are stable, the Institute of Living provides PHP and IOP treatment. Clients participate in group therapy for up to seven hours a day on weekdays. Therapy in all prgrams is individualized with a variety of methods like CBT, DBT and Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) as well as meetings on coping skills, relapse prevention activities and peer sharing. Medication management is provided, if needed.
As a part of the Hartford Hospital, the Institute of Living boasts a very large staff of psychiatrists, psychologists, certified addiction specialists, nurses, licensed social workers and case managers. Despite the relatively large number of residents, the access to hospital staff allows for a lot of personal attention.
Bonus Amenities
The Institute of Living clients benefit from the connection to the Hartford Hospital, including medical care and foreign language services.
Summary
The Institute of Living provides treatment for behavioral disorders, mental illness and addiction, and clients benefit from its connection with the Hartford Hospital. With access to an accommodating, experienced staff, and a time-tested comprehensive program, the Institute is a great option. In addition, most major insurance, including Medicaid and Medicare, are accepted.
200 Retreat Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106
(860) 545-7200
The Institute of Living Cost: $60,000 (30 days); accepts insurance. Find The Institute of Living onFacebook and Twitter
