| What is Yellowbrick? |
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Yellowbrick is a private, physician-owned and operated psychiatric healthcare organization whose mission is to provide a full-spectrum, specialized approach to the emotional, psychological and developmental challenges of emerging adults. Yellowbrick offers treatment at Yellowbrick Residence and Supported Apartment programs, as well as outpatient services at the Yellowbrick Consultation &
Treatment Center. |
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| The Residence is a four-flat apartment building with three three-bedroom apartments and a two-bedroom garden apartment where up to fifteen residents live during treatment. Additional community space is provided for group activities, leisure and administrative offices. Yellowbrick establishes a safe, strengthening and challenging environment in which the emerging adult can acquire the skills and competencies necessary to effectively manage their lives. |
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| Where is Yellowbrick located? |
Yellowbrick Residence, located on Sheridan Road one block from Lake Michigan, and the Yellowbrick Consultation & Treatment Center are in the city of Evanston on Chicago's North Shore. Evanston is a vibrant community with a population of 75,000 people. Along with its active, thriving and diverse neighborhoods, Evanston has excellent public services, resources and transportation. |
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| Who are the residents of The Residence and Supported Apartment Program? |
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Yellowbrick works with a diverse population of individuals. They are emerging adults whose emotional and behavioral difficulties impair daily functioning and/or derail developmental momentum. Yellowbrick is appropriate for a range of psychiatric disorders including, but not limited to: |
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anxiety disorders |
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bipolar Illness |
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depression |
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eating disorders |
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emotional challenges resulting from a learning or physical disability, or childhood obesity |
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obsessive-compulsive disorder |
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personality problems related to loss, post-traumatic stress disorder, trauma or abuse |
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| Who is NOT a candidate for treatment at The Residence and Supported Apartment programs? |
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| Yellowbrick is not suitable for everyone. Those suffering from developmental disorders with reduced intelligence or severe limitations in relationships would not benefit from Yellowbrick’s psychotherapeutic approach. Individuals with histories of committing sexual abuse or violence and any crime involving trespass of physical safety to another person will be excluded. |
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| Persons with a history of antisocial behavior and an incapacity for concern for others are not suitable for a setting that relies on community relationships as a cornerstone for treatment. Those with destructive impulse control problems such as promiscuity, rage attacks, lying and deception, shoplifting and other theft, or lack of commitment to abstinence from alcohol and other substances will likely be excluded. |
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| What are the requirements of participation in the residential programs? |
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| Prospective residents and their families must demonstrate the motivation and capacity for treatment along with a financial commitment to a minimum four-month stay. Admission is entirely voluntary and a prospective resident’s ability to make use of the treatment is assessed during the evaluation process. |
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| Residents will be encouraged to perform a minimum of three hours per week of volunteer work in the community. Most residents, after a period of full participation, will also be working or attending school on a part-time basis.
Intensive group programming is scheduled during the early morning into early afternoon to allow for daily community, educational or career building activities. |
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Residents are expected to attend all treatments and to learn how to accept help
and invite assistance from others to diminish symptoms. However, the treatment community does not assume responsibility for residents’ choices. It is accepted
that residents may have periods of symptomatic behavior. Through periodic treatment review, Quality Assurance, and consultation, it will be determined if an individual’s persistent symptomatic behavior represents his or her inability to
further benefit from Yellowbrick at that time. |
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| Random breathalyzer and urine toxicology tests will also be enforced for all residents and staff. Anyone bringing alcohol or illegal substances into Yellowbrick will be reviewed for immediate administrative discharge. This will also apply to any contraband that, if misused, presents a threat to the safety or integrity of the Yellowbrick or Evanston community. Yellowbrick is a non-smoking residence. |
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Personal safety is considered an individual responsibility, with professionals
and the community providing support for the residents’ struggle to maintain their self-management. All explicit or implicit threats to safety will result in assessment for transfer to the Evanston Northwestern Hospital Emergency Room for
psychiatric evaluation. |
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| What treatment resources do The Residence and Supported Apartment Program offer? |
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| Residents will be challenged with all of the actual tasks of independent and communal living (with roommate), but will also be aided with intensive support resources beyond those available even in most inpatient hospital settings. Emerging adults in the Supported Apartment Program are involved in a more individualized plan focusing on discussion and implementation of life-skill strategies and membership in the Yellowbrick community process. Specialized programming for substance abuse, eating disorders and trauma/ abuse are available. |
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emotional regulation |
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interpersonal skills |
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conflict resolution |
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problem solving |
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coping effectively despite symptoms |
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the capacity to access help from others |
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Specialized interventions are also provided for residents with eating disorders such as: |
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meal planning |
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supported meals |
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post-meal processing |
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cognitive-behavioral therapy |
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| Yellowbrick’s treatment services are delivered and directed by a full-time, senior and expert professional staff with decades of experience working with troubled individuals, directing treatment programs and serving as teachers, supervisors, and consultants. |
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| While Yellowbrick is not a treatment program for primary substance/alcohol abuse, it is recognized that the emerging adult is an “at risk” population. Therefore, an extensive substance abuse curriculum and group program, as well as community 12-step meetings, are available. |
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| The following provide additional treatment and enrichment opportunities: |
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art therapy |
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psychodrama |
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self-hypnosis instruction |
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electro-magnetic field stimulation and neuro-feedback |
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yoga |
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martial arts |
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self-defense training |
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prescribed exercise |
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fitness coaching |
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elective activities such as community service projects, educational or recreational outings, relevant films with discussion, music and art studio, gardening or prescriptive board games |
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Yellowbrick’s occupational therapist assists in daily self-organization and management—as well as individual and group planning, goal setting and execution —and in the development of life skills such as managing a budget. Each resident is given a bi-weekly stipend and works with Resident Resource Staff to learn how to manage an account for the purchase of non-staple foods and other routine items. Families are recommended to provide $300/ month for personal spending money for leisure activities and other personal items. Registered dieticians provide assistance with shopping, meal planning, and health awareness, and staff teach cooking and baking and assist in the preparation of family dinner and brunch, as well as
special events. |
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| A comprehensive career services program is also available including: |
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motivational assessment |
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job readiness |
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interviewing preparation |
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resume preparation |
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volunteer work or internships |
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job placement with coaching |
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| Is Yellowbrick an acute care hospital? |
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| No. Yellowbrick is not licensed as a hospital and is not an acute care setting. While residents may be struggling with distressing experiences and problematic behaviors, Yellowbrick is not suitable for patients whose psychiatric or medical condition requires skilled or nursing supervision for behavioral control or safety. Medications are stored in secure individual lockers and are opened with direct staff support and education. Daily assessment and monitoring with 24-hour professional staff on-call will determine if residents require temporary referral to Evanston Northwestern Hospital. A Yellowbrick Residence Resource staff member, in addition to the support of the strong peer community and culture, is always to be on-site as an adult resource. |
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| Symptomatic behaviors are anticipated and are a focus in treatment. It is required that these behaviors do not place the resident or others at risk for personal or medical safety. Daily assessment and monitoring with 24-hour in-residence crisis evaluation on-call will determine if residents require temporary referral to Evanston Northwestern Hospital. A Yellowbrick staff member, in addition to the support of the strong peer community and culture, will be on-site as an adult resource. |
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| Professional staff and the Yellowbrick community provide intensive skilled-support, relationships and growth opportunities as an alternative to the behavioral control required in acute care settings. |
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| Is Yellowbrick covered by health insurance? |
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| Health insurance policies and managed care companies vary widely in their coverage for psychiatric treatment. Though it is possible that some of the costs for treatment at Yellowbrick will be reimbursed under insurance, due to the specialty nature of Yellowbrick and its setting in the community, families should expect to pay for the entire cost of treatment on a private pay basis. Fees for treatment at Yellowbrick fall into four separate categories: |
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Room and Board – This is unlikely to be covered as Yellowbrick is classified as an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). |
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IOP – This type of program is often covered or can be negotiated as an alternative to inpatient treatment that is usually twice the cost. Services are invoiced monthly to the families in an itemized list of outpatient services. Ask your carrier about outpatient benefits, the need for pre-approval and an “individual case agreement” option. |
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Professional Services – Yellowbrick offers individual and family psychotherapy and psychiatric medication treatment. This is usually reimbursed by most insurance plans. |
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Medications – Insurance plans vary and reimbursement would most likely not be changed from what it was prior to admission. Yellowbrick’s contracted pharmacy is very price-competitive and is often less expensive than
retail pharmacies. |
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It is wise to consult with your insurance company prior to admission and
receive a written commitment regarding reimbursement for treatment at Yellowbrick. Our staff will also assist you in negotiations with insurance
companies. If necessary, Yellowbrick can provide referral to attorneys
experienced in such negotiations. |
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| How does the admissions/intake process work? |
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The initial information and intake process begins with Yellowbrick’s Clinical Services Coordinator. Conversations over the phone with both the emerging adult and the family serve as an initial evaluation concerning whether Yellowbrick programs and services are an appropriate fit. The intake process can also include a tour and information session — for which there is no charge — which allows the family and emerging adult to receive detailed information about life at Yellowbrick. The next step is scheduling the assessment. When that is in place, the Clinical Services Coordinator will interview the young adult to complete a detailed individual and family history. Emerging adults and families are active participants in the assessment process which includes completing a battery of research validated self report diagnostic instruments. Admission can occur at any point at the conclusion of the assessment. |
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| What happens during the assessment process? |
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| Yellowbrick’s assessment and consultation process defines the core strengths and struggles integral to a realistic vision of an authentic life plan. We offer two levels of assessment: |
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Comprehensive: A comprehensive assessment is a several day process involving in-depth interviews, neuropsychological and psychological testing, psychiatric evaluation, educational and career analysis, family participation as well as behavioral, motivational, social, self-psychological and neuron-biological evaluation. Specialized assessments in the areas of eating disorders, substance abuse, learning disabilities or other issues are introduced as indicated. |
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Focused: The one-day focused assessment is also very rigorous but is specifically focused on key issues previously identified in the young person’s life; for example: a recent-onset eating disorder without concurrent drug or alcohol abuse or other self-injurious behavior. |
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| The entire consulting team meets with the emerging adult and his or her family to discuss findings and specific courses of action. We provide a useful written report of our findings, integrating previous evaluations and including specific recommendations for treatment. More broadly, discussion shapes a strategic life plan as to what will be needed to help launch the emergent adult onto a fulfilling and successful life path. |
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| How do we connect with the outside community? |
Yellowbrick offers emerging adults the ability to be active simultaneously in their treatment and their lives in the Evanston community. The Yellowbrick culture encourages residents to volunteer three hours a week, which we help to coordinate. Through our Educational and Career Services, Planning, Training and Placement Services, we will also help facilitate employment with area business and admission to classes at the local colleges and universities. Evanston offers many opportunities for exploring the arts and recreation, as well. |
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| Can my family member continue going to school and/or work? |
Yes. The intent is for Yellowbrick to function as a normative community setting where residents aged 18 or older are fully responsible and active in their treatment while continuing to live their lives. Yellowbrick provides a specialized, personal approach to each individual based on that person’s requirements. Residents begin working in the community or going to school in a prescribed manner timed to their course in the treatment. |
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| What happens once my family member leaves The Residence? |
The emerging adult begins to work with the Career Specialist upon admission to Yellowbrick Residence. Individualized plans evolve around the young adult’s goals. We provide assistance to achieve these goals at whatever level is needed. The options upon leaving The Residence can include movement to an Independent Supported Apartment while attending school or working. At this phase of treatment, an individualized treatment plan is put into effect that includes prescriptive continuation in outpatient services at Yellowbrick, and full support from membership in the Yellowbrick community. Should home visits be necessary, these will
be arranged. |
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For more information, please contact our
Clinical Services Coordinator,
Liz Gladfelter at lgladfelter@yellowbrickprogram.com,
or call 866.364.2300, Ext 233. |
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