For Parents | The van der Kolk Center

Treatment Questions

1. Why should I choose the van der Kolk Center over other treatment centers?

Only the van der Kolk Center uses state of the art trauma specific models of treatment including the unique ARC treatment methodology, and works to ensure this treatment model is pervasive throughout all aspects of programming. Developed through the cutting edge work of Dr. Bessel van der Kolk and his colleagues at the Trauma Center at JRI, these intensive, individualized treatment interventions feature an array of services designed with a single goal in mind: to prepare our students for a strong, healthy future.

2. What is the length of stay?

The average length of stay is very individualized and depends on the child’s treatment plan and individual struggles. The treatment model is designed to be completed in 6 – 12 months, although some students are successful within 3 months, and some stay for several years.

3. How is the assessment program different from the treatment program?

The assessment program is designed to provide a comprehensive trauma evaluation that will provide not only an understanding of current symptoms but also specific recommendations for future treatment planning, hopefully in our local area. The treatment program is designed for students who are ready to begin treatment.

4. How do you decide what treatment options and interventions are right for my child?

We work with the student, the family, our clinical team and trauma specialists to assess each student’s treatment needs, and to assess which clinical interventions will have the most success as part of treatment planning.

5. Does my child have to have past trauma to attend your program?

No. We specialize in trauma specific treatment planning, but our treatment models are also designed to help students who struggle with more organic mental illness and/or debilitating and at risk coping mechanisms.

Funding Questions

1. Do you accept insurance?

Insurance companies are not typically able to reimburse for residential placements. We can assist you to identify reimbursable components that your insurance company may authorize for reimbursement if they are willing to allow those billings.

2. Do you accept payment from state agencies?

A: Yes, we work closely with a number of state agencies as funding sources with children who are already enrolled within those Agencies for services.

3. Do you accept Credit Card Payments?

No, however payments can be made through bank ACH debits from your bank account if you provide JRI with a copy of a VOID check.

Student Questions

1. Will I have a roommate?

Yes! Our rooms accommodate two to three students, but are spacious. Each student has his/her own space, and own closet and bureau. Students are allowed to decorate their areas to make them their own. We also work closely with students to ensure they are enjoying their time with their roommates with minimal conflict.

2. Is the food good?

Yes! The food is great! We have a full time cook who prepares the meals for our students. The students are also able to help, and to make special requests for favorite recipes.

3. What is a typical day like?

A typical school day entails school from 8:30 am to 3 pm. Then students are able to rest, complete homework, participate in fun activities both on site and in the community, and participate in lessons such as karate, sports, singing, and recording.

4. Can I get a job?

Yes! When a student is ready, there are many local establishments that are always hiring students from our program. We work closely with the employers to ensure the design of the position matches the need of the student, and increases responsibility and training with the assistance of our staff as it makes sense.

Family Involvement Questions

1. Can I connect with other families?

Connecting with parents can be very supportive to you and your family with the adjustment to having your child placed in residential care. The van der Kolk Center will provide you with a list of other parents who are currently involved with the program in or who have had a child who has graduated from The van der kolk Center. We will also connect your family with parent advocacy and support services unrelated to the program as requested. For many of our families in need of support, we recommend they contact the Parent/Professional Advocacy League. PAL is an organization of more than 4,000 Massachusetts families and professionals who advocate on behalf of children with emotional, behavioral and mental health needs and their families.

2. How often can I talk to my child?

As often as you wish! We work to create an atmosphere that is responsive to the needs of the family and the student, so we create systems of communication that work the best for the individual needs of the family.

3. When can I visit my child? Can my child come home to visit?

Whenever you would like! We will work with you to assist you in your travel arrangements and to ensure you have a quiet and comfortable place to visit. If you are traveling into the community, we will help you find local resources. And we will work with the treatment team to develop plans for your child to visit at home as much as makes sense!

4. What other ways can I communicate with my child?

We have the capacity to assist your family in whatever means that will work for you and your family. This includes email, mail, videoconferencing, skype capacities, and more.

5. We are not local. How will you help us be a part of the treatment process so that my child can return home successfully?

We work closely with each family to ensure they are a part of the treatment process in whatever way makes sense. We are able to support travel, come into the home, and use technology including video conferencing to ensure the proper family support happens as we prepare for transition home.

Academic Program Questions

1. Does the school work my child completes at your program count towards his/her high school credits?

Absolutely. We are a fully accredited school licensed by the Department of Early and Secondary Education of Massachusetts and follow the Massachusetts state curriculum. All credits count towards graduation, and fulfill graduation requirements. We work closely with funding school systems to ensure that this happens.

2. What is the academic work load?

Our academic program is challenging and demanding, similar to other middle and high schools. Our course load is ideally similar, but modified to meet the individual needs of the students.

3. If my child requires additional assistance in the classroom what does this look like?

Our classrooms are designed to be small with additional academic support to ensure students are receiving the assistance they need. Each classroom has 6-8 students, and has a certified teacher and a teacher’s aide.

4. If my child requires academic challenges that are beyond high school level materials, how will you accommodate this?

We have relationships with our local high school and middle school and are able to access their academic programming if a student would like to take a course that is not offered at our school. We also have access to on line and local community college courses.

5. My child is seeking a vocational program. What does this look like in your facility?

We have a strong vocational program, focused on helping students develop independent life skills but also a vocational strength and/or talent. This may include apprenticeships, work study, and more.

Location Questions

1. Where are you located?

We are located at 56 Framingham Rd in Marlborough MA 01752.

2. Are there local places to stay?

There are numerous places to stay that are located close to the Center. The program staff will work with your family to locate the best available accomadations to meet your needs while you visit your child.