Patient & Family Information
What to Expect Before, During and After Treatment
Seeking help for a mental health concern can feel overwhelming. Whether you are considering treatment for yourself or supporting a loved one, our team is here to help you understand the process and feel prepared every step of the way.
This guide provides helpful information about preparing for treatment, participating in care, staying connected with loved ones and planning for continued recovery after discharge.
Need immediate assistance?
Call us anytime to speak with a member of our admissions team, schedule an assessment or learn more about treatment options.
Quick Downloads
Prepare for your visit by downloading commonly requested forms and resources.
Patient Forms & Resources
Preparing for Your Stay
Getting Started
Beginning treatment is an important step toward recovery. Our goal is to help you feel safe, informed and supported from the moment you arrive.
Upon admission, a member of our team will review your medical history, current concerns and treatment needs. We will also explain unit expectations, answer questions and help you become familiar with the treatment environment.
Every treatment plan is individualized and designed to support each patient's unique goals and needs
What to Bring
We recommend bringing:
- Current medications in original packaging, including over-the-counter medications and inhalers
- Comfortable clothing for several days
- Undergarments and socks
- Slip-on shoes or slippers
- Pajamas or sleepwear
- Eyeglasses, contact lenses and related supplies
- Approved personal hygiene items
Basic personal care items may also be available during your stay.
What to Leave at Home
To help maintain a safe therapeutic environment, certain items may not be permitted on the unit.
Items generally prohibited include:
- Weapons of any kind
- Sharp objects
- Glass containers
- Aerosol products
- Products containing alcohol
- Recording devices
- Outside food and beverages
- Valuable jewelry
- Large amounts of cash
All personal belongings are reviewed upon admission for safety purposes.
Dress code
The patient dress code is casual and we want you to be comfortable. However, revealing attire is not allowed – no halter tops, tube tops, fishnet shirts, or short-shorts. Clothing may not contain offensive or controversial messages.
Assessments at Denver Springs
When you first arrive, the assessment department will evaluate your unique challenges including symptoms, behaviors and current medications. The medical team will review this information and determine a comprehensive treatment plan for you, whether you are admitted immediately or recommended for outpatient care.
Your Treatment Experience
Individualized Care
Treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment that helps our clinical team better understand your needs and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Depending on your situation, treatment may include:
- Psychiatric evaluation
- Medication management
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family involvement when appropriate
- Recreational or activity-based therapies
- Discharge and aftercare planning
Our goal is to help patients build coping skills, improve emotional wellness and develop a plan for ongoing recovery.
Daily Programming
Patients participate in a structured schedule designed to support recovery and growth.
Programming may include:
- Group therapy sessions
- Educational groups
- Coping skills development
- Medication education
- Recreational or expressive therapies
- Individual meetings with treatment team members
Participation in treatment activities is encouraged because active engagement can help patients get the greatest benefit from care.
Meet the Treatment Team
Psychiatrist or Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Responsible for coordinating your overall care, prescribing medication and other procedures that are appropriate components of your treatment. The medical staff makes all discharge decisions.
Staff Nurse
Performs duties as prescribed by a physician, including administering medication, observing your behavior, and reporting on your conditions to treatment team members.
Patient Care Assistant (PCA)
Assists you through your daily routine.
Recreational/Activity Therapist
Provides therapy through games, crafts, leisure education, creative expression, relaxation training and more.
Therapist/Social Worker
Provides evidence-based group and individual therapy and acts as the liaison between you, your family, and the treatment team.
Family & Visitor Information
Supporting a Loved One During Treatment
Family members and caregivers often play an important role in the recovery process.
When appropriate and with patient permission, loved ones may participate in:
- Family meetings
- Treatment planning discussions
- Discharge planning conversations
- Educational opportunities
Our team works to help patients and families feel informed and supported throughout treatment.
Communication During Treatment
Patient privacy is important.
Patients may identify approved individuals with whom staff may communicate regarding treatment and care planning. Clinical staff are committed to protecting confidentiality while encouraging healthy family involvement whenever possible.
Patients may not always be immediately available to take phone calls due to participation in treatment activities. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
Visitation Information
Family support can be an important part of recovery. Visitors may be asked to:
- Be listed on an approved visitor list
- Present identification upon arrival
- Follow unit safety procedures
- Adhere to current visitation schedules and guidelines
Visitation schedules and requirements may vary.
Planning for Discharge
Discharge planning begins early during treatment and focuses on helping patients successfully transition to the next phase of recovery.
Before discharge, the treatment team may review:
- Follow-up appointments
- Medication instructions
- Safety planning
- Community resources
- Outpatient recommendations
- School or work return planning
- Transportation needs
Patients and families are encouraged to ask questions and take an active role in planning for continued success after treatment.
Continuing Care
Recovery is an ongoing journey.
Based on individual needs, recommendations may include:
- Outpatient therapy
- Medication management
- Community support resources
- Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
- Additional behavioral health services
Your treatment team will work with you to identify services that best support your ongoing goals and recovery.
Help for Heroes® Preparation Information
Preparing for Your Stay
Knowing what to bring can help make the admission process a little easier. Use the information below as a guide when preparing for your stay with Help for Heroes®.
What to Bring
Please bring:
- Current medications: Bring all medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter medications and inhalers. You may bring a medication list or the original bottles/inhalers.
- Identification: Military ID or driver’s license.
- Clothing: Pack 7–10 sets of comfortable civilian clothing, underwear and socks. Clothing should not have strings or ties. Washers and dryers are available on the unit, and detergent is provided.
- Additional clothing: Sweater, jacket and pajamas/nightwear.
- Shoes: Comfortable shoes without laces. Boots are not permitted.
- Gym shoes: Shoes with laces may be used during scheduled gym or physical training time.
- Jewelry: A small amount of jewelry, such as a wedding band or small earrings, is permitted. Please note that the facility is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
- Eye care: Eyeglasses, contact lenses, cleaning solution and a contact lens case.
- Personal care items: Toiletries that do not contain alcohol or aerosols, along with shower shoes.
- Cigarettes: If you smoke, bring enough unopened cigarettes for the length of your stay.
Personal hygiene items, including toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo and soap, can be provided if needed.
Personal Items Stored During Your Stay
Some personal belongings are permitted but will be kept in a personal belongings locker and provided during supervised times:
- Cell phone
- Cash, checkbook and credit cards
- Musical instruments
- Cosmetics
- Curling irons, hair dryers and straighteners
- Electric razors and other approved electric items
What Not to Bring
Please leave the following items at home:
- Aerosol products or flammable liquids
- Products containing alcohol, including toiletries
- Cameras
- Laptops
- Personal gaming systems
- Radios, TVs or MP3 players
- Food, gum or beverages
- Lighters or matches
- E-cigarettes or vapes
- Clothing hangers
- Provocative clothing or clothing displaying drug paraphernalia
- Spiral- or wire-bound notebooks
- Hardback books
- Smart watches
- Weapons of any kind, including pocket knives
Have Questions About What to Bring?
This list is intended as a general guide and does not include every possible item. If you have questions about whether something is permitted, please call 844.330.6600 before your stay.