Visiting FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the admit process?  What should I do?

Please call our Assessment & Referral Department to discuss a possible admission.  The number is (805) 653-6434 or (800) 776-0040.  We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone.  Before you can be admitted, we will need to schedule an assessment for you with one of our trained staff members.  This normally takes less than one hour.  If hospitalization is recommended, we will check to see if your insurance coverage needs to be preauthorized.   If you do not have insurance or wish to pay for your own treatment, we will have you meet with one of our financial counselors.   

• If I am admitted to the hospital what should I bring with me?   

Please bring no more than three days worth of clothing for your inpatient stay.  We suggest that  you bring a jacket or sweatshirt without strings.  Comfortable slip –on shoes or slippers are suggested (no shoelaces/ties).  For safety, no clothing with strings, drawstrings, or long ties will be allowed.  Clothing must also be free of sharp metal accents (this includes no underwire bras).  All jewelry should be removed (including piercings) as these will be removed on admission and returned at discharge.

Electrical appliances for personal hygiene, such as hair dryers, hair curlers, etc., are permitted at the hospital.  Approved appliances are available for checkout and can be used with staff supervision.  Grooming supplies should be kept to a minimum and should not include items with alcohol as ingredients.  (No glass containers or glass mirrors.) 

We do not allow cell phones or electronic devices at our hospital for safety reasons and for the protection of your privacy.  For your convenience and privacy we have cordless phones available during non-group times throughout the day and evening.  We suggest bringing            important contact numbers with you.  Leisure material such as books and word games are        recommended, but should not have spiral wires or metal rings. 

 

Please also notify the hospital of special bedtime needs, such as C-PAP, oxygen, egg crate,  air mattress, or incontinence supplies before admission.   It is recommended that you bring a list of your current medications with you as well.  Click Here – Guidelines on What to Bring

• Will I be able to receive telephone calls and visitors?        

Yes, to both questions.  Upon admission you will be given a patient code, please provide those individuals that you wish to have visit and call you with your patient code (i.e., family, friends, and mental health professionals).  They will need your patient code in order to contact you this is for the protection of your privacy.  We encourage you to have visitors during scheduled visiting hours.  Children 13 years and older may visit when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

• If I am admitted for detox, is it “cold turkey” or will I receive medications?

We utilize a medication protocol which is determined by your physician here at Aurora Vista del Mar Hospital.  We try to make the detox as comfortable as possible by using anti-anxiety          medications as well as other adjunctive medications.

• Will I be allowed to smoke during my stay at the hospital? 

Our hospital is one of the few remaining campuses that allows smoking in designated areas.      Please know that smoke breaks are every two hours and you must bring your own (unopened) cigarettes with you.

• What does it cost to stay at your hospital?

Depending on your insurance plan, you may have a deductible and/or co-payments for your        hospitalization.  These amounts are determined by your insurance company and can vary       depending on the employer.  If you are paying for your own treatment, our business office can provide quotes by phone.     For more information please call Assessment and Referral at        805.653.6434 or 800.776.0040

• What other services does Aurora Vista del Mar Hospital Offer?

In addition to inpatient hospitalization, we offer a partial hospitalization program (PHP).             Our Partial Program is designed to serve as a first step or next step in our continuum of care     and is based on a patient’s specific strengths and needs.  The Partial Program allows the patientto remain at home while obtaining a collaborative and interdisciplinary treatment program, or may serve as a step-down from our intensive Inpatient Program. 

We offer two program tracks: one track that is related specifically to psychiatric disorders, as    well as a track that addresses a dually diagnosed patient with a history of co-occurring chemical dependency and psychiatric issues. 

Aurora Vista del Mar Hospital also offers Multi-Family Groups allowing family members to       participate and gain support with issues that may arise during treatment.  Aurora Vista also    partners with a variety of Support Groups which are held here at our hospital campus.  Support Groups are free to the community and include:  United Parents, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Dual Recovery Anonymous, and AVDM Hospital - 12 Step Alumni Support Group.  Please click here for Support Group Schedule 

• How long do patients stay at your hospital?

Some patients only stay 1 or 2 days; others stay for several weeks.  Our physicians and    treatment team at Aurora Vista del Mar Hospital recommend different lengths of treatment      depending on each individual patient’s level of care needs and situation.   Our average length of stay is 5 to 7 days.