FAQs

1. What is the first step in Gateway Homes' application process?

Contact our staff to schedule a tour of the Gateway Homes campus and receive a program overview. Please call Clinical Director Dr. Lynda Hyatt at (804) 590-0828 to schedule your tour.

2. How do I get my medications?

Medications are prescribed by Gateway's psychiatrist and ordered through a local pharmacy. The medications are delivered to Gateway and dispensed according to policy, dependent upon whether the person lives at the Assessment Center or in the on-campus apartments. As a resident of Gateway, you must use the Gateway psychiatrist.

3. How are emergencies handled?

The Assessment Center is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If a resident has an emergency or crisis, 911 will be called, as appropriate. Our staff is certified in first aid and CPR.

4. What can I have in my room at the Assessment Center?

You may bring any personal items that you would like to have in your room. Please note that NO food, drink, or medication (including over-the-counter meds) are allowed in the room due to licensure standards.

5. What is your visitation policy?

Friends or relatives may visit whenever you like – outside of scheduled group programming. Curfew at the Assessment Center is 11:00 p.m. For the on-campus apartments, curfew is 11:00 p.m. during the week and 1:00 a.m. on weekends. Overnight guests are not permitted.

6. May I leave the campus?

Yes, you may leave with friends or relatives by signing yourself out in the Assessment Center and indicating a probable return date and time.

7. May I have a car on campus?

Yes, you may bring your car to campus. You will require special permission to drive while living in the Assessment Center. Once you transition to the on-campus apartments you may drive your car as long as you have a valid driver's license and proof of insurance. Other residents may accompany you, with your permission, as long as seatbelts are available for your passengers.

8. How long will it take me to move from the first level of care, the Assessment Center, to the next?

Transition is based upon each individual's own progress. There are no set timetables a resident must meet in order to be considered for movement.

9. May I have a pet on campus?

Small pets (cats and small dogs, fish, birds, etc.) are allowed in the on-campus apartments as long as the resident can demonstrate the ability to appropriately care for the pet. All pets must be vaccinated and a copy of the record placed in the resident's chart. It is important to note that owning a pet can add to expenses and can be a barrier when attempting to locate an apartment in the community. Therefore, this decision requires forethought and resources.

10. Are family members included in discussions of treatment progress?

Yes, if the resident wants the family included, they are invited to treatment team meetings. Also, the family may contact the therapist, with the resident's permission, for updated information on progress.

11. Can I be discharged from Gateway?

Yes, if the resident is failing to participate in the program and continues to fail to respond to attempts to engage him/her in treatment, discharge may be an option.

Also, residents may be immediately discharged for bringing drugs or weapons on campus, or engaging in a physical altercation with another resident or staff which has the potential to result in injury.

12. Is transportation provided for shopping or personal appointments?

Yes, Gateway provides transportation to all residents for appointments while living on campus. Once the resident is living in the community this service is available as negotiated.

13. Are there activities on the weekend?

Yes, Gateway employs an Activity Director who schedules special events and activities for most weekends, unless there is some unusual circumstance that presents.

14. How are my bills paid?

Gateway becomes the payee for residents who receive benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Medical, pharmacy, or lab bills not covered by insurance are assumed by the family or other responsible party.

15. How are roommates assigned?

If two residents choose to be roommates, that request is honored if possible. Otherwise, assignments are made based upon personal characteristics and clinical matches.