Your Questions Have Been Answered

February 16, 2022

Finding the right mental health treatment can be complicated, and if you or a loved one is suffering, the process can be emotional and overwhelming too. Whether you are trying to find treatment for yourself or someone you care about, or simply want to feel more educated about what treatment options are available, we hope you find the information included helpful and informative.

What is HopeWay?

HopeWay is a physician-led, nonprofit organization that offers evidence-based mental health treatment for adults (18+) through residential and day treatment options.

What treatments does HopeWay offer?

HopeWay’s treatment model includes individual appointments with a psychiatrist and therapist, group therapy, integrative therapies (art, music, horticulture, recreation, health & wellness), nutrition, exercise, meditation and yoga. HopeWay’s model of care focuses on the whole person by integrating behavioral health care and primary health care on the same campus.

Does HopeWay have a Wellness Clinic?

As a Behavioral Health Home, HopeWay offers all clients a physical exam and ongoing support as needed through our Wellness Clinic. The Wellness Clinic is staffed by primary care doctors, a nurse practitioner and nurses. 

Who does HopeWay treat?

Patient Diagnosis

HopeWay’s Residential Program (RTC), Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) serve adults (18+) who are struggling with a primary mental health diagnosis; for example, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, a psychotic disorder and others. Many of our clients have more than one mental health diagnosis or might have a co-occurring substance use disorder, which can also be addressed through HopeWay’s treatment model.

Therapy for Veterans

In 2021, HopeWay added a special program for Veterans who are struggling with PTSD or related mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, sexual trauma or traumatic brain injury. Veterans receive intensive individual therapy along with group therapy, a combination which is proven to be most effective.

HopeWay Psychiatry & Associates 

HopeWay Psychiatry & Associates, our outpatient practice in SouthPark treats children, adolescents and adults through traditional outpatient services. This typically includes a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly appointment with a psychiatrist or licensed therapist or weekly support groups for adults.

Where do clients come from?

Clients come to HopeWay from all over the country. In our first five years, we served clients from 37 states and 2 countries outside of the U.S.

How many staff members does HopeWay have?

HopeWay has over 100 employees. In our commitment to excellence, we maintain a small client to staff ratio so clients receive the most effective and comprehensive care. Also, each client’s treatment team is made up of a psychiatrist, primary care provider, nurses, psychologists, therapists, integrative therapists and a registered dietician.

What is the difference between a psychiatrist, psychologist and therapist?

Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who completed medical school and then went on to pursue training in psychiatry. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication, perform psychiatric assessments and provide psychotherapy when needed.

Psychologist 

A licensed clinical or counseling psychologist has a doctorate degree, either a PhD or a PsyD, which allows them to teach, do research, or work in a practice or other clinical setting. Depending on their training, some psychologists can complete psychological testing. Psychologists also provide therapy either one-on-one or in a group setting.

Therapist

There are many graduate degrees a therapist can earn but usually a therapist is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC). A licensed therapist completed graduate school, training and is licensed by their state board.

What types of therapies does HopeWay use?

CBT and DBT Therapy 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is HopeWay’s main therapeutic modality and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is also offered in a group and individual format. Other groups focus on healthy relationships, relapse prevention, substance use and recovery, anxiety management and meditation.

Integrative Therapies

A differentiator for us is that HopeWay also includes integrative therapies such as art, music, horticulture, health & wellness, recreation, pet therapy, yoga and drumming. These experiential, evidence-based therapies incorporate ways for clients to express themselves and learn outside of traditional talk therapy.

What is the difference between inpatient vs. residential treatment?

Inpatient Hospitalization or Acute Care

Inpatient, acute care is locked, 24/7 care for individuals who are at risk for imminent harm to themselves or others or their psychiatric symptoms are so severe that they are unsafe in their daily life. It is typically short-term care (3 – 7 days) that focuses on stabilization and/or safety planning. HopeWay does not offer acute care, but works with hospitals and other acute facilities when their clients are ready to enter HopeWay’s program.

Residential Treatment

HopeWay offers Residential treatment, which refers to an unlocked, voluntary program that provides 24/7 care and is on average about 3 – 6 weeks.

What are the different types of outpatient care at HopeWay?

Outpatient care is an option for clients who do not need 24/7 care and can come and go from treatment each day.

Partial Hospitalization Program 

HopeWay’s Partial Hospitalization Program, or PHP, is 5 days-a-week from 9:00am – 4:00pm.

Intensive Outpatient Program 

Our Intensive Outpatient Program, or IOP, is 3 days-a-week in the morning 9:00am – 12:00pm, afternoon 1:00pm – 4:00pm and evening 6:00pm – 9:00pm. The two daytime schedules are currently offered virtually.

Outpatient Care

Finally, there is “traditional” outpatient care which is usually a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly appointment for about an hour with an outpatient provider (either a therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist). This care is offered through HopeWay Psychiatry & Associates, but many of our clients have established providers they work with before and after they come through the HopeWay program.

What does it mean to be an accredited behavioral health facility?

HopeWay is accredited by The Joint Commission which is a national, regulatory body for health care facilities. This means we adhere to the gold standards set forth by the Joint Commission to maintain our accreditation. We have an audit every three years to ensure we are meeting all of the Joint Commission standards. In between audits, we have oversight committees to ensure policies are being upheld and to improve practices when needed.

What is the admissions process?

Call or Submit Online Form 

Anyone can initiate the admissions process by calling 1-844-HOPEWAY or completing the inquiry form here. Providers can also fax clinical records to the Admissions Team at 980-859-2147 to start the process.

Screening and Insurance Verification

An Admissions Specialist will help answer any questions, complete an initial screening and send the Insurance Verification form to be completed. The Insurance Verification form allows HopeWay to check insurance benefits.

Review Financial Information

Once we have the insurance information, one of the Financial Specialists will contact you to review the financial information.

Admissions Assessment 

From there, the Admissions Specialist will complete a comprehensive admissions assessment with the potential client via phone.

Psychiatric Consultation

Lastly, the potential client will meet with a HopeWay psychiatrist for a psychiatric consultation prior to admission.

Does HopeWay accept insurance?

HopeWay is in-network with 7 major insurance carriers Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Carolina Behavioral Health Alliance, Cigna Behavioral Health, Magellan, MedCost, and United Behavioral Health. The cost of treatment completely depends on the individual’s insurance policy, including mental health benefits, deductibles, and maximum out-of-pocket costs.

HopeWay is also a Veterans Administration Community Care Provider through the MISSION Act. Finally, HopeWay offers financial assistance to those who are in need and qualify.

HopeWay Psychiatry & Associates is currently out of network.