ADMISSIONS

Even if you are unsure whether a residential treatment program is the right choice for you or a loved one, Watershed offers the ability to consult with one of our experienced staff over the telephone.

A call to our helpline on 1800 818 872 might be the first step toward breaking an addiction.

While there are a few steps to the process, it's designed to get you or a loved one into the appropriate level of treatment as quickly as possible.

Once the initial inquiry regarding admission is made, our staff will talk with the prospective client to begin the general assessment.

During that assessment, we will evaluate their individual substance abuse, mental health and medical condition. Based on the assessment outcome, Watershed staff may provide appropriate advice and referral should we ‘not’ be able to meet their required needs.

Next, our clinical and medical staff will review each individual case against our Criteria for Admissions. If the prospective client meets the qualifying criteria, treatment at Watershed will be offered.

At Watershed, we schedule and accept qualified admissions Monday to Friday.

CRITERIA FOR ADMISSIONS
1: Desire for Recovery:
Clients should demonstrate a strong willingness to participate and complete the 4-week residential program

2: AGE:
15 years and older

3: APPLICANT:
Individuals assessed as chemically dependent, addicted to alcohol/drugs and/or co-existing mental illness (dual diagnosis).
Dual Disorder clients stabilized on medication and meeting admission criteria will only be accepted for detoxification and rehabilitation.
Clients must be physically able to participate in all aspects of the treatment program.

4: TREATMENT FOR:
Alcoholism, drug and other addictions and related disorders.

5: MEDICAL:
Prior to entry clients will be asked about their medical and physical history. We may also request information from their physician if there are any medical constraints to participating in our treatment.
On arrival the client will visit our doctor for a minor medical check.

6: EXCLUSIONARY CRITERIA:
Severe psychiatric disorders, including psychosis and severe clinical depression, which may require hospitalisation.
Chronic predisposition to destructive, aggressive or violent behavior incompatible with a group living environment.
Acute or chronic medical conditions requiring constant medical attention or hospital care.

Assessment Form here

Admission Information

You have just made a very important decision, one that will affect the rest of your life. In order that you come prepared and know what to expect, Watershed has compiled the following information that will be helpful in planning for your treatment experience.

Fees
Clients pay a nominal fee which covers food & board. This fee can be taken as a percentage of their Centrelink benefit. Our admissions officer will provide this information on contact.

Client Rights
Watershed believes in respectful treatment of clients, family members, and staff while providing a safe and supportive environment. Watershed provides a system to ensure that the clients' and family members' rights are preserved and protected.

Confidentiality
Watershed's commitment to each client's confidentiality is ensured by our legal responsibility as mandated by state and federal law. Each staff member is dedicated to upholding these standards in all communications and records.

Resident Rules
In order to provide a safe, healthy environment that supports all individuals in recovery, clients need to abide by the following rules.

1. No alcohol or other drugs
2. No violence or threat of violence (including self inflicted)
3. No sexual activity
4. No stealing
5. Full participation in the program
6. Adherence to program outline
7. Remain within the boundaries of the program
8. Not to undermine or commit any act that puts in jeopardy the purpose of the program

* Violation of these rules may result in exclusion from the program.

What Should I Bring?

YOU SHOULD BRING :
1. Limited amount of clothing, as we have laundry facilities to wash clothes. All clothing should be appropriate and in good taste (no depictions of sex, drugs or alcohol)
2. Personal care products (tooth brush, shampoo, conditioner, razor)
3. Bathing suit (one piece for women, board short style for men)
4. Jacket and sweater
5. Gym clothes and athletic shoes
6. Current prescriptions in original bottles (see medication below)

YOU SHOULD NOT BRING:
1. Valuables, jewelry, etc.
2. Laptops (unless approved)
3. Guns, knives or any other weapons
4. Illegal substances
5. Over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbs, or nutritional supplements.
6. Any items containing alcohol such as mouthwash, perfume, cologne, etc.

Should a client bring any of these items, they will, at our discretion, be kept secure
until their departure or shipped to their home at their expense.

Medication
It is important that clients advise Watershed of all medications they are currently taking. Include the name of the medication, the dosage and frequency administered, as well as the name of the physician who prescribed the medication.

Please have all medication in the appropriately labeled prescription bottle. If taking medications for HIV, organ rejection, cancer, or other special medications, please bring them to Watershed in the appropriately labelled prescriptions bottle. Remaining medications will be returned through our nominated pharmacy upon discharge.

Controlled substances will be destroyed, except with a written order by a Watershed physician.Staff will manage medication according to Watershed's strict medications policy.

Court Diversion/Legal Business
Court and other legal business will need to be deferred until completion of the program. We do however accept clients bailed to the service and MERIT referrals. Arrangements must be made prior to admission.

Tobacco Use
The policy of Watershed is to not deny a client's entry into treatment because of the use of nicotine, but to address this as an addiction. During assessment, clients will be told of our goal to support them in becoming nicotine-free. However, for those who do smoke, there are certain limited designated areas, outside only, where smoking is permitted.

Visitors
We are currently reviewing our visitors policy and will update this section when complete.

Telephone/Mail
In order to ensure a therapeutic environment, clients are encouraged to make weekly phone calls only. Upon admission, clients are allowed to call (under supervision) a significant other person to notify them of their safe arrival.

Clients are encouraged to correspond with your family.

Mail should be sent to the following address:
Client Name
c/o Watershed
PO Box 25
Berkeley NSW 2506