psychiatric care facilities near me

Frequently Asked Questions


There is a lot to consider when choosing a residential treatment facility and program. If you don’t see your question answered here, feel free to reach out to us! We are available to answer any questions you may have.


Here are some frequently asked questions: 

Q: Why choose Academy House?
A: We want to make sure that Academy House is a good fit for all of our residents – and that our residents are all a good fit for Academy House. We will take time to go over all of your options with you. Here are a few qualities that make our program unique:

  • Academy House is a small program. With a capacity of 18 residents, we are able to provide hands-on individualized attention to each resident 24/7, every day of the year.

  • Academy House provides a structured homelike atmosphere near the conveniences and attractions of a city, while still having access to the beautiful natural landscape of the Hudson Valley.

  • We choose staff not only for their credentials, but for their kind and caring nature. Meet our team!

  • We have developed longstanding partnerships with local physicians and mental health professionals who are dedicated to supporting our residents.

For more information about our specific program, please see Our Program and Our Services.


Q: What is the area around Academy House like?

A: The Hudson Valley is a beautifully unique area. Grand Central Station in NYC is less than two hours away by train (the Poughkeepsie train station is a 4 minute drive from Academy House) – yet Minnewaska State Park and the Mohonk Preserve are less than 30 minutes away by car. We are located a matter of minutes from the Culinary Institute of America, Vassar College and Marist College, Bardovan Theater and the Mid-Hudson Civic Center – and that’s just in Poughkeepsie! There are many nearby cities and towns that have just as much to offer. Whether you hope to explore local restaurants, go for a hike, enjoy the arts, start a gym routine, volunteer at a local agency, or pursue higher education at a nearby university, you will find something that piques your interest.


Q: What is the admissions process like?

A: The first step is to submit a completed application available HERE, along with a psycho-social history, current psychiatric assessment, and current comprehensive treatment plan and/or discharge plan. The Administrator and/or Manager conducts an Admission Interview & Assessment and reviews application and supporting documentation. Required documents must be submitted prior to the face-to-face interview.


Q: How do I get on Academy House’s waitlist?

A: Please contact our Administrator, Ben Howard, for more information about how to get on Academy House’s wait list. He can be reached at ben@theacademyhouse.com

If you are already on our wait list, we will contact you when an appropriate accommodation becomes available based on your standing within our wait list and/or the availability of your preference for a single- or double-occupancy.


Q: Do residents have a voice in how Academy House is run?

A: Yes! We welcome feedback from residents and families. Currently, residents have several ways to voice their opinions and make suggestions about policies/procedures and day-to-day operations, including: Serving on the resident committee, discussions during monthly house meetings, communicating with on-site staff and management, or sharing thoughts anonymously via our suggestion box. Residents also play a significant role in developing our weekly menu (prepared fresh daily!) on a week-to-week basis. Any operational updates that might affect current practices are shared with all residents well in advance prior to implementation.


Q: Who is appropriate for Academy House?

A: Just as you want to make sure that Academy House is the right fit prior to admission, Academy House takes great effort to ensure that our residents are the right fit as well.

Academy House is committed to maintaining a peaceful, therapeutic, stable environment. We take pride in creating a family-like atmosphere, where our residents can develop healthy relationships and thrive with the help of this additional support system. Therefore, we are highly selective with regards to admissions.

To be accepted for admission, residents must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Not currently physically, sexually, or verbally aggressive
  • Able to participate in structured daily programming as directed by Individual Action Plan
  • Willing to take medications as prescribed
  • Capable of self-preservation (i.e., exiting a building in case of an emergency)

We are not able to accept applicants who:

  • Are currently actively suicidal or pose a potential threat to themselves or others
  • Are actively addicted to drugs and/or alcohol (must be sober for a minimum of 6 months)

Q: What do you expect from your residents?

A: As we are a community residence, each resident contributes to the functioning of the house. After new residents have settled in, they will be assigned house chores that meet their skill levels. All residents must be respectful of each other, respectful of staff members, and must be conscious of the house rules and guidelines. Residents must be medication compliant, and compliant with prescribed therapeutic treatment plans.


Q: What is the typical daily schedule?

A: Meaningful activities at home are a very important part of daily life at Academy House. Most residents attend outpatient programming, work, or school during the day. Resident schedules at Academy House are based on Individualized Actions Plans that are developed with staff. Schedules typically include exercise, job readiness/interview skills, art, music, cooking, budgeting, computer skills, dance/movement therapy, yoga, or any of our other house programs.


Q: How long do residents typically stay at Academy House?

A: The length of stay for each resident varies. Some residents stay at Academy House during a transition period over the course of a year or two while they build up independent living skills that will eventually enable them to move into more independent housing. Some residents reside at Academy House long term.


Q: What are the standard methods of payment?

A: We are a private pay facility. The only insurance that will contribute towards our fees are SSI/SSDI. Monthly rates vary depending upon your preference for living space accommodations.


If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact our Administrator directly at 845.505.4961 or via e-mail at ben@theacademyhouse.com.

Everyone can live
a happy life.

Phone: 845.505.4961     Fax: 845.625.1512     124 Academy Street, Poughkeepsie, New York 12601