Continuum of Care

Transition Counseling Program in Monterey

Gould Farm's transition counselor (a certified psychiatric rehabilitation practitioner) meets individually with guests to access their work and cognitive skills, and to assist in their treatment planning.  Activities that support development and enrichment such as GED preparation, college classes, driver’s license preparation, informational interviewing, private tutoring, cognitive remediation, and trial visits to Fellside, our Boston-area program are available to all of our guets during their stay here.

Guests particiapte in a series of 10 weekly group meetings covering topics such as the stigma of mental illness; the pros and cons of disclosure of mental health issues to an employer; a stress relief workshop; nutrition and cooking; Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance; structuring leisure time; money vs. values; cover letters; job interviews; and individualized supports.

When an individual is ready, the practitioner, in collaboration with the Clinical Team, provides vocational exploration through a series of intensive exercises during weekly individualized meetings.

The Boston Area Programs

When guests can demonstrate an adequate understanding of their strengths and vulnerabilities, they are eligible to move from the Farm in Monterey to Fellside, our house in Medford, just outside of Boston. By this time they will have reached a sustainable level of treatment compliance, will be able to self-administer their medications, manage adult daily living skills (self-care, social courtesies, maintenance of personal space and finances), work skills and time management.

Upon arrival at Fellside, each new resident is assigned a clinical case manager (a clinician with a master’s degree) who assists him or her in finding outside resources such as therapists and psychiatrists. The case managers facilitate communication between program participants and their support circle throughout their graduated transition, from navigating public transportation to setting goals for the next phase of independence. Boston Area Program participants have the opportunity and support to concentrate on their academic and/or vocational interests.

Just like at Gould Farm, an important piece of the program at Fellside centers on activities that maintain the house and the community. Four nights a week residents alternate cooking healthy, appetizing dinners for one another. And everyone—residents and staff alike—shares in household chores like shopping, cleaning, taking out the trash and doing yard work.

Recent program participants have studied at Bunker Hill Community College; Northeastern University; UMass Boston; Lesley College; and Boston University’s Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, among others. Several individuals have received certifications as Peer Specialists and are now locally employed leading groups several days a week. Program participants have been employed at some of the following: Trader Joe’s; Home Depot; New England Aquarium and UMass. Residents have most recently found volunteer positions at African and American Friendship, Inc.; Outdoor Explorations; Boston Cares; Meals on Wheels; Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders; the Transformation Center; and the Boston Resource Center.

Residency at Fellside provides the environment in which to strengthen these skills and put them to the test in the larger community. At the same time, the program reduces the level of therapeutic support and residents (as they are referred to when they are in transition) assume greater responsibility for creating a vital community spirit within the household. Staff is there to serve as mentors and advisers, assisting them in developing new resources and coaching residents as they articulate new goals.

The Fellside program is relatively short-term, acting as a springboard for residents who wish to practice the skills necessary for living in an urban environment.

Non-Residential Programs

Supported Transition Services

Planning for transition to Gould Farm’s non-residential programs begins early in a resident’s stay at Fellside and is a goal shared by all. Once an adequate outside support structure has been established and housing is secured, residents are encouraged to go out on their own. An appropriate level of support from the Fellside staff is negotiated, along with a specific timeframe and fee.

Extended Community Program

Residents who have made the transition to independent living and have demonstrated the ability to manage their lives with appropriate support can transfer to the extended community program. This program is available on a long-term basis to clients who have settled in the communities near the programs. A contract is established that includes weekly meetings with case managers, access to respite at Fellside or the Farm, and a social network of alumni and families who support Gould Farm’s values and mission.