Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful Links and Resources

FAQs

What type of mental illness does Gould Farm treat?

Guests come to the Farm primarily with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, depression or bi-polar disorder.

How many guests can the Farm accommodate at any given time?

We can accommodate 58 residential guests: 43 at the Farm in Monterey and 11 at our transitional residence in Medford (in the Boston area). A guest must complete the program in Monterey before moving to Medford. An unlimited number of guests can be served by our non-residential Extended Community Program.

What does the Farm charge for treatment?

Our daily rate is $245. Families in need of financial assistance to help cover our fee must make full financial disclosure and may be granted a rate reduction based on a sliding fee scale. Over each of the last several years the Farm has provided the equivalent of more than $1,200,000 in charitable care.

What is the average length of stay and how long can one remain in the program?

The average stay at Gould Farm is 6 to 9 months. Some guests come for a shorter period while others stay longer. Guests using the full continuum of residential care (including the Boston Area Program) may stay for up to 3 years, with possible extensions when appropriate. Those who progress to our Extended Community Program may contract for services indefinitely. Alumni are encouraged to maintain a connection for as long as they wish.

What is the Extended Community Program?

This phase of the Gould Farm program is available to guests who have moved from our residential facilities into their own homes in areas near the Gould Farm programs. Case management is available by contract and guests meet with a staff adviser weekly, review treatment goals regularly and may return to our residential program for respite when necessary.

What is the guest age range?

Most guests are in their 20’s and 30’s. The minimum age is 18 and there are guests in their later years as well.

What kind of work do guests engage in while at the Farm?

Working a 30 hour week, guests are taught on-the-job skills they can use as they work with the farm animals, the vegetable and flower gardens, the woodshop, auto shop, kitchen, housekeeping, Harvest Barn, Roadside Café & Store and the administrative offices. See Work Teams for more information.

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Helpful Links and Resources

ARTA - The American Residential Treatment Association
Formed in 1992 to promote and enhance residential mental health treatment. The Member organizations of ARTA offer a variety of services and are able to respond to a wide range of needs. Listing in our directory reflects membership and does not imply any specific recommendation or endorsement. Any of our members will be happy to talk with you about their programs and how they might address your specific set of circumstances.
Members of ARTA meet twice yearly in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, to discuss matters of joint concern and to direct the actions of ARTA.
http://www.ARTAusa.org/

NAMI – The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
(NAMI) is a nonprofit, grassroots, self-help, support and advocacy organization of consumers, families, and friends of people with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anxiety disorders.
http://www.nami.org/

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