TRANSITION PROGRAM
Moving on from the shelter of residential treatment to more independent living is a major life transition. In order to support guests in maintaining structure, community, and adequate clinical support, we offer a seamless continuum of care that encourages autonomy while helping guests find a sense of belonging and purpose in the wider world.
About our Residential Transition Programs
As guests continue their recovery journey, they have the opportunity to transition from the Farm to one of Gould Farm's two step-down programs: Fellside in Medford or O'Connell House in Monterey.
Guests may transition to one of our step-down programs when, together with their treatment team, they determine that it is the right next step in their recovery journey. These programs provide an opportunity to build on the skills, confidence, and independence developed at the Farm while remaining part of the Gould Farm community.
Our transition program staff assists guests in identifying long and short term goals regarding their mental, physical, educational, vocational, financial, and spiritual health before, during, and after transition.
Our transition programs are designed to help residents (when guests move from the Farm and into transition program, we refer to them as 'residents') build fulfilling, meaningful lives while developing the skills, confidence, and supports needed to manage their health and daily responsibilities with increasing independence.
"When I came to Gould Farm, I was in a hole that I truthfully wasn't sure I'd ever be able to climb out of. I'm now excited about my life, I'm excited about going forward and just ready. I am so grateful."
-- Former guest
Services & Supports
The following services and supports are available at both Fellside and O'Connell House:
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Each resident is assigned a clinician and works towards the goal of 30 hours per week of structured activities including school, volunteering, employment, and wellness activities.
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Residents are assisted with skills including: time management, organization, cooking, nutrition, exercise, medication management, budgeting, public transportation, and more.
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Weekly meetings with clinician.
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Availability of 24-hour on-call for emergencies.
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Evening community meals and activities.
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Weekly house meeting.
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Family check-ins and family meetings.
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Private and shared rooms with shared baths.
From our Blog
Explore Fellside
Fellside, our program located in the suburban neighborhood of Medford, Massachusetts just outside of Boston, is home to 11 guests, making it a great option for those seeking a supportive environment while being within easy reach of all the vocational and educational opportunities available in the city. It's situated on a bus line and is walking distance from various amenities.
The environment: T-accessible, walkable neighborhood with immediate access to Boston’s educational, vocational, and cultural hubs.
Accommodations: Private and shared rooms, shared bath, communal kitchen, and social spaces.
Examples of places where residents living at Fellside work or volunteer include the Boston University Center for Psych Rehab, Boston Cares (food pantry, kitchen/food services, library), recovery coaching and peer support specialists, and working with the Cole Research Center on job searches and education support. Approximately 30% of residents pursue educational goals.
Did you know? While most residents in our transition program first complete a stay at the Farm, applicants do have the option to apply for direct admission to Fellside without necessarily needing to go through the residential level of care at Gould Farm. Please inquire with our admissions team if this feels like a good fit for you.
Explore O'Connell House
Nestled at the entrance to Gould Farm's scenic 700-acre campus, O'Connell House is home to five residents. Offering a balance of privacy, shared living, and ongoing connection to the Gould Farm community, O'Connell House provides opportunities for residents to deepen their engagement with the broader community through work, volunteer activities, recreation, and everyday life, while continuing to receive the support of Gould Farm's therapeutic community.
The environment: Located at the entrance to Gould Farm's 700-acre campus, O'Connell House provides easy access to both the Berkshire region and the resources and support of Gould Farm. And all guests in O'Connell must provide their own transportation, aside from occasional transportation support to medical visits.
Accommodations: Intimate home for up to 5 residents balancing privacy and close-knit peer support.
Examples of places where guests living at O'Connell work or volunteer include local libraries, various educational and cultural non-profit organizations, the local recovery center, local food pantries and local farms and gardens.
Non-Residential Transition Programs
Our non-residential transition supports are available on a long-term basis to residents who have settled in the Boston or Berkshire areas.
Once ready, residents have the option to move locally into their own apartments through our Supported Transition Program. Residents receive a high level of clinical case management support to help adjust to their new living situations at this level of care.
Once they are settled into their new routine, including sustaining at least 30 hours per week volunteering, going to school or working, and maintaining their health and financial responsibilities, they can then transition to our Extended Community level of care.
Extended Community includes weekly meetings for case management, 24-hour telephone support, access to groups, activities, emotional and vocational support, and respite at Fellside or Gould Farm, and a vibrant social network of alumni and families who support one another.
Program Fees
Residential Transition Program (Fellside and O'Connell)
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$275 per day
Non-Residential Supported Transition Program
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$1,550 per month
Extended Community Program
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$760 per month
