Virtual treatment available: DMA outpatient programs can also be accessed via online telehealth services.

Situated just 20 miles south of Baltimore, 10 miles northwest of Annapolis, and close to Washington, D.C. and northern Virginia, this northeastern residential program campus features five beautiful residences for evidence-based treatment in mental health disorders. The Annapolis campus is made of five distinct homes operating as residential mental health program each of which serve a different patient population to help address the unique needs of young adults, adults and those with co-occurring disorder. As one of the leading inpatient mental health facilities in Maryland, our Annapolis location provides personalized, residential care in a peaceful, retreat-like setting.

Nestled at the end of a serene cul-de-sac, the property is set against a wooded backdrop with meandering trails that are perfect for mindful walks – patients can get a full sensory experience in this environment. From the sound of wind stirring the leaves to the sun peaking through lush greenery, it’s a private and retreat-like place that is ideal to get away from everyday stressors and focus on oneself.

Patients will enter an environment that is intimate enough to receive an array of treatment — both individual and group therapies — in a real-life setting. Our houses are designed in a way that supports a safe, supervised and home-like setting to aid in clarifying the symptoms/crisis that led to needing this intensive level of treatment. We focus on helping our patients gain an understanding of what led to RTC treatment, returning to a pre-crisis state, and developing skills and strategies to prevent the need for future readmissions. Our structured therapeutic environment supports stabilization and preparation for re-engagement back into the community.

Treating no more than 12 patients at a time per house, treatment is personalized to the needs of each person along with their family and/or support system. Our program allows for more individual attention and engagement at this unique location, which features a pool, nature paths and frog pond. Typically, our patients engage in treatment for 35-45 days.

Trauma-Focused Therapy from Staff Who Cares

At Annapolis, we provide trusted and proven treatment modalities, such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance & commitment therapy (ACT), and more. Patients also take part in art therapy and connecting with nature groups.

Trauma-informed care is a broad organizational framework that focuses on understanding the pervasive impact of trauma and providing safe, supportive environments for all. Trauma-specific services, in contrast, are tailored interventions designed to directly address and lessen trauma symptoms and promote healing. Trauma specific therapy typically occurs in the outpatient setting upon step down from our program.

What Patients Can Expect at Annapolis

When patients first arrive, they are greeted at the door by  one of our 24-hour nursing staff team members who will process their admission. They will receive a variety of assessments to ensure our team has a full comprehensive perspective on their safety and treatment needs. Patients will receive support with a medication management program supervised by our board-certified psychiatrist, 24-hour nursing and a dietitian-designed nutrition program as needed. Within the first 72 hours of admission, the patient will meet with our board-certified psychiatrist and a master’s level clinician for initial assessments. Patients will also meet with a care coordinator who will help assist them with needs such as FMLA, short term disability, school or work notes, legal letters, and more. Care Coordination works hand-in-hand with our clinical outreach team who find the best programs for discharge planning. Our care coordinators will work with the therapist and the outreach team to identify the best programs for your aftercare.

Stars & Stripes Program

Customized to the needs of veterans, active-duty servicemembers, first responders and their families, the Stars & Stripes program offers specialized services alongside our evidence-based and holistic approach to mental health treatment. The Stars & Stripes program is available at one of our houses in Annapolis and has personalized treatment that’s led by a staff trained to understand military and first responder culture.

Stages of Change

As patients progress through their treatment, a phase system based on the Stages of Change is utilized to guide their treatment progress and provide a roadmap for growth and improvement. Each patient’s progress is tracked through treatment by using evidence-based tools such as the PHQ-9, RAS-41 and DASS-21.

We accept most major insurances. For free insurance verification, please visit our insurance page. As a patient, insurance will be handled by a dedicated UR team to help navigate insurance. We handle all the insurance stress so you don’t have to.

Phase System

· Pre-Phase: Pre-Contemplation and Contemplation Stages of Change

o During this phase of treatment, people are adjusting to residential treatment and the program structure. This is the Stage of Change where they are deciding about change in their life and what that might look like for them. All patients are on pre-phase for a minimum of 72 hours.

· Phase 1: Contemplation and Preparation Stages of Change

o During this phase of the journey, patients have accepted their need to participate in treatment, recognize their own importance, and identify areas of change that are needed in their life. During this phase of treatment, they begin to take steps towards their goals.

· Phase 2: Preparation and Action Stages of Change

o During this phase of treatment, patients are actively engaged in therapy and incorporating what is discussed in therapy sessions to move toward recovery. They have gained more understanding regarding the patterns or reasons for their struggles and are demonstrating competency in addressing the goals. During this time, patients are better able to manage daily stressors and demonstrate independence in regulating their emotions.

· Phase 3: Action and Maintenance Stages of Change

o During this phase, patients are demonstrating consistent mastery of their emotions and can maintain positive changes that they have made in treatment. Patients are no longer engaging in behaviors that are reminiscent of prior acting out and can independently use alternative behaviors or skills in the moment. Patients can generalize skills in family sessions, passes, outings, etc., and require little staff support in the milieu.

· Phase 4: Maintenance Stage of Change

o Patients can demonstrate resilience to handle challenges and stressors that they’ve previously experienced.

Life-Long Skills – For Life

Our clinicians emphasize life skills training through daily living activities, building relationships, school support, career development and life transition planning. Life skills are practiced in and out of groups and individual therapy. Our program emphasizes the home-like environment and want our patients to engage in ‘normal’ home related responsibilities. This includes laundry, tidying, sweeping, doing dishes, cooking, etc. along side the support of our dedicated staff members as our mental health technicians are there to help every step of the way.

Once a patient finishes treatment, aftercare is essential to the foundation for long-term recovery. Our dedicated care coordinators work with the clinical teams to ensure aftercare planning meets the clinical recommendations and our alumni program allows patients to stay connected, receive support and focus on achieving their recovery goals.

CONDITIONS WE TREAT

We are a mental health program most commonly treating patients with symptoms related to:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Bipolar Disorder
• Trauma
• Self Harm
• Grief & Loss