At Harbour Pointe, we know in time of crisis, it can become confusing and frustrating trying to find yourself or a loved one the right facility to help treat their needs.  We have prepared a list of questions that may be helpful when interviewing other programs or facilities to help insure you are making the right decision.  This is an individual life that is at stake and we want you to be educated in making the right choice, because for some this may be their only opportunity for help.  If you have any additional questions please feel free to contact us at 1-800-567-8238.

Harbour Pointe is a one-of-a-kind facility. When comparing treatment programs, be sure to carefully evaluate all aspects of treatment, and inquire specifically about:

• How long has the program been operating?
  
  Harbour Pointe has been in operation for over 20 years,
  at the same location, with the same model for treatment.
  
• How many individual sessions will I receive per day/week/during my entire stay?
  
  4-5 per day, 20-25 per week
  80-100 in a four week stay with us.
  
• What treatment approach do you take?
  
  An intense individualized approach, as opposed to
  a group or strictly "twelve step" approach.
  
• What is your success rate? If you don't know, why?
  
  71-73% at the two year follow-up point.
  
• Do you treat other addictions as well, or do you specialize exclusively on gambling?
  
  Exclusively gambling.
  
• Are sessions offered for the family in addition to the gambler?
  
  We have a very powerful family dynamic incorporated into our
  program, and family members will have the chance to
  partake in sessions with their loved
  ones when the time is right.
  
• How many gamblers are in the clinic right now? How many are expected during the course of treatment?
  
  Typically, we are constantly full with our 8 bed limit.
  
• How many gamblers were treated last year?
  
  104 gamblers were treated at our facility last year.
  
• What are the qualifications of the staff members to treat gamblers, specifically, and to provide mental health treatment?
  
  Our clinical team is licensed under the guidelines of
  the State of Maryland for their particular field of practice.
  
• Is there a psychiatrist who will conduct a psychological assessment? If so, how quickly is it done, and in what format is the information presented to the patient?
  
  Yes, Dr. Jack Vaeth will conduct an urgent assessment on
  all clients within 72 hours of arriving at our facility.
  
• Is there a medication evaluation and a board certified phychiatrist on the treatment team?
  
  Yes, again, Dr. Jack Vaeth is our on-board psychiatrist and has
  specialized in working with compulsive gamblers, which is
  important in making a correct diagnosis in
  each particular client.
  
• What is the average length of stay?
  
  5 weeks, however each individual is different.
  
• Is there an aftercare program? If so, what does it consist of?
  
  The clinical team will set up a very thorough aftercare plan for
  each and every client in their home state prior to their discharge.
  
• Is the facility licensed by the State in which it is located?
  
  In Maryland there is no such licensure for a residential gambling
  treatment facility, however each one of our clinical personnel are
  licensed by the State of Maryland.
  
• What is the facility's treatment approach, how strong of a GA connection does it have, how often will the patient be attending GA meetings, and will these meetings be onsite of offsite?
  
  Treatment approach is one of an individualized approach,
  and there are two GA meetings held at our location.
  Tuesdays at noon, and Thursdays at 7:30pm.