FAQs
Please take a moment to read the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions, listed below. If you have additional questions, please reach out for help.
How long will I be hospitalized?
- A typical length of stay is 7 to 10 days. However, the length of stay is determined by multiple factors and can be discussed in more detail during your stay with the treatment team.
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What kind of treatment does the hospital provide?
- All Clients will receive daily psychotherapy and psychoeducation groups that are appropriate for their level of care, diagnosis, and current symptoms. Groups are led by Master Level Clinicians including Therapists and Social Workers. Clients will meet with their Psychiatrist daily during their stay in an effort to maximize the treatment they receive. Some clients may be referred for individual therapy in addition to their ongoing group and structured treatment activities.
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What can I bring to treatment? What should I leave at home?
- Go to this page to learn what you can bring to treatment: https://www.malvernbh.com/patients-families/visiting/
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What is a treatment team?
- Each client is assigned a clinical treatment team composed of an Attending Physician, a Social Worker, Therapist, a mental health technician, and a Nurse. These are the primary staff responsible for the client’s treatment and discharge planning. If a release has been signed, the staff can provide you with the contact information for the treatment team. Pending a release, a staff member may request your contact information for someone to get back to you, this is to protect the privacy of our clients.
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Can I be Involved in a client's treatment?
- Family meetings are designed to help the client and other caregivers involved to explore new ways to effectively deal with difficulties and problems a client may face. The treatment team will work with the client and others connected with their care to plan a treatment program, which addresses their particular needs, and to plan for their discharge from the hospital. A meeting or phone call with the attending physician may be arranged through the Social Worker.
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What can I know about a client’s treatment?
- Our program is dedicated to protecting our client’s right to confidentiality. All employees are required to follow federal and state laws, as well as hospital policy in getting a client’s permission before contacting anyone outside the hospital in the course of their treatment. This includes disclosing whether or not a client is even admitted to this facility. If you are unsure if your loved one has signed a release for staff to speak with you, please ask for a release to be signed. Please note that without a release, the staff is unable to release any information regarding a client. If there is any information that is critical to a client’s treatment, feel free to disclose this information to a staff member.
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How can I keep in contact with a client while they are in the hospital?
- Clients have the right to use our telephones to make and receive confidential telephone calls unless the call violates criminal law or would unreasonably infringe on other client’s use of the telephone. A live person can be reached 24 hours a day and would be happy to direct your call to the appropriate person. Please be patient as clients are often participating in groups and other treatment activities. In that case, a message will be taken for the client to call back during their free time. Main Number: 610-480-8919
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How do I get to the hospital?
- Malvern Behavioral Health is located in the Constitution Health Plaza at 1930 S. Broad Street. Upon arrival please go to the front desk on the first floor/lobby area. A staff member will greet you in the lobby and walk you to the elevator, we are located on the 4th floor. Visitors must be escorted to and from the unit. Visitors will be asked to lock their belongings in a designated area for the duration of their visit. We do not permit family members to bring anything onto the unit. There is a parking garage on site. If you park in the garage take the elevator to the 1st Floor to access the main lobby.
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Does the hospital have video surveillance?
- For the safety of our clients, staff, and visitors, cameras are installed in most common areas of the unit (including entrances, hallways, day rooms, and most other common rooms). Cameras do not record sound and are not installed in private rooms, showers/bathrooms, etc., and are only intended to provide an added level of security.
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Can I be involved in discharge planning?
- Discharge planning begins once the client is admitted to the facility. Discharge planning is a collaborative process with the client, the treatment team, and with the client’s approval, involving family members, outside supports, and/or resources in this process. Support system involvement is highly encouraged regarding the treatment and process. Throughout the duration of their hospital stay the treatment team will work with the client to plan appropriate outpatient care, living situations, and provide any additional resources necessary to keep the client safe and stable outside of the hospital. Discharge planning remains a continuous and fluid planning process throughout the client’s hospital experience.
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Can I have my cell phone?
- We do not allow cell usage on the unit. However, we do permit our young people access to their phones if needed for email address/ phone numbers and passwords. At admission, phones are secured in a safe for the duration of treatment. We have found that patients are able to remain present when they are not distracted by the outside world of social media. Patients have also reported finding relief in taking a break from the pressure of social media and technology dependence.
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Can patients receive/send mail while in treatment?
- Our clients enjoy receiving mail and have the right to send and receive sealed, unopened, uncensored mail. However, for good cause, their mail may be opened and inspected in front of them, without it being read by staff, for the sole purpose of preventing contraband coming into the program. Our clients also have the right to be provided with stationery and postage in reasonable amounts.
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Can I complete schoolwork during my stay?
- Laptops/tablets are secured but we allow our patients access to their laptops / tablets in a supervised setting during set times in the evening to complete academic work. Use of a laptop or tablet during the day to attend classes or lectures is case by case If you would like us to communicate with your academic institution during your stay, we are happy to accommodate releasing information with your written permission.
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When can I drop off clothes/personal items for my loved one?
- You can drop off clothes any day of the week. Just call us at 610-480-8919 to find out a good time to drop off clothes or other personal items.
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Can I drop off food for my family member?
- Yes. You may drop off factory sealed food, but please only 2 items. We typically only permit food prepared at home if, for religious reasons.
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Is smoking or vaping permitted?
- As part of a city-wide smoking cessation program, Malvern Behavioral Health is officially a smoke-free area, this includes all tobacco products and substitutes such as vaporizers and e-cigarettes. We offer smoking cessation supportive treatment such as Lozenges and the patch.