Wisteria Program FAQ

Yes! We support the decisions that you have made with your health care provider. We will continue your prescribed HRT during your admission and can source medication through our pharmacy as needed. While we cannot begin HRT for a patient who has not already received a prescription from their health care provider, our team of social workers can provide information on LGBTQ affirming medical professionals who can assist you in this process.

Malvern knows that honoring a client’s identity is the first step in creating a safe and respectful environment for treatment. While your legal name will be associated with your medical chart, your preferred name and pronouns will be used in all interactions with staff and fellow patients.

All rooms are set up for two people, and you may be roomed with another person during your admission. Our Wisteria program practices “All Gender Rooming”. This means that all patients are assigned to rooms based on who they feel comfortable rooming with and not based on gender assigned at birth. Our team will honor your preferences and arrange rooming accordingly

Malvern will always protect your confidentiality. That means that we will never communicate with anyone without your explicit (and written) consent. You will also have the opportunity to include loved ones in your treatment though family sessions, visits, and discharge coordination. It is possible that someone included in your treatment may see or hear Wisteria program information – for example if they call you or look up the Wisteria program on-line. If this is a concern our clinical team will work with you to place you in the program that addresses your treatment needs without disclosing your gender identity or sexuality

The team will assess for any safety concerns however we encourage people to celebrate who they are. We want you to show up to Malvern as your authentic self. That means gender affirming clothing and accessories, as well as items for your room to make you feel at home.

• Clothing- Enough to last for several days, without belts or strings, as they are not allowed on the unit. A washer and dryer are available on each unit for client use.
• Toiletries- Are provided on the unit for all clients; however, clients are allowed to have their own toiletries if they are previously unopened.
• Personal Items- Soft cover books, photos, and other personal items that are not restricted below may be brought for the client. Also, you may bring: stuffed animals, blankets, pillows. Glass or plastic containers, sharp objects, any tobacco products, and liquids containing or including alcohol SHOULD BE LEFT AT HOME.

Your treatment team will assist you with a solid and firm aftercare plan at discharge. This will include appropriate housing if you should need that.

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.

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.

Family and friends of our clients can visit during regularly scheduled visiting times or by appointment arranged with their assigned Social Worker. Private visitation can be arranged for young children by speaking with the client’s physician or social worker. Visitation hours are on the weekends. In addition, you may request to schedule an in-person visit during your family session. You may also stay connected to your loved one through the phone.

Malvern is in-network with most major commercial plans, Medicare, and Medicaid. Prior to admission, our staff will discuss with you any financial responsibility you may have-if applicable (ie, copay, deductible). If necessary, we are always able to work out a payment plan that works for you and/or your family.

We will coordinate with your school, therapist, or hospital staff to arrange a safe form of transportation which may include campus safety/security, ambulance or via family/friend. We want to make sure you get to Malvern safely.

We strive to support patients in expressing their authentic selves through affirming care practices while maintaining a safe therapeutic environment. Decisions regarding shaving and grooming will be made through individualized assessments that consider both patient preferences and safety considerations.