HOW ADMISSION WORKS
The path, in order.
Admission is a clinical decision. We do not run a commercial conversation before a clinical one.
THE FIVE STEPS
From the first call to the first session.
The intake
For residential, the standard intake protocol under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017. For outpatient, two intake sessions across five to seven days. The fee schedule is presented in writing at session one.
The first call
To Aruna daCosta (admissions) or Dr Gambetta daCosta (clinical). Same day if the call comes before 18:00. We will ask about the patient, the family context, and what has been tried before.
Admission
The patient enters under a seven-day probationary period. Within probation, either party may exit without breach implications.
Consent
Taken in writing — for programme participation, documentation, family contact, and (for outpatient) toxicology screening.
DOCUMENTS
What to bring.
Identification.
Clinical records.
Prescriptions.
Personal items.
A government-issued identity document for the patient and the nominated family contact.
Any prior clinical records: discharge summaries, psychiatric assessments, medication charts.
Current medication, with prescriptions.
A basic kit of personal items, per the packing list.
MENTAL HEALTHCARE ACT, 2017
Who can sign the patient in.
Under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, an independent admission is the patient's own application. Where the patient is unable to make the application themselves, the nominated representative — typically a blood relative — applies on the patient's behalf. We guide the family through the form set and the documents required.
If the family member with legal standing cannot be physically present, the foundation is able to work with a Special Power of Attorney delegating admission authority to a nominated representative on file. We will tell you what is required.
FEES
What the programme covers.
Fees are confirmed at the clinical conversation. They are presented in writing before any commitment is made. They cover:
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Programme participation.
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Accommodation.
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Three meals a day.
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Medication procurement, per the disbursed protocol.
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Individual and group sessions.
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Family sessions.
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The BARE workbooks.
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The Discharge Summary and the Aftercare and Continuum-of-Care Plan.
They do not cover external medical bills, transport, or items outside the standard packing list.
A refund policy applies during the seven-day probationary period and is set out in writing.
COERCION, AMBIVALENCE, AND THE STANDARD
Willingness, not enthusiasm.
Some patients arrive willingly. Some arrive under pressure from a family member, an employer, or a court. The standard for admission is willingness, that the patient will participate in the programme, attend the sessions, and engage with the work — not enthusiasm.
Coerced presentations are assessed separately. A patient who refuses to participate is not admitted; a patient who is uncertain but willing to try is.
