Frequently Asked Questions

Use the guide below to get answers to some of the most common questions we get about admissions, visitation, dietary needs and more.

We do not require parents and agencies to complete an application. To be considered for admission, we will ask for specific written/documented information related to your child.

We ask that you bring your child at least 7 days of clothing (including undergarments and night wear). If you would like to provide your child with any money we ask that you turn it into a staff member in order to deposit into your child’s account – this is to ensure safekeeping. Such money could be used for special activities, outings, hair services, etc. There is an extensive list of items that your child will be able to bring and NOT be able to bring. Please see the handbook for details and specific regulations regarding contraband items.

The average length of stay varies for all of our residents. Depending on your child’s specific needs, history, involvement and willingness to participate in therapy, a stay at Harbor Point can range anywhere from 6 to 9 months

Yes, your child will be attending school Monday through Friday on average 5 ½ – 6 hours per day. Harbor Point offers special and regular school curriculum for grades 1-12. Our primary goal is to meet each student’s academic needs.

Harbor Point is accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Specialized Education Schools. Our educational staff works closely with your child’s home school district to ensure all educational requirements are met and credits will transfer upon their return to the community.

You may bring food when visiting your child; however, food cannot be stored on the unit. If there is a special occasion, please check with the unit program manager.

Your child will attend three meals a day, all served in the cafeteria. Two snacks are also provided. Outside food, approved by the program manager and dietitian, will occasionally be brought in for special occasions and events.

Upon admission a registered dietician will complete a nutritional assessment on your child. The staff will assist your child with selecting appropriate foods at each of the three meals and two snacks that are served daily. Outside food, approved by the dietitian and program manager, will occasionally be brought in for special occasions and events.

If your child requires a special diet, you and your child will meet with the dietician and doctor to discuss and set the requirements of your child meals and snacks.

Your child has the right to communicate in confidence with others by mail. Outgoing mail must be sealed and stamped and handed to staff to be mailed out. The children will be the only ones to open their incoming mail, however, if contraband is suspected a staff member will ask them to open in their presence.

Your child will be assessed upon admission for any pains. During their stay with us, we ask that your child report any pains to the nurse for assessment. All physical complaints will be assessed by the nurse and referred to a physician or dentist at Harbor Point. We have Registered Nurses on staff 24 hours a day. If your child needs to be seen outside of the facility, we will gladly make those arrangements; however, we have Registered Nurses on staff 24 hours a day in case your child may fall ill.

If there is a medical emergency that cannot be treated by our staff at Harbor Point, your child will be sent to Children’s Hospital of Kings Daughter (CHKD).

Your child will be assigned a phone call time upon admission to the facility and parents and/or agency will obtain a secure code in which to make and receive phone calls. All units have designated times between the hours of 5:30-9:00 PM (M-F) and 5:30 – 8:30 PM (Sat-Sun). It is important to note that phone calls may NOT interfere with program activities. Human Rights allow children to make and receive phone calls from those they choose; however, an authorized contact list will be provided upon admission.

If you feel like there is an emergency and you need to reach your child, please call your child’s therapist. If they are not available, please call the main facility number and ask to speak to the Clinical Director of Operations.

Harbor Point values communication between you and our staff. To ensure your needs are met, we identify two points of contact for families and agencies. The therapist serves as the primary contact to address your child’s treatment needs.

Your child is able to voluntarily participate in spiritual life services provided on campus.

At Harbor Point Behavioral Health Center, we encourage family members to visit as often as they like; however, they should be scheduled visitations and should not interfere with school and groups.

Visitors outside of the immediate family MUST be approved in advance by your child, your child’s Clinical Team and parents/agency.