When prospective clients arrive at The Residence at Homewood, often the first person they meet is Paul Obermeyer. As treatment consultant at The Residence, one of Canada’s top private mental health and addiction treatment facilities, Obermeyer likens his role to that of a concierge. He guides clients on tours of the grounds, showcases the on-site amenities, and addresses any concerns they may have about inpatient treatment. “Questions range from the thread-count of the pillows through to the theoretical approach of our clinicians,” he says.
Any negative misconceptions or fears clients might have about mental health treatment centres are quickly dispelled at The Residence. Visitors might easily mistake the centre for an upscale retreat, but in fact it is a world-class facility offering personalized care for addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma, and co-occurring disorders.
Located in Guelph, Ont., on 50 acres of parkland, The Residence is surrounded by nature. It offers nine private bedrooms, providing a serene environment for healing and recovery. Each room features an ensuite bathroom, a workspace with a desk, and premium bedding. Every aspect of these suites is designed to ensure a healthcare experience that prioritizes clients’ needs and comforts, allowing them to focus exclusively on wellness.
Although prospective clients are often struck by the beautifully landscaped walking trails and gardens, the outdoor tennis and basketball courts, and the gorgeous heritage home with a wraparound front porch, Obermeyer says they can be skeptical and even anxious about what to expect when in treatment onsite.
Invariably, however, they relax once they get a feel for the property and understand the full level of care they can anticipate here. “The vibe is of a home-like setting, and when people see that, they feel a real calmness,” he says. “When you walk into this facility, it’s beautifully maintained, and the staff are extremely friendly and go out of their way to greet new people.”
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“Client treatment plans are tailored to specific needs and treatment goals,” says clinical psychologist Dr. Rachel Lyon. “We receive positive feedback on the high level of communication among team members. This reduces the need for repetition from clients and allows for individual sessions to build upon one another.”
The Residence also benefits from proximity to Homewood Health Centre, an accredited 300-bed hospital. That allows for the integration of some of the country’s most innovative, evidence-based approaches to addiction and mental health treatment. Or, as Obermeyer puts it, “We deliver a very intimate, familiar setting with the support of an academic hospital right beside us.”
During a typical six-week stay, clients meet weekly with members of an interdisciplinary team including a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, occupational therapist, recreation therapist, art therapist, strength and conditioning coach and addiction counsellor, as needed. These sessions are balanced with group therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behavioural therapy skills and mindfulness.
Dr. Lyon points to the opportunity to focus on physical health as a unique component of The Residence’s care plans. “Our clients may also struggle with the balance of productivity and leisure and need support,” she says. “Throughout therapy, clients develop and practise new and lasting skills that can be applied in real-life situations. Clients develop supports and improve lifestyle habits such as exercise, recreation, sleep and nutrition. It’s our holistic approach to mental-health care that I believe contributes to the benefits we see for our clients.”
The care doesn’t end once a client is no longer an inpatient. Clients who complete the inpatient program have the opportunity to participate in The Residence’s Recovery Management Program. “The goal of this program is to facilitate sustained, meaningful recovery and reduce the risk of relapse,” explains Dr. Lyon. “The aftercare program extends up to a year post-discharge.”
“I’ve heard from some clients that they chose The Residence based on our approach to aftercare,” says Dr. Lyon. “They appreciate the opportunity to continue working with the same clinicians involved in their inpatient care. Our aftercare therapists are important members of the inpatient team that clients work with during their admission.”
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Dr. Lyon believes the calm and serene environment is an important component of mental-health recovery. “What sets us apart, though, and what we consistently hear from clients, is our individualized care, and the interdisciplinary approach to therapy.”
Dr. Rachel Lyon is a clinical psychologist and a registered member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario. Before joining The Residence at Homewood as a staff psychologist, Dr. Lyon worked within the eating disorders program and was the psychology discipline lead at Homewood Health Centre. She provides assessment and treatment services to adults experiencing a range of difficulties, including anxiety and trauma-related disorders, and emotion regulation difficulties. She uses an evidence-based approach to treatment, drawing from cognitive-behavioural therapy, dialectical behavioural therapy and motivational interviewing approaches to help clients reach their goals.
As the treatment consultant for The Residence at Homewood, Paul Obermeyer has more than 25 years of mental health and addictions experience, and is clients’ initial contact to explore the benefits the program can offer. With extensive experience in emergency psychiatry, Obermeyer helps assess individual treatment needs and goals to facilitate a seamless admission into the program. As the former director, Obermeyer is well suited to answer any questions clients have about the program and what to expect during their stay.
This story was created by Canadian Family Offices’ commercial content division on behalf of Homewood Health, which is a member and content provider of this publication.