FAQs

• General (Family, Adolescents, Adults)
• for Patients
• for Treatment Providers & Therapists

GENERAL (FAMILY, ADOLESCENTS, ADULTS)

How soon can admission be arranged?

Generally, as soon as you or your loved one desires. Our process generally takes no more than a few days. To admit, please call to start this process by speaking with Liz at ext. 112 or Monique at ext. 113.

Prior to admission, you will need to provide the following by fax or in person to an Admissions Clinician:

1. Complete an admissions evaluation with  us, where we will review your past treatments, goals, and psychiatric history. This interview takes about one hour and will also give you an opportunity to decide if McCallum Place fits your needs. Simply call an Admissions Clinician at (314) 968-1900 to schedule one. McCallum Place offers FREE admissions evaluations!
2. Blood work from within seven days of beginning treatment, including: Complete Blood Count (CBC), Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP), electrolytes, renal function tests, liver panel, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, protein, TB test, Hepatitis B screening, pregnancy test, and urinalysis. Download the Medical Form below and give to your PCP to coordinate completing the above. Fax results to 314-968-1901. We also have a Primary Care Physician, Dr. Caroline Rudnick, MD, on site to complete this, should you desire.
3. An EKG twelve lead from within seven days of admission. Fax results to 314-968-1901. Our Primary Care Physician, Dr. Caroline Rudnick, MD, can complete this step on site, should you desire.
4. A complete physical exam and medical history. Simply download and print off the Medical/History form and take to your physician. This physical exam should include a morning weight in gown, height, and postural vital signs. Fax results to 314-968-1901.
5. Regarding Allergies: Please provide documentation of any known food and/or medication allergies should we need to prepare prior to admission.
6. A Hepatitis A shot is recommended for those considering our transition house.
7. Adolescents: Obtain your growth chart from your pediatrician and fax to us or bring upon admission.

   Click below to download the Medical/History and Physical Form:

   Download Medical Form in Adobe PDF Format

 

What is the typical length of stay at McCallum Place?

Patients stay an average of six weeks. Length of stay is determined based on patient need and is graduated according to his or her progress. Level of care is assessed many times throughout the week and adjusted accordingly if needed.

How are treatment decisions made?

Our treatment team includes care from psychiatrists, psychotherapists, dietitians, nurses, and mental health workers who review progress of the preceding week. Treatment recommendations are based on one's ability to be successful in achieving their goals. Goals are revised as needed to encourage and support continued progress. Patient and family input is an important part of the process.

As a loved one or family member, how frequently will I hear an update?

Generally, every week.

In addition, the following family programs are intended to support you, your loved one in treatment, and ensure frequent updates.

What supports are available for families during treatment?

The following programs are open to all our patient’s family members and friends as a means of support and education. Dr Kim McCallum recommends all families and loved ones participate because higher recovery rates are often associated with providing families the support and education they need around this disorder and have found that treatment works best when the family is involved. 

Family Support Programs

Family Group: A multi-family group is offered once weekly at no additional charge to families of patients on Monday evenings from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. This group is facilitated by Dr. Kim McCallum, MD, and Dr. Randy Flanery, Ph.D. It is designed to answer questions or concerns and support family members who have a loved one in treatment at either McCallum Place or Webster Wellness Professionals.

Family Day: Additionally, McCallum Place hosts an all day educational and experiential program the second Saturday of every month from 8:30am-3:00pm. Family Day is facilitated by Dr. Kim McCallum, Psychologist Carol Dyer, our family therapist, and other specialists.

Individual Family Therapy:

Families of adolescent patients are encouraged to attend one individual psychotherapy session offered each week. This allows for coordination of continued care with the family and provides an update to the families about the status of their child's or loved one's progress. We similarly encourage this for families of adult patients while respecting the adult patient’s willingness, readiness, and rights.

Who should I contact with questions?

• Intake & Admissions and Program Information : (314) 968-1900 ext. 112 or ext. 113
• Medical concerns for patients currently in our treatment programs, including medication: Lisa West, RN (314) 968-1900 ext. 120
• Program concerns, including outside interruptions, such as times patient will not be in treatment: patient's individual therapist and/or Direct Care Staff on weekends (314) 968-1900 ext. 135
• Psychological or overall progress: Patient's individual therapist
• Family Therapy or Family Support Programs: Patient's individual therapist
• Billing & Insurance: Angela Crites, Manager of Billing and Collections, email: acrites@mccallumplace.com or call: (314) 968-1900 ext. 114
• Media, NEDA Week Events, Community Education on Eating Disorders, and Speaking Inquiries: Jennifer Kamer (314) 737-4070 ext.122

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Will adolescents be accepted for treatment?

Yes! We have a special adolescent track as well as certified teachers to keep our adolescents on track with school. Our programs accommodate both adolescents age 12 and older and adults. Adolescent programming is modified to address their special developmental needs with a focus on family treatment. Adolescents who require intensive seven-day-a-week treatment may stay with their families.

Are there tutors to help with my school work?

Yes! Adolescents in Residential or PHP programming are provided with individual tutoring by licensed teachers four hours per week and built in time during treatment to complete homework assignments. There is no additional charge for this service.

How many patients are you able to treat at one time?

• 24 hour Residential treatment: 8 patients (females only)
• Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) 10 hour and 6 hour: 16 patients (females and males)
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Phase I and Phase II: 7-14 patients (females and males)
• Transition House: 5 (adult females only)
• New! Evidence-based Outpatient Clinic for weight management, DBT groups, psychotherapy, psychiatric, medical and nutritional treatment: Webster Wellness Professionals (females and males)

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FOR PATIENTS

How are weight goals determined?

Weight goals are set by our experienced team of Registered Dietitians. Target weights and ranges are not an exact science and each patient will have a healthy weight range that is unique to their biology and their development. Additionally, growth charts are reviewed when establishing weight goals for adolescents and young adults.

How does the McCallum Place staff work with frequent purging?

The small number of patients allows for customized support and one-on-one supervision during the hours after eating. We take into account metabolism changes associated with purging so that weight gain is gradual and safe.

Can McCallum Place accommodate a vegetarian diet?

Yes! However, we cannot accommodate a strict vegan diet.

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Am I allowed to go to school/keep my job while in treatment?

Yes, when appropriate. We encourage you to return to school or work however; Initially, most people take a leave of absence from school or work for anywhere from two weeks to two months to stabilize.

Can I maintain contact with family and friends?

Yes! We do not discourage contact with family and friends but require that contact occur outside of scheduled program events. Passes are granted as patients' goals are met. Passes outside the facility are offered to those in the recovery phase of treatment but not to those in the stabilization phase.

Will I be allowed to exercise?

Yes, we have exercise and fitness alternatives built into our program week. See our Sample Fitness Calendar below. Exercise goals and limits are determined individually, taking into account medical stability, weight, and exercise history. Depending on your readiness for exercise, a variety of exercise options as well as movement alternatives are available, including daily walks with staff, a weekly yoga group , a weekly dance and movement therapy group, and a weekly NIA group and a strength training class with a certified personal trainer. For those who need reconditioning, physical therapy can be arranged.

Sample Fitness Calendar

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
						1. Daily Walk or Pilates
2. Daily Walk or Pilates Fitness Outing Sky Zone or Ice Skating at Steinberg	3. Daily Walk or Pilates Nia	4. Daily Walk or Pilates Strength Training Class	5. Daily Walk or Pilates	6. Daily Walk or Pilates	7. Daily Walk or Pilates Yoga	8. Daily Walk or Pilates
9. Daily Walk or Pilates Fitness Outing Laser Tag or Open Gym at Riverchase River Chase	10. Daily Walk or Pilates Nia	11. Daily Walk or Pilates Strength Training Class	12. Daily Walk or Pilates	13. Daily Walk or Pilates	14. Daily Walk or Pilates Yoga	15. Daily Walk or Pilates
16. Daily Walk or Pilates Fitness Outing Upper Limits or Ice Skating at Steinberg	17. Daily Walk or Pilates Nia	18. Daily Walk or Pilates Strength Training Class	19. Daily Walk or Pilates	20. Daily Walk or Pilates	21. Daily Walk or Pilates Yoga	22. Daily Walk or Pilates
23. Daily Walk or Pilates Fitness Outing Sky Zone or Hike at Lone Elk Park	24. Daily Walk or Pilates Nia	25. Daily Walk or Pilates Strength Training Class	26. Daily Walk or Pilates	27. Daily Walk or Pilates	28. Daily Walk or Pilates Yoga	29. Daily Walk or Pilates
30. Daily Walk or Pilates Fitness Outing Laser Tag or Open Gym at Riverchase River Chase	31. Daily Walk or Pilates Nia

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What can and should I bring?

You should bring comfortable clothing, suitable for participating in active groups, such as dance therapy or yoga. Bring weather-sensitive clothing for outdoor activities. We encourage you to bring comfort items such as photographs or a favorite pillow. Please do not bring items of value or large amounts of cash. Cell phones and laptops are permitted.

Is there anything I am not allowed to bring?

You will not be allowed to bring food of any kind, diet pills, laxatives, non-approved vitamins, or weapons. Because certain magazines can trigger negative thoughts, they are prohibited as well. Additionally, clothing advertising alcohol or drugs is prohibited.

Are caffeine, gum, and diet soda permitted?

Yes! All of the above are permitted in reasonable quantities. It is our goal to encourage healthy habits that will also be continued once treatment is completed. Therefore, while we do not exclude certain types of food, we do encourage and support finding a reasonable balance in their inclusion in one's diet.

Is smoking permitted?

Smoking is permitted only at designated times and areas of the facility; however, effective November 1, 2011, McCallum Place will become a smoke free center.

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What if I need hospitalization, intravenous feedings, or tube feedings?

We avoid hospitalization, IVs, and tube feedings unless absolutely necessary.

Our medical team can place and maintain tube feedings on site for our patients.

If more intense medical care becomes necessary, our staff will transport you to a nearby hospital until you are stable enough to return to McCallum Place. Dr. McCallum will continue to work with you while you are at the hospital and will coordinate care with other physicians.

Are pets allowed?

Your pet(s) are welcome to visit however no pets may stay overnight.

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FOR TREATMENT PROVIDERS & THERAPISTS

Who is a candidate for treatment?

McCallum Place is available for patients with a variety of needs and concerns. We are able to facilitate weight gain for those who have been unable to gain weight in outpatient settings. Generally, we can also accommodate patients needing tube feeding who are not below 60% ideal body weight. Patients with bulimia shift away from a cycle of frequent binge eating and purging to actively working on changing their relationship with food.

All meals are structured and closely monitored. Patients who are at risk of purging are monitored after the meal. Our meal groups allow patients an opportunity to begin a more balanced relationship with themselves through eating and build continuity over the course of several meals, a benefit that often cannot be achieved in outpatient therapy.

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Can I maintain contact with my client/patient?

Yes! We encourage you to continue contact with your client/patient during their stay at McCallum Place. With consent, we will keep you informed of progress, including information about treatment goals and a summary of treatment upon discharge. Also, we invite you to attend the weekly treatment planning meeting in person or by phone, so that we can best coordinate the patient's care with you.

Will I be consulted in the goals of treatment?

Yes! We encourage your input in the initial setup of treatment goals for your client/patient and welcome your feedback during the weekly treatment team meeting.

Will I receive discharge information?

Yes! All patients develop a discharge plan during their stay, which includes goals for continued treatment and strategies for relapse prevention. This plan is developed by the client/patient with the support of their primary therapist and feedback from other clients/patients in the program. In addition, we prepare a summary of treatment to acknowledge achievements made during the stay and identify concerns for continued work outside of McCallum Place. This will be mailed to after your patient/client is discharged with patient consent.

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Will insurance pay for any of the treatments?

McCallum Place is an in network provider for many types of Anthem Blue Cross, Aetna, and Mercy Health plans. Even if you do not have a policy with one of these insurance companies, we will investigate your plan to determine to what extent you can utilize benefits. We recommend the client also consult with his/her insurance company to see if treatment at McCallum Place will be covered under the individual policy and regarding prepays or coinsurance. We also gladly do this! Call Liz at ext. 112 or Monique at ext. 113 now to help.

McCallum Place is not licensed as a Medicare or Medicaid provider.

For those patients who are out-of-network, some or all of the cost of treatment may still be covered by your insurance company. If out of network, McCallum Place will submit claims on your behalf to your insurance company so that you may receive reimbursement from your insurance company up to the limits of your insurance coverage.

We always attempt to pre-certify treatment with your insurance company. Almost all of our patients receive some level of reimbursement from their insurance companies but insurance reimbursement varies widely by company and coverage type. It is a good idea to consult the insurance company directly prior to admission to determine what level of insurance reimbursement you can expect.

Note: We find families that advocate for themselves with insurance companies have the best success which is why we strongly recommend you get involved alongside us during this process. We will do everything in our power to help you access your benefits to support your treatment.

What is there to do in St. Louis?

Please visit www.explorestlouis.com for an electronic version of St. Louis' Visitor's Guide about upcoming events, restaurants, maps, and things to do during your stay.

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