Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different levels of care?

We offer 3 levels of residential care.
24/7: All residents start at this level of care and are generally at this level of care the longest.  Residents live in a house that is staffed around the clock with awake direct care professionals.  Residents are expected to participate in group programming as well as their individual appointments with their psychiatrist, therapist, and other support staff.  Medication administration is directly supervised by staff.  Residents are also supported in pursuing Community Integration such as paid employment, volunteer work, or furthering their education.
Step-Down:  Once a resident has obtained 15-20 hours of consistent Community Integration and is actively participating in their clinical goals, they become eligible to transition to the Step-Down level of care.  At this level of care, there is still staff support available 24/7, but residents are given more independence.  They may be able to use a personal vehicle, have more time in the community without staff present, remain in the house without staff present, self-administer medication, and create a modified daily schedule.
Semi-Independent:  Once a resident has obtained 25-30 hours of consistent Community Integration and is actively participating in their clinical goals, they become eligible for the Semi-Independent level of care.  Staff are available during the day, but there is more independence built into a resident’s schedule.  The house is largely maintained by the residents who live there.  A staff member lives in a connected apartment in case of emergencies during the night.  At this level of care, residents are paired with a staff member for 1:1 practice of independent living skills, and residents assume responsibility for more aspects of their life such as picking up medication refills and shopping for groceries.
The program is designed to move through the levels of care in order, however, residents often have to move back and forth between them as clinically indicated.  After successfully completing the semi-independent level of care, a resident may be offered the option to transition to Supported Living.  This is not considered residential treatment as the resident would obtain their own housing.  They would be able to continue to see their clinical team at ClearView for a period of 6 months while they connect with other outpatient providers.

What is the average length of stay?


Our average length of stay is 12-18 months, though it varies based on an individual’s unique needs.  We are a long-term residential program, so we ask that residents anticipate at least the average length of stay as they consider admission to ClearView.  Many residents stay at ClearView longer than that as well as the become a part of the community through work/school and are active in the clinical program.

What is the admissions process?

Please see the Admissions page for instructions on how to complete a referral for Admission.  After a referral is completed, the Admissions Manager will reach out to you to discuss the next steps.  We will ask a potential resident to sign a release of information for any current or previous providers or hospitals where they have received care, so that we can begin to collect clinical records.  We will also conduct interviews with a potential resident and their support system to obtain further clinical information.  The Admissions Committee (which consists of the Executive Director, Medical Director, Psychiatrist, Clinical Director, Program Director, and Admissions Manager) then meets to review all information provided and make a final decision on admission.  This is a deliberate process to ensure that the most appropriate decision is made for all parties.  Please be advised we cannot accept urgent or emergent admissions due to this process.

Do you accept insurance?


We are in-network with Carefirst (Maryland’s product of Blue Cross Blue Shield) and the BCBS Federal Employee Program.  We are unable to work with other insurance companies, including any other form of Blue Cross Blue Shield.

What is the cost of treatment?


For the 24/7 level of care, the cost is between $17,000 per month.  Step-Down is $13,000 per month and Semi-Independent is $9,000 per month.  The Supported Living program costs $4,500 per month.  All new residents start at the 24/7 level of care and must work through the program to transition to any lower level of care.  This cost includes room and board, all clinical and support services, fees for community activities, etc.  Not included in these costs are copays for medications and any copays for providers outside of ClearView (for example, a primary care physician or medical specialist). *Rates are effective from 1/1/24

What is the average age of residents?


We generally serve younger adults, with an average age range of 18-35.  However, we have had many residents over the age of 35 successfully complete the program as well.

What is the living situation like?


We have five residences and all bedrooms are single occupancy; residents do not share bedrooms. We have two houses with private bathrooms and three houses with shared bathrooms. Residents that would need to share a bathroom would only need to share it with one other resident.

Do residents cohabitate?


We have five co-ed residences.  All bedrooms are single occupancy.  Two of our residences also have single bathrooms, and the other residences have shared bathrooms which are shared between two residents.  ClearView is an inclusive and affirming community and serves residents of all genders, orientations, and identities.  Residents of the opposite sex do cohabitate.  However, all residents have their own bedrooms and either a private bathroom or a shared bathroom with one other resident specifically matched for privacy.  There are also shared living spaces such as living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens.  Please see the virtual tours provided on this page for a closer look at each of our residences.

How do you choose which house the resident goes to?


The Admissions Committee looks at a variety of factors when considering which residence would be most appropriate for a new resident. We first look at which residence has open availability, then consider the severity of the potential resident’s symptoms.  We tend to reserve our on-campus houses for those individuals who have a greater clinical need. We also consider the residents currently in each home in order to try and maintain a peer group for residents.  This helps to navigate the transition to residential care for new residents.

What are your electronics (cell phones, computers, video games) policy?


At ClearView Communities we believe in making treatment as close to real-life as possible, which includes learning to appropriately balance one’s time using electronics.  Residents are permitted to have their cell phones, laptops, and small electronic devices.  However, if concerns arise, the Treatment Team will work with the resident to establish a plan and help them work on healthy use of electronics.  We do not allow residents to have TV’s in their bedrooms.  There is a TV in the common area of each residence.

When will a resident begin to work on Community Integration?


Residents are encouraged to start this as soon as they identify their Community Integration goal(s).  We do not have a “readiness model”; instead, we provide immediate support for any resident that identifies Community Integration as part of their recovery.  Residents work collaboratively with our Employment and Educational Specialists to look for competitive employment, volunteer opportunities, or educational opportunities in the Frederick community.  Our specialists work with the resident to understand their interests, experiences, and goals so that Community Integration opportunities serve the resident’s long-term life goals. 

Can residents have animals or therapy/support animals?


Animals are not permitted at ClearView.

How are meals prepared?


Breakfast and lunch are informal meals, which residents prepare individually.  Dinner is a more formal meal where residents are encouraged to eat together.  Each resident is responsible for cooking dinner one night per week.  Staff assists in designing the meal and teaching cooking skills.  Groceries are purchased by staff using a collaborative list between residents and staff.  We will not purchase sodas, energy drinks, or junk food for the house.

Is tobacco use permitted on campus?


Residents may smoke cigarettes in designated outdoor smoking areas. Smoking cessation is available to any resident that expresses an interest in quitting tobacco, even if they have tried and failed to quit in the past. Vapes and e-cigarettes are not permitted: their health risks have not been scientifically established and they are easily modified to carry illicit substances that interfere with treatment.

What is the difference between the diagnostic program and the residential program?


The main difference between the two programs is the purpose of each. The diagnostic program has an intensive clinical focus to obtain a clear psychiatric diagnosis, whereas the residential program focuses more on community integration and psychosocial rehabilitation. The diagnostic program is also a time-limited, 30-day program; whereas the average length of stay for the residential program is 12-18 months.

If my loved one attends the diagnostic program, can they move to the residential program?


Each participant of the diagnostic program will receive a comprehensive discharge plan which may or may not include the recommendation for long-term residential treatment at a treatment center such as ClearView. These recommendations will be made by the clinical team and will be reviewed with the family throughout discharge planning. It is a large time and financial commitment to attend the residential program at ClearView, and will not be suited for each participant in the diagnostic program.

Where will my loved one be living while in the diagnostic program?


Each member of the diagnostic program will be living in one of our five residential homes. This means that they will cohabitate with other program members, as well as with residents of the residential program at ClearView.

How much does it cost to have my loved one in the diagnostic program?


The cost of the diagnostic program is $30,000 for 30 days. This cost includes all clinical and residential services while in our program. There is also a $1,000 refundable security deposit that will be returned upon discharge, barring any property damage. We ask that the full amount be paid at the time of admission to the diagnostic program.

We will do everything we can to obtain reimbursement from your insurance company. The amount of reimbursement is solely dependent on your insurance provider. We cannot offer an estimate of what may be reimbursed, and we cannot guarantee any coverage or authorization from an insurance provider.

What if my loved one doesn’t qualify for the residential program at the end of their time in the diagnostic program?


Each participant in the diagnostic program will receive a comprehensive discharge plan upon completion of the program. If they do not qualify for residential treatment at ClearView, we will provide the information for other residential programs that would efficiently meet their clinical needs. If a different level of care would be effective, information for these resources will be provided as well.