Referral, Intake & Orientation Process

• Initial Contact
• Tour/ Information Session
• Intake Meeting
• Orientation Period
• Formal Membership
• Membership Standards
• Download Intake Application Form (PDF, 47K)

Initial Contact

When the initial contact is made either by phone or mail, a tour and information session is set up.

Referrals are made from a variety of sources: DMH workers, hospital social workers, community mental health centers, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, therapists and psychiatrists, family members, club members, and more.

Tour and Information Session

A tour of the Options Clubhouse is conducted by an Options Clubhouse member. Basic information about Options Clubhouse programs, philosophy, and mission are provided at this session. Prospective members ask questions about the program, discuss hopes and concerns. A start date is scheduled at this time if preferred or follow-up contact is discussed. Also, a transportation plan is arranged.

Intake Meeting

The intake meeting is attended by the new member and Intake Coordinator on the start date of an individual. Its purpose is to review the information on the referral and plan the orientation process. This meeting is important in terms of providing the new member an opportunity to discuss concerns about joining the Options Clubhouse; to identify potential barriers to attending and develop a plan to address them. On the first day of orientation, a fact sheet is filled out and the remaining paperwork is done on the last day of orientation.

Orientation Period (First Thirty Days)

The first thirty days of attendance at the Options Clubhouse is considered the orientation period. This is to ensure that new members are becoming familiar with all the specifics of the program, such as:

• Clubhouse Model
• Work-Ordered Day Philosophy
• Transitional, Supported and Independent Employment
• Advocacy
• Social Program
• Transportation
• Family Project
• Fitness Program

The new member will receive an orientation schedule for the first week, outlining the activities for each day. This provides structure and allows a person to experience various aspects of the Options Clubhouse.

All new members are asked to experience the different work areas of the Options Clubhouse. The Intake Coordinator will be acting Advocate for new members for the first thirty days. There are daily check-ins and weekly roundtable discussions with new members to discuss progress and any concerns.

Formal Membership

Once the thirty-day period is completed, new members are invited to join the Options Clubhouse officially. They will choose a Staff Advocate and together will develop an annual goal plan with quarterly reviews.

Membership Standards We Follow