Frequently Asked Questions

What is the length of the Intensive Treatment program?

The program is six months in duration or longer depending on the needs of specific clients. Final determinations about length of stay are made in collaboration with the client, his/her superior, and the clinical team.

Since your program is outpatient, do you serve clergy, men and women religious from other parts of the country?

Yes, in fact, the majority of our clients come from across the country, including the East or West Coast. We have had a number of participants from other countries as well.

Where do they live if they come from out of the area?

For clients interested in and able to reside in a parish rectory, arrangements are made directly through the Archdiocese of St. Louis, Vicar for Priests Office. For those wishing assistance from the St. Louis Consultation Center staff, a request can be made any time through the office manager. A staff member then works directly with the participant until suitable housing is found.

How does this program differ from those offered in a residential or hospital setting?

The cost is considerably less because there are significantly fewer fixed costs, such as set fees for meals, accommodations, 24-hour nursing staff, ancillary personnel such as cooks, groundskeepers, drivers. The success rate, however, is comparable to residential or hospital based programs which offer similar therapeutic services to those of the Center including individual psychotherapy, intensive group work, spiritual direction, and life skills training.

Is there anyone who is not appropriate for this program?

Those who require 24-hour supervision most likely would be better suited to a residential or hospital based program. Also, anyone who cannot sustain him or herself safely on an outpatient basis would not be appropriate. This includes people who are not able to refrain from problematic behavior which may impact others, such as a predatory person with low ego strength. A comprehensive evaluation can best assess if such is the case. At the Center, an assessment is required before admittance into our program. The assessment team provides recommendations for appropriate treatment settings at the time of the evaluation feedback. (Link here to assessment page.)

What is the cost of the Intensive Treatment Program?

The cost of the core treatment program is approximately $900 per week and includes group work a minimum of three times per week, weekly individual therapy sessions, weekly spiritual direction, weekly life skills training workshops, planning and discharge conferences.

Are there other costs?

Other costs, if any, incurred during the course of the program are usually billed separately by outside providers.

How often is the community/diocese billed?

Semi-monthly. In order to keep costs low, payment is requested within thirty days of invoicing.

What about insurance coverage?

Some insurance programs do reimburse specific program expenses, and the Center will work with insurers to itemize those expenses. Additionally, the Center will make every effort to work out acceptable arrangements in cases where financial constraints pose a problem.

What about written and oral reports?

Each participant is required to complete releases of information to a designated member of his or her community or diocese detailing the exact type of information to be disclosed, unless other arrangements have been made prior to treatment. An interim report is provided after approximately three months of treatment and a final report with recommendations for ongoing care is provided around the time of discharge. Referring superiors are encouraged to call for clarification of any matter pertaining to the client's treatment.

Where can I find additional information about the St. Louis Consultation Center?

A few years ago, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops' Department of Priestly Life and Ministry, sent a questionnaire to treatment centers providing therapeutic services to Catholic clergy. (Click here to review our survey responses.)

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