FAQs

Students considered for admission are youth from age 6-16 who struggle with social, emotional and behavioral challenges related to Attention Deficit Disorder, Mood Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Referrals for students are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
A child’s referring agency sends a referral packet to the Admissions Department, which reviews and schedules interviews for children who fit the academic, social and emotional profile our campus-based residential treatment program. Once a child is accepted, Admissions partners with parents and referring agencies to collect all necessary documentation needed to facilitate an admission. When all of the proper paperwork is collected, a date of admission is scheduled for the child.
Every child receives individualized care and planning while at Green Chimneys, therefore lengths of stay vary from one student to the next. The average length of stay for students in the therapeutic day school is two or more years. Residential stays can be longer and recommendations may include gradual transition to the day program.
Green Chimneys is partially funded by the New York State Education Department, which has licensed it to serve special needs students through grade 12 who are unable to function in their current school environment. It is a rate-based program, with costs determined by New York State, and student enrollment is covered by the home school district. We do not currently offer a private pay option.
Treatment goals are created within the first 30 days of admission. Once they are achieved, the child will be recommended for discharge. Collaboration between the Green Chimneys treatment team, you as parent(s) and school district at the annual CSE meeting determines when a child is ready for discharge from the therapeutic day school.
Green Chimneys follows the New York State Next Generation Standards to ensure that each student follows an academic program for their grade level. The curriculum is modified depending upon your child’s strengths, and challenges, so that they can learn at an appropriate pace and experience personal success.
The appropriate classroom for each student is determined by the education leadership team based on the academic, social, emotional and behavioral profile of the student, and classroom availability.
The Residential Treatment Center (RTC) is a state-of-the-art dorm complex featuring gender-inclusive living units based on age, social-emotional development, and target behaviors. Residents are grouped according to peer group, gender identification, and individual social, emotional and behavioral needs. Several dorm units are designated for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and provide an even more structured, cohesive, and supportive living environment.
Green Chimneys applies a variety of clinical approaches and nature-based programs directly and indirectly to support and enhance therapeutic education and treatment for each child. Also known as ecotherapy, these programs and practices are designed to help children develop critical skills such as trust, self-esteem, empathy, emotional regulation, and responsibility. Therapeutic animal-assisted activities range from playing with a dog, cat or rabbit during a session with a trained adult, to assisting with the everyday tasks of feeding, grooming and collecting eggs, to more comprehensive activities such as therapeutic horseback riding. Horticulture activities also support social, academic, psychological and physical well-being. Our gardening program is an effective tool in helping students learn new skills and see how their contribution makes a difference.
Green Chimneys has a 24-hour Health & Wellness Center on the Brewster campus which provides routine medical and dental treatment, nursing services, pediatric care, psychiatric services, and nutritional counseling for all residential students.
Green Chimneys offers family therapy to all students in our residential treatment program and their families. We recognize that long-term success is achieved through a multitude of interventions, especially family therapy. We partner with the Ackerman Institute for the Family to provide additional training and support to our clinicians and families.
Animals are a part of daily life at Green Chimneys and children have the opportunity to interact with them at whatever level they feel comfortable, provided they treat the animals with respect and care. Animals can be found in some classrooms and select campus offices but animals do not reside in student living areas.
Every student, family member, pediatrician, and referring physician is part of our treatment team. Contact information for a child’s treatment team is provided on the day of admission and the child’s social worker is always a resource and liaison to help answer any questions or concerns. Questions or concerns related to a specific area should be addressed to the team member associated with that program.
A child’s care and safety is of utmost concern and all Green Chimneys staff members are carefully screened prior to the start of employment. Our Human Resources department diligently checks professional, personal and educational resources and information provided by prospective employees and volunteers. We comply with New York State Office of Children and Family Services requirements for background checks, obtain a federal check through fingerprinting, and screen for substance abuse, both prior to employment and randomly thereafter.