What are you offering?
Accord is a pioneering residential treatment program specializing in metabolism for mental health. With only 5 residential client’s a time and up to 3 community-based clients, we are able to provide an intimate, supportive milieu. We support clients in their mental wellness through nutrition, movement and exercise, stress reduction, circadian rhythm alignment, and avoiding metabolic disruptors. Each client’s plan will be individually crafted and supported by a well-coordinated team that includes an experienced psychiatrist with expertise in metabolic therapies, a nurse, a program director, a registered dietitian/nutritionist, a chef, a coach, and a personal trainer.
Where is the program located?
We’re located in Arlington, Massachusetts, a charming town with many walkable amenities, which is about 20 minutes from Boston.
What is the average length of stay?
Accord is a 4-12 week intensive residential treatment program. Residency is recommended for a minimum of 4 weeks. Some participants may benefit from staying for 8 or 12 weeks to fully take advantage of this approach. This will be further discussed in the admissions process.
Who can participate?
The program is designed for people who are ready to try using metabolic psychiatry to help alleviate mental health symptoms. It’s important that the person be in a stable state. We do not offer 24/7 staffing, and therefore residents need to be able to care for themselves independently within a supported environment.
What if I need more support?
If the structure of Accord is not a good fit, you may benefit from looking at our affiliate program, Ellenhorn, from which all the Accord leadership came. It’s a longer term, psychosocial rehabilitation program that has helped a number of our clients with metabolic psychiatry.
Will I learn how to cook?
Yes! The chef and other staff will also be teaching cooking classes along the way.
Who will be my psychiatrist?
During the program you’ll be followed closely by Dr. Matthew Bernstein, the Accord medical director.
Are all psychiatric conditions accepted?
Yes. It’s important that the person be in a stable state and ready to make lifestyle changes. Someone who is currently clinically underweight from Anorexia would not be a good fit.
Can I come with other health conditions?
If you currently have diabetes or other pre-existing conditions, we will take that into consideration and do our best to support your admittance into the program.
Will my family be included?
Family members will participate in a remote educational platform so that they can promote ongoing progress following the program.
What happens when the program is over?
After the program, you will still be part of the Accord family. Peer groups will be formed, and connections maintained with the community you’ve been a part of. Your psychiatric care will be carefully passed off and transitioned back to your hometown doctor with consultation from Dr. Bernstein. Our goal is for you to be prepared to continue all of the positive progress in your lifestyle, metabolism, and mental health after you return home.
Do you offer scholarships?
Partial scholarships are available based on financial need.
Do you accept insurance?
Unfortunately, the program is not covered by insurance, as it is the first of its kind. Accord is not an “in-network provider” with any health insurance plans. The program is not eligible for Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement; Accord is self-pay. For those with out-of-network insurance benefits, we will provide a superbill with codes for a portion of the services provided at Accord, which can be submitted to your insurance for partial reimbursement.
What if I want to try things on my own?
If you decide to try the protocol on your own, we highly recommend that you work with professionals who can help guide you in your journey. This is even more important if you are taking medications for a metabolic or mental health condition. There is a clinician directory on Dr. Georgia Ede’s web-site diagnosisdiet.com. We also highly recommend the dietitians at Advanced Ketogenic Therapies and the expert support of Nicole Laurent, LHMC at https://mentalhealthketo.com/
A great resource for learning is Metabolic Mind, which is a philanthropic group aimed at getting the best knowledge out to the public.
Check out Dr. Chris Palmer’s book, Brain Energy, as well as Dr. Georgia Ede’s book, Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind.
A ketone monitor such as the Keto-Mojo is a dependable tool for measurement. Use it regularly to see how different meals change the numbers. It’s helpful data in the moment as well as to use in the future as an ideal therapeutic ketone level is achieved.