Life is a journey. At Via Linda Behavioral Hospital, we know that every patient’s healing journey begins when they step through our doors. Change can feel overwhelming and new environments can feel strange, bringing simultaneous feelings of uncertainty and hope. To support our new patients during this transition, our admissions department now features a hand-painted mural, Roadmap to Change, to provide a warm welcome, because healing starts with hello.

Safety is a cornerstone to recovery, which is why the mural integrates a checklist of contraband items that cannot enter the facility. While these guidelines are practical, they also serve to represent Via Linda’s commitment to protect, support and provide every individual a safe space to heal. By setting our expectations clearly and compassionately, we lay the foundation to build rapport and foster trust.

When our new patients are invited to the waiting room during their onboarding experience, they are also greeted with an informative video to better understand what to expect during the evaluation and admissions process. This colorful and engaging admissions video helps bring clarity to a sometimes-confusing new experience by explaining procedures and the rationale behind them. We strive to build trust through transparency and keep our patients informed and included in their treatment plan from the very beginning of their care.

Our admissions process is more than procedures and paperwork, it’s about human connection. The mural is more than paint on a wall, it’s a conversation, an invitation, and a gentle reminder that healing is only possible when safety is a priority. The admissions video is more than information, it’s a reminder that patients are active participants in the care they receive and they deserve to make informed decisions every step of the way.

As our patients travel through their healing journey, we hope that they recognize that they are here now, not in spite of their past, but because of it… and we’re here to support them from start to finish. Welcome to the Roadmap to Change.

About the Author 

As a purpose-driven optimist, Abby Rallo pairs her experience as an educator with her duty to serve as a registered nurse to provide hope to humans. She is a firm believer that ‘giving makes you richer’ and even on her worst day, she aims to spread joy and kindness to others. Learn more about how Abby combines her values with innovative, evidence-based therapeutic programming at https://vialindabehavioral.com/