Frequently Asked Questions

1. How will I know if I or someone I know is experiencing psychotic symptoms and should get help?

Symptoms of psychosis can include disorganized thinking, unusual beliefs, hearing voices and seeing things that others do not, as well as feelings of being monitored. Common warning signs can include overwhelming fear and anxiety, and changes in mood, personality, or sleeping patterns. Whether you or a loved one are/is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to reach out for help. Getting a clinician’s opinion and treatment early on can set you or a loved one on a track to recovery.

2. How should I reach out to get help?

We know it can be difficult reaching out to family members and/or medical personnel about your or a loved one’s symptoms. To that end, we have compiled resources for those considering getting help.

OK2Talk: The goal of OK2TALK is to create a community for teens and young adults struggling with mental health problems and encourage them to talk about what they’re experiencing by sharing their personal stories of recovery, tragedy, struggle or hope.

NAMI: Informative resource for friends and family.

For more resources, click here.

3. Who is eligible for treatment at the WRAP program?

Anyone is eligible for treatment! We treat patients of any age, gender, race, and background.

The WRAP program has specialized programs for patients experiencing their first episodes of psychosis (less than 5 years since the first psychotic symptoms) as well as for patients who have had symptoms for greater than 5 years. Based on the duration of a patient’s symptoms, a patient might be eligible for either the First Episode Psychosis Program or treatment under the general WRAP program.

4. What can my family expect for my visits?

We work closely with patients and their family members to develop treatment plans that work best for individual patients’ circumstances. For first episode patients, we also offer family education programs on mental health awareness, strategies for decreasing stress and improving communication among patients and family members, and more. Establishing a solid support network for patients throughout their treatment can help them stay on track for recovery.

5. Are the visits confidential?

Yes! The visits are confidential. We do not share patients’ personal information with any person or group outside the clinic.

6. Where is the WRAP program?

The address for the WRAP program is:

            Boston Medical Center

            Dowling Building (8th Floor)

            771 Albany Street

            Boston, MA 02118

7. How can I get to the WRAP building?

The Boston Medical Center website has a page outlining directions and methods of transportation to the hospital campus. For more information, click on this link.

8. What times are appointments available?

If you would like to set up a time for an appointment with one of WRAP’s clinicians, please call Ellie Reagan at 617.858.1421 or email wrap@bmc.org.

9. Who will I be working with?

You will be able to work with members of WRAP’s diverse team, including psychiatrists, psychologists and psychology interns, social workers, researchers and clinic coordinators, and undergraduate interns.

10. What if I don’t speak English?

We have multilingual staff who will be able to help patients throughout their course of treatment. BMC also offers interpreter services to facilitate communication among patients and clinical staff.

11. What insurance companies are accepted by WRAP/BMC?

For a comprehensive list of insurance plans accepted by BMC, click here.

12. What other resources are offered by the WRAP Program? 

We can connect you to social workers who can help you navigate other aspects of your care, and we can help with applying for assistance with housing and transportation.