Frequently Asked Questions About Project Transition

Have questions? We’ve got answers.


Since 1982, Project Transition has been providing behavioral health recovery supports to thousands of members, there are few questions we’ve never been asked. Below are some of our most frequently asked questions. However, we always welcome more and are happy to discuss any concerns or curiosities you have.

Where are Project Transition's recovery centers?

We have recovery centers and living accommodations in two counties in Pennsylvania: Philadelphia and Berks County. We also have three locations in Tennessee, located in Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville. Lastly, we have a recovery center and apartments in Wilmington, North Carolina. Our recovery centers are located within or close to the apartment or townhouse complexes you will live in. See mental health resources near me.

Where will I live?

In Pennsylvania and North Carolina, to participate in our mental health treatment program, you will reside in one of our apartments or townhomes while attending day programming.

In Tennessee, you have the ability to reside in one of our apartments and attend day programming or attend day programming without the housing component.

Regardless of location, we do not provide “just housing.”

Depending on the location, we have 2-bedroom apartments and 2-bedroom townhomes. Apartments/townhomes are rented by Project Transition and as a resident temporarily in the property, you are expected to treat it with respect and care.

Who will I live with?

All Members at Project Transition live with other Project Transition Members. No one else may live or stay overnight in the apartment who is not a Project Transition Member (this includes: children, significant others, friends,and family members).

What am I responsible for as an apartment tenant?

You are obligated to maintain cleanliness, safety, and general manners while in the apartment. For example, cleanliness of your bedroom, living area, bathroom, and kitchen, keeping noise to a minimal level after dark, no smoking in the apartment, etc.

You will have to do your own laundry, prepare your own meals, and maintain overall cleanliness of your apartment/townhome. Your residence will be monitored for safety and care on a regular basis by Project Transition staff. Any damages you may cause to furnishings, walls, flooring, or doors will be your responsibility to report, as well as help repair at the discretion of Project Transition.

What will be in the apartment when I move in?

Project Transition’s apartments are fully furnished, including a twin bed, dresser, couch, dining set, dinnerware and flatware (enough for three members of the household), and laundry amenities within the apartment or on-site at the complex. Some locations also have a swimming pool.

What do I need to bring with me on admission day?

Personal Care Items such as:

    • Twin sheet set, twin mattress cover, pillow, blanket and/or comforter
    • Towels and washcloth
    • Soap, shampoo, personal care items (mouthwash must be alcohol free)
    • Seasonally appropriate clothing (enough for doing laundry 1x per week)
    • Laundry detergent
    • Alarm Clock
    • Plastic Hangers
    • Your currently prescribed medications, in original packaging

Suggested Items:

  • Radio
  • Television (cable is not provided by Project Transition, but can be arranged for installation)
  • Laptop/computer (Internet is not provided by Project Transition, but can be arranged for installation)
  • Cell Phone
  • Bicycle
  • Familiar items to make you feel at home such as photos of friends/family/pets

Am I prohibited from bringing any items with me?

Open flame candles, weapons, drugs, and alcohol are all prohibited items.

Who can visit?

Anyone (with the agreement of your housemates) may visit your apartment. Visitors may not spend the night and their visitation must not be disruptive to your housemates, or the community at large. Everyone who visits you must be respectful of the Project Transition Members, our staff, and your neighbors.

May I have a pet?

Unfortunately, no.

How will I get around?

Each mental health residential treatment location has a driver on-site two days per week. That driver’s route will prioritize AA/NA meetings, external medical appointments, or other outings for Members. You are expected to be or become self-sufficient in your own transportation. The Philadelphia and Bucks County locations are accessible by bus and train. The Berks County location also has a bus service. You can utilize a bicycle, walk, or call a taxi service.

You are permitted to have your own vehicle, registered at the apartment/townhome complex, after 30 days at the mental health treatment program.

What will my day/week look like when I am admitted?

Each morning, Project Transition Members gather at the recovery center for medication management and Community Meeting. Immediately following Community Meeting, each mental health program runs a schedule that consists of your own individual therapy sessions (twice weekly), psychiatry appointments (twice weekly), group therapy (twice weekly), vocational and skills workshops, milestones goal planning, APPLE planning, NA or AA meetings, and more. Each day is planned so that you are provided with several hours of structured activity that is applicable to your recovery. Ask our Admissions Counselors for an example of a weekly mental health treatment program schedule.

Why do you use the term ``Member,`` instead of ``client`` or ``patient``?

Patients receive medical treatment. Clients receive services. Members are people who belong to a particular group, and in this case, you belong in our community. You don’t just receive treatment for mental health issues, you actively help plan and participate in it. Has anyone ever asked you what you want, and listened?

Our commitment is to the fact that persons with serious mental illness can and do recover. We make assumptions about our Members that perhaps no one else has.

We assume as a Member of the Project Transition community that:

1. You are doing the best you can
2. You want to improve
3. You must learn new behaviors both in therapy/recovery and for everyday life
4. You cannot fail at Project Transition
5. You need to do better, try harder, and be more motivated to change
6. You may not have caused all of your problems, but you have to solve them anyway

Whether you want to learn more about Project Transition, share your story, initiate a referral, or arrange a visit, we encourage you to reach out to us.