Information for Families and Visitors

VSH recognizes that family and other support system members are critical to the health and recovery of VSH patients. Therefore, every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate patient visitors. The hospital is fully in compliance with ADA guidelines.

VSH encourages anyone visiting outside of regular visiting hours to call in advance, whenever possible. The number to call is 802-241-1000.

Visiting Hours are daily from 3:00-4:00 pm and 6:00-8:00 pm.

Saturday, Sunday, and Holiday hours are 10:00-11:00 am, 1:00-4:00 pm, and 6:00-8:00 pm.

Exceptions to the visiting hours may be made by the charge nurse of each inpatient unit.

To learn more, please read the Vermont State Hospital Visiting Policy.

What to expect when visiting VSH

The best place to begin your visit is at the VSH Admissions office. Once there you will be directed to the correct unit.

Prior to entering the unit you will meet with Nursing staff, who are likely to check your belonging to ensure no restricted items are taken on to the unit. They will also ask you to show two forms of identification, so be sure to bring these along.

Please be aware that the Vermont State Hospital has a Restricted Items Policy, where you can learn more about what you can and cannot bring on your visit. Calling to arrange your visit beforehand will also give you an opportunity to ask questions about what items you may bring to VSH. Gifts and food are two of the more common items people wish to bring, but cannot always be accommodated. Once you are at VSH you can speak to the charge nurse on the inpatient units about items you would like to leave for a patient.

Visits are typically held in the unit visiting rooms, and are sometime supervised by VSH staff. If a patient is able to leave the inpatient units for part of the day, visits may take place in other designated spaces around the hospital. No one under 18 is allowed to visit patients in the inpatient units.

Please be aware that visits may be delayed at times, at the discretion of the inpatient unit charge nurse. This is typically done when hospital staff have other duties to complete before then can facilitate a visit.

Please bear in mind that visiting at VSH when you are physically ill creates a significant risk for VSH patients and staff. VSH asks that you not visit if you are sick, and be aware that you may be denied access to visit with your family member or friend if you are sick when you arrive.

How to support someone in recovery at the Vermont State Hospital

Visiting the Vermont State Hospital provides an excellent opportunity to become involved in the treatment of the family member or friend you are visiting. This involvement can include speaking with different treatment team members, such as the patient’s Physician, Social Worker, or Nurse.

If scheduled in advance, it is possible to be involved in a patient treatment plan meeting as well. This will help you to fully understand the services your family member or friend is receiving, and to offer your assistance. You can contact the Social Worker assigned to your family member or friend if you would like to attend a treatment plan meeting.

NAMI-Vermont, the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, also provides support services for friends and family of patients at VSH. If you would like to be involved in a support group at VSH, the following letter provides details and contact information (link to be provided). You can also contact the NAMI state office to learn more, and to get information about your local NAMI office. They can be reached at 802-244-1396.