What to Bring to Residential Treatment
A simple packing list for your stay at Wings, what to leave at home, and what to know about phones and medications. Admissions sends the full list before you arrive.
What to bring
Pack light. Most of what you need is already at the home, and you can ask family to bring more later.
Documents
- Government-issued photo ID
- Insurance card, front and back
- Names and numbers of key contacts, on paper
Medications
- All prescriptions, in the original labeled bottles
- A current list with doses and your prescriber
- Any medical devices you use
Clothing
- Comfortable clothes for 5 to 7 days
- Layers for cool evenings near the coast
- Workout clothes and supportive shoes
Personal items
- Toiletries without alcohol
- A notebook and pen
- A book or something calming for downtime
What not to bring
Jewelry, valuables and large amounts of cash
You share a home with others, so keep what matters safe at home.
Alcohol, drugs and anything containing them
Treatment and everyone’s safety depend on a home free of them.
Products with alcohol, such as mouthwash or some sprays
Choose alcohol-free versions instead.
Weapons of any kind
Including pocket knives and sharp tools.
Phones and laptops: ask before you pack them
Time with fewer distractions is part of residential treatment. The rules for phones and laptops, and when you can use them, are part of the house rules. Admissions explains them before you arrive, so you can let work and family know how to reach you.
Medications: bring all of them, labeled
Bring every medication you take in its original labeled bottle, with a list of doses and who prescribes it. Staff keep and give medications, and psychiatry reviews them with you in your first week.
Admissions sends the full list
Once your date is set, admissions sends the packing list and house rules, and answers any question about what to bring, from medical devices to dietary needs.
Travel and transportation →Questions about packing?
Admissions answers calls 9 a.m.–5 p.m., seven days a week.
Call(760) 388-6369Wings works with many PPO insurance plans
Admissions verifies your benefits before admission, free and confidential. For Medi-Cal or Medicare, admissions can point you to programs that accept them.
Questions about what to bring
Phones, medications, laundry, smoking and forgotten items.
Don't see your question?
Admissions answers calls 9 a.m.–5 p.m., seven days a week. Calls are confidential.
Call(760) 388-6369Visits, phones, what to bring and more in the admissions FAQ →All the ways to reach Wings →What should I bring to residential treatment?
Your ID and insurance card, all medications in their original labeled bottles with a current list, comfortable clothes for 5 to 7 days, alcohol-free toiletries and a notebook. Admissions sends the full list before you arrive.
Can I bring my phone?
Rules for phones and laptops are part of the house rules, and they can change as you move through treatment. Admissions explains them before you arrive.
What do I do with my medications?
Bring all of them in the original labeled bottles, with a list of doses and who prescribes them. Psychiatry reviews them with you.
Is there laundry?
Ask admissions about laundry and how often clothes are washed, so you know how much to pack.
Can I vape or smoke?
Admissions explains the rules on smoking and vaping before you arrive.
What if I forget something?
Tell staff. Family can often drop items off, and admissions can explain how.