Established in 1973, College Hospital Cerritos is a free-standing Psychiatric Hospital accredited by The Joint Commission and licensed by the California Department of Health Services. Strategically located in the city of Cerritos, California, College Hospital provides a full range of psychiatric services for patients of most ages and prides itself on being the leading provider of Partial Hospitalization Programs in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. By providing a caring and comfortable environment, College Hospital Cerritos strives and distinguishes itself in its Mission and Vision.
Mission
It is the mission of College Hospital to strive to provide a continuum of superior behavioral healthcare services in a cost-efficient manner, to meet the needs of our patients, community, professional staff, and payors throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
Vision
College Hospital Cerritos will be the leading provider for clients of most ages, and be the center of excellence for crisis stabilization in Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
California Crisis Care Continuum Guidelines
Since 1994, Mr. Witt has been in charge of operations at College Hospital Cerritos. Prior to that, for three years he was the CEO of CPC Santa Ana Hospital, also a freestanding psychiatric hospital.
Mr. Witt received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Southern California. He also received a Certificate of Special Studies in Administration and Management with a specialization in Healthcare/Finance from Harvard University Extension.
Mr. Witt directs all functions of the hospital with the overall policies established by the Governing Board and in compliance with regulatory guidelines, in order that the strategic objectives of the institution can be attained. He provides leadership and direction in ensuring the efficient, economical and effective utilization of hospital resources to meet the identified needs of the service region through quality medical care and health services programs.
Mr. Witt is a native of southern California.
Stephen A. Witt
President and Chief Executive Officer
College Hospital Cerritos
Dr. Wronski has been a member of the Active Medical Staff at College Hospital Cerritos for more than 10 years. He is Triple Board Certified in Child, Adolescent, Adult and Administrative Psychiatry. His roles at College Hospital Cerritos include Active patient care and utilization review issues. He continues his responsibilities as Medical Director for an HMO Behavioral Management Company and a community based multi-region mental health corporation. Past education includes both residencies and fellowship at USC and Cedars Sinai.
Craig Wronski, D.O.
Chief of Staff/Service Chief of Utilization Review
College Hospital Cerritos
Dr. Karamigios has been a member of the Active Medical Staff at College Hospital Cerritos for over 25 years. He is Triple Board Certified in Child, Adolescent, Adult and Geriatric Psychiatry and is involved in clinical inpatient care and administrative functions at the hospital. He also is a sub-investigator for Comprehensive Neuro-Science (CNS) research organization.
George Karamigios, M.D.
Medical Director/Service Chief of GICU
College Hospital Cerritos
Matthew Lavallee joined College Hospital Cerritos in July 2015 as Chief Financial Officer and has over twenty-five years of progressive hospital financial leadership.
As Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Lavallee is responsible for Financial Reporting, Budgets, Audits and Ad Hoc Analysis. He has proven skills as a Project Manager leading successful
strategic initiatives including the planning, rollout & implementation of Operational and Computer System initiatives. In addition, Mr. Lavallee is responsible for Patient Financial Services, Information
Technology and Purchasing. Highlights with College Hospital include playing an integral role in a successful conversion to a new Payroll, Time & Attendance and Human Resources system.
Mr. Lavallee has earned two degrees from Bentley University formerly known as Bentley College in Waltham Massachusetts including a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Economics-Finance.
Mr. Lavallee is a native of Southern California and enjoys sports and traveling.
Matthew Lavallee
Chief Financial Officer
College Hospital Cerritos
Ms. Ferraro has been an integral part of College Hospital Cerritos team for more than sixteen years. Louise started in the Administration Office where all administrative functions were effectively executed with the utmost positive attitude and excellent customer service.
In addition, for the past twelve years Louise has been the Director of Medical Staff Services and has successfully completed several Regulatory Agency Surveys including but not limited to Department of Mental Health, California Department of Public Health, CMS and The Joint Commission.
Two years ago Louise became the Associate Administrator of Hospital Operations, leading the “Two Story Office Building” and the “30 Additional Beds” construction projects.
Ms. Ferraro is a native of Southern California.
Louise M. Ferraro
Associate Administrator of Hospital Operations / Director of Medical Staff
College Hospital Cerritos
Holly McKittrick has worked in the Human Resources Department at College Hospital since June 1993. She began her career as a Human Resources Assistant, and was promoted to the Human Resources Coordinator II before being appointed to Human Resources Director in August 2015.
Prior to her promotion she spent five years undergoing succession planning with the Regional HR Director. During those years Holly amassed a large body of knowledge and expertise including: Union and Non-Union environments, Labor Union relations, Employee relations, Collaboration with management, Benefits administration, TJC standards and surveys, Employment and labor laws, Job descriptions and competencies, Compensation, Annual education training, Employee activities, Unemployment hearings, Leave of Absence laws and compliance, Supervisor training, HR policy and procedure updates, EEO compliance, Employee handbook updates, Harassment prevention laws and Recruitment and retention.
Holly holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Cal State University Long Beach and has been a member of the Healthcare Human Resources Management Association of California since 2005.
She is a native of Southern California and enjoys spending time with her family.
Holly McKittrick
Human Resources Director
College Hospital Cerritos
Kiyo Teshima joined College Hospital Cerritos in 2002. She has served CHC in various capacities including Mental Health Worker, Staff RN, Charge RN, House
Supervisor, Unit Manager, Director of Psychiatric Services, Nurse Educator, and Interim CNO.
As Chief Nursing Officer, Mrs. Teshima oversees all clinical departments, including Nursing, Social Services, Activity Therapy, and Utilization Review. She
is responsible for the daily clinical operations at CHC. With a focus on patient-centered care and safety, she works to maintain a safe and positive environment for
patients by emphasizing a team approach to care and providing support and assistance to clinical staff. She keeps the clinical departments current with all applicable rules and regulations.
Mrs. Teshima provides and maintains a variety of educational opportunities designed to meet the staff development needs of the CHC clinical departments. She oversees educational in-services, ensures staff competencies, and continuing
education requirements for clinical staff.
Mrs. Teshima has been an RN for more than 30 years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and a Master of Science in Nursing.
Kiyo Teshima, RN
Chief Nursing Officer
College Hospital Cerritos
Since May 2003 Cara Jenson has held several positions at College Hospital Cerritos beginning her career in the Admitting Department. In 2004 she moved to the Quality Improvement/Risk Management Department and in 2007 became responsible for the department.
As Director of Quality Improvement/Risk Management, Ms. Jenson is responsible for regulatory compliance and has lead CHC to successful Joint Commission (TJC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Department of Mental Health surveys. She is also responsible for coordinating all Performance Improvement Activities and serves as the HIPAA Privacy Officer. She oversees all Risk Management Activities in coordination with the Corporate Risk Manager.
Ms. Jenson holds a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Mathematics from the University of California, Riverside and an Associate’s Degree from Cypress College. She has also received the credential of Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ).
Ms. Jenson is a native of Southern California and during her free time can often be found with her friends and family at Disneyland.
Cara Jenson
Director of Quality Improvement/Risk Management
College Hospital Cerritos
Access Services
College Hospital’s Access Services is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by intake specialists who respond to the caller’s needs by arranging Crisis Team evaluations or providing referral to resources. Access Services assists in the admission process by obtaining information, verifying insurance and preparing the patient for admission.
College Crisis Team
College Hospital’s Crisis Team is a mobile team of clinicians who respond to requests for service in Los Angeles County at any “safe” location such as Emergency Rooms, Police Departments, Clinics, Treatment Centers, Residential Care Facilities, Retirement Homes, Convalescent Homes, places of employment, therapists’ office or private residences. College Hospital’s Crisis Team is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can be reached at 800-352-3301.
For the Crisis Team clinician’s safety, responses to calls from private residences are handled in coordination with the local police department’s presence.
All on-site or off-site assessments, consultations and referrals are conducted by designated licensed mental health professionals. This multidisciplinary team includes RN’s, MFT’s and LCSW’s. During a face to face interview, the clinician determines the nature and severity of the crisis and identifies the support services needed, if any.
There are medical parameters required for all psychiatric admissions.
Notice of Privacy Practices
Confidentiality
Federal and State laws prohibit College Hospital from disclosing patient health information without the written consent of the patient. College Hospital strictly complies with all Federal and State laws governing the privacy, security, use and disclosure of patient health information.
Visiting Hours
PLEASE NOTE VISITING HOURS HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED DUE TO COVID-19
- Visiting hours are as follows:7:00 pm to 8:30 pm Monday – Friday
3:00 pm to 4:30 pm Saturday – Sunday
special arrangements maybe made when possible
- Only two visitors for one patient at a time may be on the unit.
- All patients have the right to refuse visitors at any time.
- Any person exhibiting flu-like symptoms will not be permitted to visit.
Please sign in at the front desk to receive a Visitors Badge.
When allowed to enter the unit, please check-in at the nursing station.
Please note: Personal belongings may not be brought onto the unit (e.g. cellphones, purses, backpacks, bags, etc.)
Lockers are available in the lobby.
Bringing Items for Patients
- For the safety of our patients, we ask that you do not bring in the following:
- Food (special arrangements can be made in advance);
- Glass or sharp objects (including flower vases);
- Items with cords or strings (shoelaces, belts, walkman, hair dryer, balloons, etc.)
- If belongings are brought at any time other than visiting hours, belongings must be left at the front desk to be picked up by a unit staff member.
It is highly recommended that patients leave valuables at home.
Patient safety is the highest priority for our staff at College Hospital Cerritos. One of the major ways we are able to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment for our patients is by prohibiting the storage of certain items in patient rooms. Those items are considered to be “contraband” on all units and will be securely stored during a patients stay in the hospital. The following is a list of most common contrabands although it is not inclusive.
Contraband:
- Alcohol or any drug related paraphernalia.
- Sharp objects such as razors, scissors, glass bottles, mirrors, picture frames, needles, pins, aluminum cans, spiral notebooks, keys, make-up pencil sharpeners, paper clips, hair clips, underwire bras, and any other item with sharp edges or which can be broken to create sharp edges.
- Shoe laces, belts, panty hose, rope, head bands, ace bandages and clothing with draw strings or long ties.
- Matches, lighters and cigarettes.
- Aerosol cans or fireworks of any kind.
- Personal televisions, stereo, video games, walkmans, cassette or CD players/recorders, “boom boxes”, MP3 players, computers, palm pilots, pagers, cell phones, any item with an electrical cord, cameras, camcorders or any type of audio visual recording device, etc…
- Magazines, books, pictures, or clothing items depicting drug or alcohol use, violence, racism, gangs, sexual situations or activities, Satanism or otherwise potentially offensive material.
- Weapons of any kind.
- Candles or incense.
- Plastic bags.
- Medications of any kind (medication will be stored and dispensed by MD order only).
- Money, credit cards, jewelry, cell phones and other valuables will be placed in the hospital safe until discharge. Patients may keep a small amount of money with them on the unit.
- Any other item deemed inappropriate or dangerous by the clinical staff.
All contraband items that cannot be sent home with family or friends will be stored securely on the unit or in the safe until discharge. Any illegal substance will be destroyed by two licensed staff members and weapons will be turned over to the police department.
Your Patient Financial Representative can be reached directly at (562) 904-3998, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. (Pacific Time).
Payment can be made by mail or via website at www.chc.la
Mail Check, Money Orders, Cashier’s Check
Make payable to “College Hospital Cerritos”. Include statement payment portion or billing letter. Your payment will process within 2-4 weeks. Send to:
College Hospital Cerritos
Attn: Patient Accounting
PO Box 2104
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
Note – payment can be made via credit card by completing the bottom portion of your statement and mailing to the above address.
Website at www.chc.la
(1) Go to Quick Links
(2) Click Pay Bill Online
(3) Click Pay Cerritos Bill
If you are unable to pay the amount in full, an interest free payment plan can be arranged. To arrange monthly payments or obtain an itemized bill please contact your Patient Financial Representative at (562) 904-3998.
College Hospital bills your insurance company for care provided by the hospital. The amount the insurance company pays is determined by your plan’s benefits. Your insurance plan will apply deductible and coinsurance amounts based on your individual policy. Once payment is received from your insurance plan the indicated deductible and coinsurance amounts will then be billed directly to you.
It is common to receive more than one bill, such as a bill for your hospital visit and a separate bill for physician services. Physician charges are not part of your College Hospital bill. You will be billed separately by any hospital-based doctors who treat you. Types of bills you may receive include:
Hospital bills: these bills may include fees for your room, meals, nursing care, hospital therapy, and lab tests.
Physician bills: these bills may include doctor visits, consultations, reviewing lab results, etc. If, during your stay, you required tests or treatments, you may receive bills from physicians you did not see in person. These bills are for their professional services such as diagnosing and interpreting test results. If you have any questions about charges on these physician bills, please call the number printed on your bill.
Patients without insurance may qualify for Medi-Cal. Applications can be filed at your local County Social Services Office or via website www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal.
Under College Hospitals Charity Care Policy, those who have inadequate insurance coverage and who meet Federal Poverty Income Guidelines may qualify for a discount. The Charity Care Policy can be obtained online. If you believe you qualify for a discount, please complete Financial Assistance Application, and provide the required documents for consideration.
Your application can be submitted via email at charitycare@chc.la or via mail to PO Box 2104 Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670.
If you have questions regarding the application, please contact your Patient Financial Representative at (562) 904-3998, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. (Pacific Time).
If you are unable to pay the amount in full, an interest free payment plan can be arranged. Depending on the balance due payment arrangements can be made, not to exceed twelve (12) months. Payment arrangements are interest free. Recurring payments will be deducted from the debit card you provide once a month for the agreed amount. To arrange monthly payments please contact your Patient Financial Representative at (562) 904-3998.
If you believe there is an error on your bill, please notify us in writing. Written disputes should be sent to 10802 College Place Cerritos, CA 90703. Attn: Risk Management/ QI Director.
When you send your written dispute, please include the following information:
- Your Name
- Your Patient Account Number
- Dates of Services
- An explanation of why you believe the charges are inaccurate
You will receive a response to your dispute within thirty (30) working days.
Upon admission to our hospital, you will receive our Patient Financial Pamphlet. You may preview the pamphlet Inpatient Pamphlet here.
The mission of College Hospital is to develop, manage and promote a continuum of health care services to meet the behavioral needs of our community. This includes offering financial assistance or services at a discounted price to those who qualify.
College Hospital provides our patients the option to qualify for Financial Assistance. This charity policy is a means through which College Hospital will work to meet the behavioral needs of its patients by offering services at no charge or at a nominal charge for qualified patients. While County government has the responsibility for providing services to the indigent, College Hospital assists in carrying out that responsibility. Helping to meet the needs of the uninsured and underinsured is an important element in our commitment to the community. The Charity Care qualifications are based on the Federal Poverty Level guidelines and are contingent upon the completion of the required documentation.
View our full policy and procedure here
Qualifying for Financial Assistance
- Assistance is available if services being provided are not covered/reimbursed by Medi-Cal or any other third party, the patient is self-pay, the patient has medical expenses which exceed 10% of the family income, and/or patient has family income at or below 400% of the FPL.
- Full financial assistance is available if the patient’s income is 400% or less of the FPL, regardless of net worth or size of bill.
- Partial financial assistance is available If the patient’s income is between 401% and 450% of the FPL.
- Assistance is based upon a sliding scale based on family size and income level, regardless of net worth or size of bill.
To view the current Federal Poverty Level guidelines, please visit https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines
How to Apply
Download and print the Financial Assistance Application and instructions here: English | Spanish
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) established guidance for hospitals to make available a list of their standard charges online.
At College Hospital, we know that health care can be an unexpected expense and that the cost of health care services can be a deciding factor for many people as they plan for care. Our hospital supports health care pricing transparency and tools that help patients and consumers evaluate what care is best for them and any related financial costs.
Hospital charges can help patients understand what the costs might be for certain health care services; however, they don’t provide a full picture of what patients will pay. Patients’ financial liability will depend on the full course of treatment and on the type of insurance coverage they have. Patient financial liability is determined by each individual insurance policy.
If a patient has no insurance coverage, College Hospital offers the following discounted rates:
|
Inpatient Mental Health Treatment – |
$985 per day, all inclusive |
|
Partial Hospital Treatment – |
$240 per day** |
**In addition, patients will be charged per psychiatrist visit. Psychiatrist are not employees of the hospital and charge for fees separately from the facility.
We encourage all health care consumers to speak with their providers and their health plan to get a full picture of what they will pay. For our patients, we offer financial counseling for those experiencing hardship during any point throughout their care. We offer charity care applications for those who qualify based on the federal poverty income guidelines. In addition, we offer interest free payment plans for those patients who cannot pay the allocated patient liability in full. College Hospital is here to help you.
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate”
explaining how much your medical care will cost.
Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance and estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
- You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
- Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least one business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your healthcare provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
- If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
- Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises
Download standard hospital charges
Request a Price Estimate
Get price estimates for common medical services to aid in your planning and decision making.