Treatment on the Child Unit

When your child is staying on our inpatient unit, they will receive a wide variety of treatment aimed at helping them get through their current crisis and return to their home environment. We utilize aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) in our programming.

The entire inpatient experience is designed to be therapeutic; our compassionate team focuses on fostering a safe, trusting environment and providing positive reinforcement for the children, including our own positive reinforcement system. Throughout the day, all children can earn ‘Shellys’ (named after our unit mascot, Shelly the turtle) for engaging in positive behavior. Children can keep earning Shellys even when they are having a tough day. Twice each day, children have the opportunity to redeem their Shellys for one of a variety of toys at the on-unit Shelly Store.

We also offer time for relaxation and play every day, and ensure that the children on our unit have ways to release their energy and be creative.

Types of Treatment

During their stay, each child can expect to receive:

• Daily medication management and meetings with a healthcare professional

• Movement group

• Art therapy

• Occupational therapy

• Four therapeutic groups each day, including dialectical behavior therapy and coping skills groups

• Family therapy session with a social worker

Meals

In addition to daily therapeutic programming, we provide all meals and snacks; if your child has any dietary restrictions, we will do our best to accommodate them.

Length of Stay

On average, children stay with us for 10 to 14 days; some children do not need as much time to stabilize, and others need more time.