Acute Inpatient Treatment

Our hospital-based program provides intense therapeutic assessment, intervention and treatment for male and female children and adolescents ages 5-17 whose acute symptoms require a safe and healing environment around the clock. The length of stay is determined on a case-by-case basis, with the average length of stay being 5-7 days. There are two distinct tracts: one for children ages 5 to 12 and another for adolescents ages 13 to 17.

Our Assessments Include:

• Psychiatric evaluation administered by a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in children and adolescent care
• Psychosocial evaluation performed by a unit therapist
• Physical examination conducted by a nurse practitioner or a medical physician
• Medication evaluation and adjustments, as necessary
• Substance abuse evaluation with recommendations for aftercare

Our Treatments Include:

• Individual and group therapy
• Recreation, art and music therapy
• Family therapy sessions
• Chemical dependency education groups
• Discharge planning: aftercare appointments with existing providers, intake appointments and recommendations for aftercare

Criteria for Admission:

• Danger to self or others
• Psychiatric evaluation administered by emergency room staff
• Medically cleared by a physician in the emergency department
• Active insurance with authorization for inpatient mental health admission
• Accompaniment of a parent or guardian during admission
• Ability to return to current place of residency, at time of discharge
• Direct admission available by treating psychiatrist

Following the completion of the emergency room's evaluation, each child and adolescent will be considered for admission. For more information, please contact the Acute Unit at 410-221-0288 (Ext. 4464) or by fax at 410-901-9837.