Psychiatric FAQs for Families

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who Will Take Care Of My Child?

  • A Registered Nurse (RN) will give your child an orientation to our program and its therapeutic opportunities. The RN will do an initial safety check and perform a psychiatric nursing assessment.
  • A Medical Doctor (MD) will conduct a medical assessment, including a brief physical and any needed lab work or medical tests.
  • A psychiatrist will conduct an assessment. The psychiatrist will provide your child with a private opportunity to discuss their feelings, problems, and treatment goals

• When Can I Visit My Child?

  Visiting time is daily from 6:45 - 7:45 p.m., plus an additional hour from 2 - 3 p.m. on weekends. When you come for the first time, you will receive a parent information packet.

• What Else Will Happen In Your Program?

  • Our nursing staff will assist your child with developing and meeting realistic daily treatment goals.
  • Your child will meet daily for one-on-one therapy with their psychiatrist.
  • Your child may also attend several therapeutic groups each day. Groups use different mediums such as art, drama, music, and writing, to encourage self-reflection and build coping skills.
  • Spiritual care services from a variety of religious traditions and faith practices are available if your child is interested.
  • A family therapist/social worker will contact you to set up a family meeting. We want your perspective on your child’s struggles and your family's needs.
  • A plan addressing the various areas of treatment your child needs will be developed. It will incorporate needs and goals set by you, your child, and our therapy staff.
  • All adolescents in our program are placed on at least standard precautions, which include being checked by staff every 15 minutes, 24 hours a day.
  • We respect everyone’s confidentiality. We ask that you respect the confidentiality of the other adolescents in our program.

• What Prepares My Child To Leave Your Program Safely?

  • If your child cannot be discharged safely within 72 hours, she/he may stay longer on an extended hold or voluntary status.
  • You will have a family meeting to discuss the crisis that led to your child's hospitalization and receive the treatment team's recommendations about what should happen after discharge.
  • If medications have been prescribed for your child, we will give you information and a prescription. You will have an opportunity to ask questions.
  • Your child will complete and receive a copy of a personal safety plan to use after discharge. The plan will include at least one adult support person.
  • Your child will receive a crisis contact sheet with emergency phone numbers.
  • We will give you and your child a discharge summary with our recommendations for follow-up therapy and medications. The summary will include the doctor's diagnostic impression.