Specialized Treatment Approach for Children & Adolescents (5-17)

When a child or adolescent has been struggling with a mental or behavioral health challenge, it’s important to identify the type and level of care that is best suited to the young person’s unique strengths, needs, and goals. At the facilities within Acadia Healthcare’s network, we provide a full continuum of age-appropriate services. This ensures that children and adolescents can receive customized services in an environment that is designed specifically for them.

The impact of mental and behavioral health disorders can vary considerably based on the age and developmental level of the person living with the disorder. Children and adolescents can sometimes be at an increased risk for developing certain types of disorders or for experiencing certain symptoms, and the onset and progression of various mental and behavioral health disorders can be significantly different among children and adolescents than among adults. That is why it is essential a child or adolescent’s age and developmental level are reflected in their personalized treatment plan to ensure care is the most effective.

At facilities within Acadia’s treatment network, age-appropriate services are hallmarks of care for children and adolescents. The experienced professionals who provide care for young people at Acadia facilities understand the unique ways that children and adolescents are impacted by mental and behavioral health challenges and have developed specialized programming for children as young as 5.

The following are among the many benefits of choosing an Acadia facility for your child:

Thorough assessments and accurate diagnoses: For many teens, adolescence is a time of considerable emotional turmoil. During this developmental stage, changes in sleep patterns, energy levels, mood, motivation, and self-esteem are far from uncommon. However, these experiences can also be symptoms of certain mental and behavioral health disorders. Acadia facilities offer thorough assessments to ensure each young person receives an accurate diagnosis.

Comprehensive, personalized treatment: Our network features a full continuum of comprehensive services. At each facility, children and adolescents receive personalized care that is customized according to their unique needs.

Individualized academic support: Mental and behavioral health challenges can have a profound negative effect on a young person’s ability to make appropriate progress in school. Facilities within the Acadia network offer individualized instruction and an array of innovative academic support services. Close collaboration among clinical and academic staff members can help children and adolescents develop the skills and capabilities that will prepare them to achieve continued academic successes.

Family involvement: At Acadia facilities, we understand how a young person’s mental or behavioral health struggles can impact the entire family. We also have great appreciation for the vital role that parents and other caregivers can play during and after a child’s time in treatment. Facilities in the Acadia network offer robust family support services and work diligently to incorporate parents into the treatment experience to the greatest degree that is clinically appropriate.

Children and adolescents who receive care through the Acadia network may participate in services at the following levels.

Inpatient treatment: The most intensive level of care, inpatient treatment is a short-term experience for young people who have been experiencing severe symptoms of a mental or behavioral health disorder.

Residential treatment: Children and adolescents may take part in residential treatment for several weeks or months, and this level of care can help them make significant progress toward long-term healing.

Day treatment with educational services: At this level, children and adolescents receive therapeutic and academic services during the day, then return home or to an alternative residence in the evenings and on weekends.

Partial hospitalization program (PHP): Partial hospitalization features full days of structured therapeutic services, and participants return home or to alternative residences in the evenings and on weekends.

Intensive outpatient program (IOP): Children and adolescents may participate in treatment two to four hours of treatment per day for two to four days per week, which offers significant flexibility while allowing participants to benefit from continued therapeutic support.

Traditional outpatient services: Traditional therapy or counseling sessions can be scheduled at the frequency that is best for your child and can be a valuable source of ongoing support after a young person completes treatment at a higher level of care.

For additional information about the full continuum of age-appropriate care for children and adolescents within the Acadia Healthcare network, contact an Acadia facility at your convenience. Representatives at each Acadia facility will be happy to answer all of your questions so you can make the best decision for your child and your family.