Facilities to Help Children With Behavioral Problems

Parents of children with behavioral problems are often confused about how to effectively treat these issues. Children who display mild behavioral problems can typically be treated at home, sometimes with the help of a qualified pediatrician or child psychiatrist. However, moderate to severe behavioral disturbances that put the child or others at risk of harm oftentimes necessitate outside intervention. Parents experiencing behavioral problems in a child, such as extreme aggression or self-injurious behavior, should work with the pediatrician or psychiatric team to determine what level of care is needed and whether an outside facility should be considered.

Short-Term Programs

• Short-term day-treatment programs offer a change of milieu for the behaviorally problematic child while focusing on improving symptoms such as aggression, social dysfunction, and hyperactivity. Often a day-treatment program is recommended in conjunction with the use of medications.

  One example of a day-treatment program for children is the program at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston. MUSC's IMPACT and STAR programs provide daily age-appropriate treatment for children and adolescents with severe behavioral disturbances. Treatment includes group, family, and individual therapy; medication assessment; and school and recreational activities. Children and the treatment team work together to set and maintain treatment and life goals.

  Medical University of South Carolina

  171 Ashley Avenue

  Charleston, SC 29403

  843-792-1414

  muschealth.com

Inpatient Facilities

• Some behavioral difficulties are severe enough to warrant hospital admission in a neurobehavioral center. When less intensive treatment, such as day treatment or outpatient therapy, has not been effective, the mental health professional might recommend an inpatient hospital stay. A child who threatens to harm himself or others is usually considered severe enough for an emergency-room visit, where staff will determine if he needs to be admitted to the neurobehavioral unit. While in the hospital, an interdisciplinary group of professionals, known as the treatment team, work together with the family to develop an individualized treatment plan and proper medication administration. Continuing assessment and treatment are provided during the course of the stay. The child's treatment team might consist of a child psychiatrist, behavioral psychologist, neurologist, nursing staff, social worker, and other staff as required by the individual case.

  Cincinnati Children's Hospital Department of Psychiatry provides inpatient treatment of disorders in children and adolescents, including behavioral and emotional issues. Hospital stays focus on psychotherapy and medication management as well as group and family therapy. The hospital also offers a specialized program for suicide prevention in children and teens.

  Cincinnati Children's Hospital

  3333 Burnet Avenue

  Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039

  513-636-4200

  cincinnatichildrens.org

Residential Treatment Facilities

• The mental health professional who witnesses severe refractory behavioral problems and/or a detrimental home environment might recommend a residential treatment center. These facilities, offered throughout the country, focus on supporting and facilitating long-term growth and change. Residential treatment centers are highly structured and supervised, and offer a therapeutic setting where the child has the opportunity to reprogram her outlook and behavior. Some residential treatment facilities focus on specific issues such as chemical dependency, eating disorders, or self-esteem issues. Residential treatment can consist of individual and group counseling, professional and social skills training, substance abuse treatment, educational development, and physical activity. Children who need intensive support or intervention can thrive in these settings and learn to develop healthier means of coping with negative emotions.

  The Aspen Education Group offers several boarding school options depending on the child's age. Residential treatment lasts from six months to two years and provides educational opportunities as well as comprehensive treatment. Children experience growth through self-expression and academic excellence, and learn to foster individual responsibility and service in the community.

  Aspen Education Group

  17777 Center Court Drive

  Suite 300

  Cerritos, CA 90703

  562-467-5500

  aspeneducation.com