Intensive Treatment Services Program
Summary
This program is for children, ages 11 to 18, who are experiencing a severe emotional, mental or behavioral crisis and may be an immediate danger to themselves or others. While most of the children served in this program are in the state's custody, others are from families in our community. The boys and girls reside at Epworth in secure intensive treatment units with highly structured 24 hour supervision and nursing care. A treatment team including nurses, therapists, psychiatrists, special education teachers, and youth advisors works with the child and family to deescalate crises and stabilize behaviors. As soon as it is safely possible, the children are moved to a "less restrictive" environment such as a residential treatment program.
Program Specifics
- The intensive treatment units accommodate fourteen girls and fifteen boys ages 11 to 18.
- Typical challenges include severe depression, suicidal tendencies, history of running away, and verbally and physically aggressive behavior.
- A treatment team of licensed therapists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, licensed recreation therapists, state certified teachers, and highly trained youth advisors work with the child and family to move the child to a less restrictive setting or to return the child home as soon as possible.
- Each child receives at least one therapy session per week with a licensed therapist and one group therapy session. Treatment may also include family therapy.
- All cases are reviewed by a consulting psychiatrist on a weekly basis.
- A registered nurse is on duty 24 hours a day. All nurses have psychiatric care experience.
- The unit's highly trained staff conducts education and recreation groups that address self-esteem, social skills, anger management, and life skills. Topic groups are held daily.
- Trained recreation therapists work with the children in the recreation/activity center and their own facilities. The unit also has an outdoor basketball court and picnic area.
- Intensive treatment has its own self-contained classroom within the unit.