Child & adolescent inpatient programs

The children’s inpatient program at South Oaks is designed for children ages 5 through 12 who are experiencing symptoms of serious behavioral and/or emotional illness. Our program uses a strength-based model of treatment and provides freedom, structure and positive reinforcement for our patients as they engage with our therapeutic rehabilitation program. Our program emphasizes personal and community responsibility, character, education, individualized goal setting and alternative coping skills. The program is geared toward helping children re-enter their community and be more connected to their family, peers and school.

The adolescent inpatient program at South Oaks is designed for individuals ages 13 through 17 who are experiencing symptoms of serious behavioral and/or emotional illness and require intensive psychiatric treatment. Our program focuses the adolescent on specific, individualized goals aimed at reducing negative symptoms and increasing motivation and a feeling of personal and community responsibility. Treatments include psychiatric medication management, family sessions and therapy for those struggling with substance abuse, among other things. Our team is responsive to the unique needs of adolescents and focused on empowering them to manage their symptoms, attain personal goals and function effectively when they re-enter the community.

• Comprehensive psychiatric assessment
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Discharge planning to ensure continued treatment and community support for patients and families
• Education through Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES)
• Individual treatment and behavior plans
• Motivational interviewing
• Physical exams
• Programs and groups focusing on family interventions, including patient/family therapy sessions and family nights
• Trauma-informed care