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What can I expect if my child is admitted to the Inpatient Program ?
If your child is admitted an Inpatient Program , the first process is to ensure that they do not have any harmful items with them . Personal belongings , such as jewelry , cell phones , wallets and unsafe clothing will be returned to the parents or be safely stored in a locked area on the unit . A registered nurse will then meet with your child and perform an assessment to gather additional information focused on their medical and mental health . Within the first 24-hours of admission , there is a Family Therapy Session and the typical daily routine consists of the children attending classes based on the Volusia County School System , participation in recreational therapy , group therapy sessions and individual therapy sessions .
Your child will work on daily goals that have been identified and incorporated into their individualized master treatment plan . Registered Nurses and Mental Health Techs are on-site 24-hours a day so all children are constantly being monitored . Visitation is a few hours in the evening . As part of the therapeutic program , your child is also seen daily by a psychiatrist to evaluate how your child is progressing and to determine when they are ready to be discharged .
When will my child be discharged ?
Each child comes to an inpatient program for different reasons , which is why programs have individualized master treatment plans that identify the issues they face . There are specific goals that the child will need to work on and achieve on a daily basis while they are a patient . Based on the daily meetings with the psychiatrist , it will be determined when the child has met all goals and is ready to be discharged . Upon discharge , the psychiatrist will recommend follow up instructions to ensure success outside of the facility walls . This can range from being seen by a psychiatrist at the facility , or with another one they have an existing relationship with , and / or outpatient services including therapy and case management . If they are leaving inpatient care and are on medication , they will be required to see a psychiatrist within 30 days of discharge .
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child is just going through a phase or needs professional help ?
While it is natural for children to go through phases where their behaviors can be more challenging , there are some common indicators that a child may need professional help . Behavioral Services has professionally trained staff that can screen your child to determine if services are needed . Some common indicators they look for are disturbed sleep patterns , poor academic performance , withdrawal from social situations , and unsafe behaviors such as recreational drug use or becoming violent when emotionally overwhelmed . Some children are better at hiding their symptoms than others , so it is always wise to have a professional assessment if you have any concerns .
If my child receives mental health services , does the school have to know ?
You do not have to share this information with your child ’ s school . Mental Health Services fall under the category of Protected Health Information .
Do I have to put my child on medication ?
Medication is not always prescribed to treat the child ’ s symptoms . However , if the doctor recommends a medication for your child , you have the right to refuse . It is best though to discuss your concerns with the doctor . Often , parents have pre-conceived ideas about psychotropic medications that are untrue .
Will medication sedate my child or make my child act like a different person ?
Parents are often concerned that medication will make their child “ zombie-like .” The goal of medication is not to sedate or alter your child ’ s personality but to treat their symptoms so they can attain a higher level of function .
I am divorced . What if I think my child needs services but my ex disagrees ?
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