NEW DIRECTIONS

Acute Inpatient Services for Adolescents

This program is designed for teenagers who are experiencing acute symptoms of a psychiatric illness.  The New Directions program provides a positive, supportive, and stable environment that enables the adolescent to work through the issues that led to hospitalization.  Individualized treatment plans are developed based on a thorough assessment of the adolescent’s needs.

The New Directions program incorporates the idea of going in new positive directions.  Each person enters the program at the same level and is encouraged to progress in their treatment.  Upward movement is earned through working on treatment goals that are designed to help the adolescent overcome his/her problems.  This goal cannot be reached alone - it takes a team!  One of the ways that teamwork is stressed every day is through the use of group activities.

The team process is also displayed for each adolescent through the use of a treatment team.  The treatment team consists of the adolescent, the parent/guardian, the psychiatrist, the therapist, the case manager, the nurse, the recreation therapist, the teacher, and the direct-care staff (or MHA).  Each of these persons has a specific position on the treatment team with specific responsibilities that are designed to help the adolescent achieve his/her treatment goals. 

Some of the symptoms that may indicate that an adolescent is in need of mental health services include:

•  Withdrawal from family/friends                            •  Depression

•  Rapid mood swings                                             •  Runaway behavior

•  Sleeping too much or too little                              •  Physical violence

•  Declining grades at school                                   •  Sexual promiscuity

•  Alcohol or drug abuse                                           •  Thoughts of suicide

•  Changed eating habits                                          •  Self-harm          

•  Inability to maintain personal relationships

The presence of only one of these symptoms may be a temporary characteristic of adolescence.  However, the persistence of one or more of these behaviors may indicate significant emotional disturbance or possible chemical abuse.  Parents who suspect problems should schedule an assessment with a mental health professional.

Treatment Options

·       Inpatient Treatment - traditional inpatient care, seven days a week; 24 - hour nursing care; individual, family and group therapy;

    activity therapy; medication management; certified school program; 12-step program (when indicated)

 ·     Transitional Programming - day hospital program held Monday through Friday.  The program is individually designed to meet

     the needs of the client.  These services are available as a transition service for adolescents who are not yet ready to  

     integrate completely into their home environment.

Discharge Planning

Rivendell staff help secure after-care services to continue the adolescent's treatment when they leave the hospital.  When there is a professional already involved with the adolescent before admission, the referring professionals are also actively involved in the discharge process.  A member of Rivendell's case management staff works directly with the treatment team to assist families or guardians in obtaining the necessary aftercare services.

Referrals

Referrals to the New Directions adolescent program can be made by physicians, therapists, psychologists, ministers, teachers, agencies, family members, or other concerned individuals.  Referrals are accepted 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

ASSESSMENT SERVICES

Rivendell provides a level-of-care assessment at no charge.  Each assessment is staffed with one of our physicians who provides a recommendation for the appropriate level of care for treatment.  Recommendations are then discussed with the parent/guardian to assist in making an informed decision about treatment.  Appointments may be scheduled by contacting the Assessment & Referral Department at Rivendell.  In non-emergency situations, mobile assessments may be arranged in the patient's hometown or county.  Emergency assessments are provided on site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Please call 270.843.1199 or 800.548.2621 to schedule an assessment or for further information. 

CHOICES / NEW DIRECTIONS / TRUST / COURAGE / DISCOVERY

Rivendell Behavioral Health Services is owned and operated by a subsidiary of Universal Health Services, Inc., one of the leading hospital management companies. For information on the company, visit www.uhsinc.com
Copyright © 2006 Rivendell Behavioral Health Services
Last modified: 08/08/06

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