Adolescent Behavioral Health Program

St. Cloud Hospital
Adolescent Behavioral Health Unit
1406 Sixth Avenue North
St. Cloud, MN 56303

Contact Persons:     Dr. Read Sulik, Medical Director
                             Harvey Maki, Educational Consultant
                             Ethelyn Gadway, Educational Consultant

Age of learners:   12 to 18 years of age

Program Length: Varies

Mission Statement:

The mission of the Adolescent Behavioral Health Program is to improve the health and quality of life for the adolescents of central Minnesota by providing a comprehensive range of high quality mental health services, chemical dependency services, professional consultation services, a high quality structured educational component and development in a manner which respects individuality, collaboration, and community and fosters the wellness of both adolescents and the systems within which they live.

Belief Statements:

• Individual student's needs vary greatly.
• Students have different learning styles.
• Acknowledge physical, cultural, gender and developmental differences.
• Instruction needs to be individualized.
• Strive to provide individualized, patient-focused treatment.
• Collaborative approach incorporating family, school, community and other health and human service providers into treatment solutions.
• Provide a safe, confidential environment.
• Use an interdisciplinary team approach.
• Use efficient assessment and treatment services that are current, measurable, and founded in scientific research.

Entrance Criteria:

Adolescents behavior(s) are in crisis and warrant immediate mental health and/or chemical dependency assessment and treatment.

Referral/Enrollment Process :

Adolescents can enter the unit through various means: (i.e. parent referral, psychiatrist's referral, emergency room, voluntary, court order, other treatment agencies, etc.)

Description of Adolescent Programs :

Crisis Assessment Program

This program offers clients up to 24-hours of safe, in-hospital observation and assessment. After an assessment, clients are referred to the most appropriate level of care.

Inpatient Program

The inpatient program offers 24-hour supervision in an intensive care setting to provide crisis intervention, assessment and evaluation services for either mental health concerns or chemical dependency problems. Inpatient services are designed for youth ages 12-18. Treatment is typically provided with a combination of inpatient and outpatient services.

Partial Program

This program is designed to provide an intensive full-day outpatient program as an alternative to inpatient treatment for adolescents with mental health issues as a primary problem. A school component is included in the program.

Recovery Plus Partial Hospitalization Program

This program is designed to provide an intensive full-day outpatient program as an alternative to inpatient treatment for adolescents with chemical abuse or dependency as a primary problem. A school component is included in the program.

Recovery Plus After School Outpatient Program

This program is offered to individuals with chemical abuse problems who may attend high school during the day and outpatient care after school. Specialized groups for relapse prevention, self-evaluation and aftercare support are also provided.

Parents Group

This weekly group meeting is a source of support, education and direction for parents.

Evaluations

Recovery Plus offers a two hour evaluation process when a young person or family member has questions about the possibility of an alcohol or drug problem.

Behavioral Health Clinic Outpatient Services

Specialized programs offered by skilled psychologists in such areas as abuse, eating disorders, learning disabilities and behavior problems.

 

Academic Program :

Academic activities occupy two hours in the morning or afternoon depending upon whether the adolescent is receiving inpatient or outpatient treatment. The "curriculum" is based on materials received from the home district. The intent is to keep students caught up with their assignments from their home school.

Description of Personal Support Services :

Adolescent Dream Team

This team is geared to meet the adolescents special needs by a collaboration of professional including psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, recreational therapists, drama therapist, behavioral health associates and educational consultants. Other specialty consultants will be obtained when appropriate.

 

Description of Cooperation with Other Agencies :

Verification of attendance/production criteria are sent to appropriate agencies. Outside referrals are made when appropriate.

Program Schedule :

Adolescent inpatient programming hours are from 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. (Monday-Friday)

Adolescent outpatient programming hours are from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)

Parent Involvement :

There are family sessions that are facilitated by a social worker and may include a doctor, psychologist, community professionals and school personnel.

Exit Criteria :

Satisfactory completion of inpatient or outpatient programming. Having a Life Management Safety Plan in place as a backup.

Examples of Additional Opportunities With Adolescent Programs :

Internet research

Exploring Personal Hygiene

Education materials available are:

• Eating Disorders
• Bi Polar Disorder
• Medication
• plus a variety of other topics

Focus Group Activities :

Exploring Personal Hygiene
Focus Group
Recreational Therapy
Family Sessions/Staffing
School
Education Groups
Individual Assignments
Wrap Up Group
Weekend Study Hall
Psychotherapy Group
Group Activities
Occupational Therapy
Psychological Testing
Drama Therapy
Structured Playtime
Workbook/Journal Review
Relaxation Group
Group Games/Creative Activities