Child and Adolescent Crisis Stabilization and Treatment

Caring for children in crisis

Watching a child suffer from a mental health crisis is one of the toughest experiences a parent can endure. The first priority is for the child to receive treatment that will alleviate the acute symptoms as swiftly as possible. BayPointe’s acute hospital provides a caring and secure environment where children and adolescents receive the stabilization they need during a time of crisis. Our goal is to provide the highest quality of care to all our patients so they can return safely and successfully to the community.

Admission protocol

Admission is necessary when a child or adolescent behaves in a life-threatening, destructive, or disabling way that requires 24-hour support, assessment, and professional treatment.

Conditions we treat

BayPointe serves children and adolescents affected by a variety of psychiatric conditions, which may include:

  • Depression and mood disorders
  • Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
  • Social withdrawal
  • Self-harming behaviors
  • Combative and defiant behaviors
  • Attention and concentration difficulties
  • Extreme anxiety
  • Thought disorders

Parents need to remember that their child’s stay is intended to stabilize and treat the issues contributing to the crisis. A stay at BayPointe may be critical to their child’s treatment, but it is only one part of the recovery process.

Referral sources

We welcome referrals from mental health professionals, physicians and pediatricians, social service agencies, school systems, courts, and directly from families.

Insurance information

Most insurance plans cover emergency psychiatric care. Our intake team can assist with any questions regarding coverage. You can find out more about all of our programs and services by calling (251) 450-2211 or (888) 335-3044.

After admission

After a child or adolescent is admitted to BayPointe, a team led by a board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist conducts a psychiatric evaluation and medication assessment. The average length of stay varies from 7 to 12 days.

Approved items your child will need during their stay*

  • Three days of clothing and pajamas*
  • Sweatshirt or sweater
  • A pair of slip-on shoes with no strings (Velcro is preferred)
  • All medication in the prescribed bottles
  • NO electronics, cell phones, personal music players, or hardback books allowed.

* We do provide laundry services, so please try to limit the amount of clothing you bring. Most children seem to more comfortable in lounge-type clothes during the day.

The facility provides basic toiletries such as plastic combs, plastic brushes, toothpaste, toothbrush, non-aerosol deodorant, plastic bottles of shampoo, and conditioner. Please do not send personal hygiene products unless your child has an allergy or sensitivity that require specialized products.; these will need to be approved by the physician.

Family involvement

Families and significant others are involved in family therapy sessions to initiate and sustain positive change. We help parents and children learn to identify and develop effective coping skills if symptoms worsen. Also, they participate in group and family therapy that benefits both parent and child manage issues related to the child’s behaviors, medication needs, or symptoms.

Only patients are allowed to stay overnight at our facility. Family members who do not live in the area may ask for help in making arrangements during their stay.

Academics

Children and adolescents have the opportunity to participate in our academic program. A certified teacher or tutor works with our children individually and in a classroom setting. Close communication with the child’s regular school is maintained.

Treatment

BayPointe’s individualized treatment plans promote each child’s maximum level of functioning. Once a child has been stabilized, our team designs a comprehensive aftercare plan for the family to follow. The focus is to return children to their homes or the least restrictive level of care as quickly as possible.

 Our treatment team includes:

  • Psychiatrist/physician
  • Psychiatric nurses
  • Masters-level social workers and therapists
  • Milieu managers
  • Recreational therapists
  • Certified teachers
  • Consultative psychologists
  • Family practice physicians and nurse practitioners
  • Behavioral aides

Therapeutic services

Every child follows an age-appropriate therapeutic program schedule. BayPointe’s qualified staff provides personalized, therapeutic services based on the treatment team’s evaluation and plan, which may include:

  • One-on-one support and counseling
  • Group and individual therapy
  • Family support and therapy
  • Recreational therapy including exercise and movement
  • Play therapy
  • Pet therapy
  • Crisis intervention and anger management
  • Participation in our academic program working with a certified teacher
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • Social skills enhancement

 Discharge planning

The healthcare team will develop a plan for the child’s continued care before their return home or less restrictive care.

The child, their family, or support persons play a vital role in this process. Once the attending physician is prepared to discharge a patient, some tasks may take several hours must be done before a patient can leave the hospital. Understanding and planning for this may help the family during this process.

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