There are times when a child or adolescent living with a psychiatric illness cannot thrive in the home or in a community-based setting. An intensive, structured program may be prescribed when children or adolescents experiencing moderate to severe emotional or behavioral disturbances have failed to respond to less restrictive treatment interventions.
BayPointe’s intensive residential treatment program is certified by the Alabama Department of Mental Health and accredited by The Joint Commission.
Admission protocol
The AltaPointe Intensive Residential Treatment program housed in the BayPointe facility offers medically monitored, intensive and comprehensive psychiatric treatment for children and adolescents who are disruptive, sometimes uncontrollable, and often a danger to themselves or others. They may have a history of self-injurious behavior, have been exposed to trauma, exhibit maladaptive coping skills, and defiant and aggressive behaviors, which residential treatment will address.
Many factors must be considered before admission to intensive residential treatment is appropriate; most notable is the child or adolescent’s safety and that of others. Often these children have suffered from abuse, neglect or substance use issues, and an intervention is desperately needed. These children can no longer function in their homes and community settings. For these children and adolescents that range in age from 5 to 18, this program offers a caring, controlled environment with 24-hour supervision.
When selecting mental health services, the major concern of parents or guardians is the quality of care their child or adolescent will receive. The next important concern of that parent is how they will cover the cost of this care. BayPointe understands these concerns and will work to equip you with the information needed to answer any questions you may have about access to services. BayPointe has contracts with the Alabama Department of Human Resources, Alabama Department of Mental Health, and Alabama Children’s Services Facilitation Team-Multiple Needs Child Office. Call BayPointe at (251) 661-0153 for more information.
Referral sources
Physicians or other healthcare providers seeking to refer children and adolescents should contact BayPointe directly at (251) 661-0153 and ask for the residential coordinator. BayPointe accepts referrals from across the state.
After admission
The BayPointe Hospital facility is located in a secure setting in west Mobile where these young patients receive essential treatment to improve their immediate situation and develop the skills necessary to successfully function.
Following a thorough evaluation and diagnosis, our team of professionals develops an individualized treatment plan to meet each patient’s needs. In addition to therapies, activities may include pet therapy, gardening groups, organized outings, gym activities, and swimming.
Children and adolescents have the opportunity to participate in our academic program. A certified teacher or tutor works with each one individually and in a classroom setting. Close communication with the child’s regular school is maintained.
While children are receiving residential treatment, our staff members work with family members and caregivers to maintain, enhance or develop attachment with their child or adolescent during treatment and upon their return home. Our patients, families, caregivers, school system personnel, DHR workers and others, as appropriate, are directly involved in the child’s treatment and serve as a unified support system upon discharge.
Features of residential services
- Psychiatric evaluation and 24-hour nursing care
- Individualized treatment planning to address clinical needs and medication management
- Direct involvement of patients, families, caregivers and other significant adults in the patient’s treatment and discharge planning
- An average nine to 12-month length of stay
- Participation in supervised recreational outings and field trips
- Participation in an academic program under the supervision of certified teachers
Discharge planning
It is important that the healthcare team has developed a plan for the child’s or adolescent’s continued care and his or her return home or to the least restrictive care. The patient and family or support persons play a key role in creating this plan and getting ready for discharge from the hospital. Before the attending physician discharges a patient, many tasks must be completed before a patient can leave.
