Nulton Diagnostic & Treatment Center’s Child-Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program provides a safe, day-long therapeutic environment where children with mental health needs can learn and grow academically and emotionally. Children and adolescents who participate in our intensive year-round program display behaviors or have needs that are severe enough to keep them out of school, yet have enough support to manage their behavior at home. Each child’s length of stay is dependent upon their level of need and the speed at which they start to demonstrate improvement. Children who are referred to the program are often trying to control and manage a range of issues, such as:
- Disruptive behavior
- Depression and Anxiety
- Emotional effects from abuse/trauma
- Conduct disorders
- Bullying behavior
- Probation violations
- Poor school attendance
On-site Schooling
The Partial Hospitalization Program also provides on-site K-12 instruction throughout the school year for children aged 5-21. Courses are taught by licensed teachers and the curriculum is approved by the child’s school district so that children can keep pace with their peers.
Our small group setting gives educators the freedom to spend time with each student, providing children with a level of attention that is hard to come by in traditional classrooms. In addition, our teachers work with school districts to complete Individualized Education Plan (IEP) reports, so that each child’s educational needs are met.
Child-centered Treatment
We understand that every child is different. What works for one child may not be effective for another. That’s why we offer a range of services to help children manage and overcome their emotional and behavioral challenges. Treatment options typically include a combination of:
- Group Therapy
- Individual Therapy
- Behavioral Therapy
- Family Counseling
- Music, Art, and Recreational Therapy
- Narrative Therapy
Medication Management services are included under the direction and close supervision of a licensed psychiatrist. This includes medication that is safely and effectively managed to help children reduce stress, manage anger, alleviate anxiety or treat other symptoms.
Treatment plans are reviewed every 20 days with the child’s family and treatment team to chart progress and modify the plan as necessary. It is our goal to help children gain the confidence, emotional health, and life skills they need as they transition back to school.
Referral Process
An evaluation by a psychologist or a board-certified psychiatrist is required before a child can be accepted into this program. Children or adolescents can be referred to the program as soon as a diagnosis has been confirmed and a recommendation obtained. Once accepted into the program, our treatment team can begin the process of helping the child learn the skills necessary to successfully function in the school setting. The PHP psychiatrist will work with the child, family, and other professionals to carry out a comprehensive assessment, make an accurate diagnosis, and offer options on medication management. The psychiatrist will follow the child’s treatment throughout the duration of stay in the program.
A Team Approach
Our PHP team consists of qualified, caring professionals in the areas of psychiatry, psychology, mental health treatment, education, art, and social service.
NDTC PHP team:
- Psychiatrist: Craig Feaster, MD
- Clinical Supervisor: Charles Kennedy, PhD
- Director: Susan Custer, MA
- Case Manager: MeSha Mock, BSW
- Therapist: Rachelle Hays, MEd
- Mental Health Worker: Lacey Pentland, BS
- Mental Health Worker: Sydni Gronborg, MSW
- Mental Health Worker: Kara Brown, BSW
- Mental Health Worker: Kayla Browell, BS
- Special Ed Teacher: Andrea Gregor, BSEd
- Classroom Teacher: Elizabeth Feight, MEd
