Children's Acute Program

The Child Acute Program is for children ages 4 - 12 with emotional or behavioral problems. The staff at Laurel Ridge Treatment Center has expertise in assessing and treating children with emotional or behavioral problems using a family centered approach. Early diagnosis, intervention and treatment can provide the needed tools to help most children lead healthy, productive lives.

Assessment and Evaluation

We perform a thorough assessment of each child by gathering information on the child's biological, psychological, social and family history.

The child assessment includes:

  • Psychiatric evaluation and developmental history performed by a child psychiatrist
  • Neurological evaluation conducted by a neurologist
  • Psychological assessment
  • Speech and language assessments as needed
  • Medical history, physical examination and laboratory tests, as directed by the physician

The Program

Each child has their own individualized treatment program based on the initial assessment phase.

Treatment may include any of the following:

  • Individual and group therapy, focusing on adaptive behavior, positive social skills, impulse control and developmental levels of functioning
  • Family programs designed to support the parents and help them maintain the gains made by the child during treatment
  • Recreational therapy
  • Behavior modification to establish relationship between behaviors and their consequences
  • Treatment team meetings with the family on a regular basis to help the transition to family/home environment

Discharge Planning and Aftercare

Laurel Ridge staff develops an aftercare plan for each child prior to discharge. As soon as we admit your child to the program discharge strategies begin and include coordination with referring professionals in the child's home area. Aftercare plans may include home behavioral programs, day treatment services and individual or family therapy on an outpatient basis.

For More Information

If you have any questions about the Child Acute Program contact us at (210) 491-9400 or (800) 624-7975.