Child and Adolescent Acute Partial Hospitalization Program

The Child and Adolescent Acute Partial Hospitalization Program (CAAPHP) provides an intensity of treatment similar to that available on an inpatient unit, in a less restrictive, community-based setting. This short-term, intensive level of care allows adolescents to benefit from consistent, structured treatment while maintaining their usual living arrangements with their families in their communities. Acute partial hospitalization programs can provide a “step down” level of treatment for adolescents discharged from inpatient programs, or a “step up” level when outpatient treatment is not effectively meeting a child and adolescent's needs.

We serve child and adolescent ages 8 to 18 who are struggling with depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, poor impulse control, psychosis, unsafe coping skills, combined with family, social, and school difficulties. We provide family, individual, and group therapy as well as medication management and school transition support.

The CAAPHP also offers school support to child and adolescents and their families. CAAPHP employs certified educators with a wealth of experience in school avoidance, special education, IEPs, and school transition. These educators serve child and adolescents by providing academic support as well as facilitating face-to-face and virtual school meetings. These meetings are designed in collaboration with the treatment team and the child and adolescent to develop a plan for the child and adolescent to transition back to school with success.

Read an article about the Mindfulness, Healing, and Wellness Garden.

Our Mission

Our mission can be defined by the acronym ACCEPT. This acronym was developed in a collaborative effort between our staff and child and adolescent community members. ACCEPT reflects our guiding principles especially those of inclusion, love, kindness, and dedication to providing the highest quality and effective care. Our programs use the Evidence-Based Treatments of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).

Admission Considerations

• Child and adolescent is experiencing an acute mental illness or chronic mental illness with an increasing level of acuity of symptoms
• Active lethality (experiencing suicidal and/or homicidal ideation with a specific plan or attempt)
• Active psychosis
• A significant stressor has resulted in a significant decrease in daily functioning
• In need of a significant medication change that could potentially lead to a deterioration of functioning
• Hospital diversion
• Step-down from inpatient

Exclusion Criteria, analyzed on a case by case basis:

• Primary diagnosis of substance abuse or conduct disorder
• Severe aggression in multiple settings
• Intellectual disability

Referral Information

CAAPHP and AIOP are referral-based programs. Referrals will be considered from any interested agency or party including, but not limited to, inpatient units, outpatient programs, schools, county mental health clinics, private mental health practitioners, and health professionals. Patients and Families may also self refer.

If you are a provider and would like to make a referral, please complete the below referral and release of information form and email or fax this document to the identified contact at the top of the form. If you have questions about the referral form, please contact one of our locations.

• Referral Form (PDF)

Our Experts

Sarah Fallica, LSW, HSV
Program Director

South Side Location Rameshwari Tumuluru, MD Associate Professor of Psychiatry Medical Director

Wexford Location Kimberly Clinebell, MD Medical Director