Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Welcome to 4 West Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

4-West serves adolescents and children who require inpatient treatment for a variety of psychiatric disorders, including: those associated with or complicated by learning disabilities, impulsivity and immaturity, neurological disorders such as epilepsy, and other chronic medical illnesses. Patients with conduct disorders, attention deficit disorders, organic personality disorders, schizophrenia, autism and other psychotic disorders, and other complex neurobehavioral disorders are commonly seen.

The average length of stay varies from several days to two or three weeks, depending on the goals of hospitalization. A number of patients are admitted for extensive psychiatric, neurological, and educational evaluation. Others are admitted for medication trials or stabilization, for preparation for long-term residential placement, or for treatment of emotional and/or behavioral disorders. The unit program is organized to provide a well-structured, protective, nurturing, and stimulating environment.

The unit program is a holistic approach and a behavioral milieu focus and is structured around positive reinforcement. During an initial period of adjustment on the unit, patients will be assessed for participation in school and activities. Patients socialize with other patients and generally experience life in a community of peers. They will also be involved in individual therapy sessions and expected to participate in therapeutic group activities with other patients and staff on the unit.

The Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital provides an Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program (APHP) and Child Day Program (ABC). In some cases, an adolescent or child may go from inpatient to APHP or to ABC to continue relevant hospital goals and facilitate transition home or placement. Generally this program is five to seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.