We use the following criteria in determining appropriateness for admission to the Adolescent Acute Unit at Riverside Mental Health & Recovery Center.
- The child has been assessed and diagnosed with a current DSM-5 Axis I psychiatric and/or substance abuse disorder.
In addition, one or more of the following is present:
- Presents an immediate and definite threat to self or others.
- History of behavior which is dangerous to self, others and/or property to include overt suicidal or homicidal acts. Behaviors may include self-destructive acts such as fire-setting, sexual promiscuity and running away.
- Acute psychosis, hallucinations, delusions and/or altered thought processes with sufficient disorganization to make treatment in a less restrictive environment unsafe.
- Failure of outpatient treatment.
- Requires assessment and treatment with close supervision in a therapeutic environment which is only available in an inpatient setting (for example, higher staff-to-patient ratio, capability for restraint/seclusion, intense supervision needed, professional nursing care needed).
- The symptomatology of the patient is worsened by the absence of or collapse of support systems, especially the family, to the degree that requires an acute care hospitalization level of intervention. Family is dysfunctional to the point that it significantly contributes to the patient's risk of self-destruction.
- Legally-mandated admission, indicating that treatment at an acute level of care is medically necessary.
- Evidence of severe mental or emotional behaviors compounded by drug/alcohol use.
In addition:
- The patient is able to perform activities of daily living with minimal assistance.
Treatment