Admissions

Our acute inpatient services are designed for children and adolescents ages 4-18 who need psychiatric stabilization due to experiencing distressing emotional, behavioral, or cognitive symptoms. This level of care is appropriate for children and adolescents who present a risk for harm to themselves or others, as well as those whose symptoms cannot be safely managed in a lower level of care. 

Each admissions decision is made on a case-by-case basis, but in general, the criteria for our inpatient program include: 

• Ages 4-18 
• Acute psychiatric symptoms that require 24-hour monitoring 
• Ability to meet personal hygiene needs independently 
• Absence of significant medical diagnoses 

Disorders that are commonly treated at the inpatient level include: 

• Depression 
• Anxiety disorders 
• Bipolar disorder 
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) 
• Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) 
• Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) 
• Psychotic disorders 
• Panic disorder 
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) 
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 

Because inpatient care addresses psychiatric emergencies, we encourage families to bring their child to the nearest emergency department so that they can receive a mental health assessment and get medical clearance. The referring hospital can then contact our admissions department, and our specialists will review the referral and consult with our psychiatrists. If the patient meets criteria, we can coordinate transportation if needed, verify insurance, and work directly with the parents or guardians to gather the appropriate information and consent forms. 

The CHANGES short-term psychiatric residential treatment program is a 30-day psychiatric residential program for adolescents ages 12-17 who are experiencing significant emotional and behavioral challenges, often related to historical or recent trauma. Our goal with CHANGES is to help residents return safely to their homes and communities. 

CHANGES is a stand-alone program at Southwood Children’s Behavioral Healthcare. Adolescents do not need to complete a higher level of care before entering the program. 

Each admissions decision is made on a case-by-case basis, but in general, the criteria for our short-term psychiatric residential program include: 

• Ages 12-17 
• Behavioral and emotional symptoms that warrant round-the-clock care  
• Risk for repeated psychiatric hospitalization or placement in a long-term residential treatment setting if symptoms are not stabilized 

Adolescents who may not be appropriate for our CHANGES program are those who meet the following exclusionary criteria: 

• Complex physical health needs 
• Sexually maladaptive behavior 
• Severe suicidal or homicidal behavior 
• Active psychosis 
• An IQ below 70 
• A diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder 

Emotional and behavioral concerns that are commonly addressed in the CHANGES program include: 

• Mild to moderate aggression 
• Severe emotional distress 
• History of trauma 
• Passive suicidal behavior 
• Self-harming behaviors 
• Impulsivity 
• Agitation 
• Restlessness  
• Sleep disturbances 
• Feelings of hopelessness 
• Significant changes in mood 
• Difficulty using coping skills 
• Substance use 

Parental involvement is an extremely important aspect of care in the CHANGES program, so our team works closely with each patient’s parents or guardians during their stay at our facility. 

Our CHOICES residential program provides longer-term care for adolescent males ages 10-18 who are coping with psychiatric symptoms in addition to problematic or sexually maladaptive behaviors. This level of care offers a structured therapeutic environment where young men can build healthy coping skills and prepare for a successful return to their communities. 

Each admissions decision is made on a case-by-case basis, but in general, the criteria for our CHOICES residential program include: 

• Male, ages 10-18 at the time of admission 
• Clinical presentation that may include impulse control challenges, aggression, psychomotor impairment, affective or functional impairment, psychosocial impairment, or significant thought or cognitive concerns 

We are unable to accept adolescents who have been convicted of sexual offenses or other felonies to the CHOICES residential program. Each referral is reviewed individually to determine clinical fit. 

We offer a specialized residential program for boys and young men ages 6-21 who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).  

Each admissions decision is made on a case-by-case basis, but in general, the criteria for our IDD/ASD residential program include: 

• Male, ages 6-21 
• Mental health disorder diagnosis in addition to a diagnosis of an intellectual or developmental disability or autism spectrum disorder 
• Enrollment in an educational program with an individualized education program (IEP) 
• Best-practice psychiatric evaluation completed within 60 days of admission 

In our IDD/ASD residential program, we are unable to provide care for young people who meet the following exclusionary criteria: 

• Primary diagnosis of a conduct disorder 
• Significant involvement with the criminal justice system 
• Sexually predatory behavior 
• Serious traumatic brain injury 
• A need for 24-hour nursing care 
• Active drug or alcohol addiction 
• Active, unmanaged psychosis (including hallucinations) 

Referrals to our IDD/ASD residential program can be submitted by fax or email to our admissions department. The residential coordinator reviews each referral to confirm criteria, then forwards qualifying referrals to the clinical director and leadership team for review. Once a patient is accepted, our team coordinates with the referral source and parent or guardian to schedule the patient’s admission, confirm insurance coverage, obtain a current physical, arrange a campus tour if requested, and provide the family with a handbook and any additional information they need to prepare. 

Our family-based mental health services program (FBMHS) provides intensive, in-home care for children and adolescents who have a mental health disorder diagnosis, as well as for their families. Care is delivered in the family’s home by a two-clinician team that provides co-therapy, crisis stabilization services, family support, and case management services. FBMHS clinicians complete a three-year, state-mandated training program in family-based treatment, with the opportunity to become certified through the FBMHS exam. 

Each admissions decision is made on a case-by-case basis, but in general, the criteria for our family-based mental health services program include: 

• Children and adolescents ages 3-18 
• Diagnosis of a mental health disorder 
• Psychological evaluation completed by a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist, or a recommendation from a treating physician 
• Active medical assistance insurance coverage 

While substance use disorders are not treated as a primary diagnosis in our FBMHS program, our team can address co-occurring addiction concerns and can connect families with resources as needed. 

Once a referral with a clinical recommendation is received, our admissions team completes an insurance check and assigns the family to a family-based services team. The team then completes the intake process and begins services in the family’s home. 

Our family-based mental health services are available to families in Allegheny, Beaver, Fayette, Greene, and Washington counties in Pennsylvania. 

Once your child is admitted to one of the programs at Southwood Children’s Behavioral Healthcare, they will be welcomed by a multidisciplinary team of professionals that may include psychiatrists, physician assistants, registered nurses, master’s-level therapists, social workers, behavioral health associates, dietitians, board-certified behavior analysts, and licensed practical nurses. The specific team members a patient works with will depend on their individualized treatment plan and the level of care they are participating in. Every member of our team is trained in child development, in working with young people who have complex psychiatric or neurodevelopmental needs, and in trauma-informed, cognitive behavioral approaches to care. 

Your child’s plan of care will be tailored to their specific clinical needs, with input from family members, referring providers, and community partners whenever appropriate and possible. Throughout treatment, our team will keep you informed, involved, and supported. 

At Southwood Children’s Behavioral Healthcare’s Acute Inpatient Hospital, patient safety is our top priority. We are committed to providing a safe, supportive environment for every child throughout their stay

ObservSMART Patient Safety Technology

• Our program uses ObservSMART technology for continuous patient safety monitoring, ensuring checks are completed on time and within required proximity. Each child receives a wearable beacon linked to a profile containing their photo, demographics, medical info, medications, and safety needs. Staff use secure tablets synced to each beacon to access profiles and complete safety documentation. Visual safety observations (Q15 checks) are conducted every 15 minutes to monitor each child’s safety and location.
• The system verifies staff are within 15 feet of the patient before a check can be completed. If a check is delayed, senior leadership and risk management are immediately notified.

Video Surveillance

• Cameras are located throughout the hospital for patient safety. Live feeds are monitored 24/7 at nursing stations and supervisor offices for continuous oversight and rapid response.

Motion Detection Sensors

• Sensors in patient rooms are located by beds to enhance overnight safety monitoring. When motion is detected, staff receive an immediate audio alert for prompt response.

ROAR Button

• Staff and visitors wear ROAR panic buttons with GPS tracking. When activated, the button immediately alerts the response team and dispatches assistance to the incident location.