Short-Term Residential Treatment Center Near Pittsburgh, PA

Our team does a thorough review of each adolescent’s case before they are admitted to our short-term psychiatric residential program. To make sure that we are providing the specific type of care each young person needs, we are usually unable to provide services for those who meet the following exclusionary criteria: 

• Complex physical health needs that are beyond the expertise of Southwood’s medical team, which includes physicians and nurses 
• Sexually maladaptive behavior 
• Severe suicidal or homicidal behavior 
• Active psychosis 
• IQ of less than 70 

We are also unable to provide care for adolescents who have autism spectrum disorder. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the primary treatment modality we use in our adolescent psychiatric residential program. This evidence-based approach to care helps adolescents identify and learn how to change destructive thinking patterns and behaviors. In addition to CBT, our team incorporates other types of modalities into the program to provide a well-rounded therapeutic experience. 

All residents in our adolescent short-term psychiatric residential program in Pittsburgh receive individualized treatment plans that are tailored to meet their unique needs. These care plans may include a variety of interventions, such as: 

• Medication management services: Adolescents typically meet with a psychiatrist once a week. Nursing and med-trained staff members also help with monitoring and administering residents’ medications on a daily basis. 
• Individual therapy: In our short-term PRTF program in Pittsburgh, adolescents receive individual therapy sessions with a master’s-level clinician one to three times each week depending on their needs.  
• Family therapy: Family members play an important role in an adolescent’s healing process, and our team prioritizes having them involved in treatment. Family therapy sessions are available one to three times a week depending on what is most beneficial for the resident. Our team also encourages consistent parental involvement throughout an adolescent’s time in the program. 
• Experiential therapy: Adolescents have the opportunity to take part in weekly experiential therapies, which include art therapy, music therapy, and yoga. Experiential therapies serve as a great outlet for adolescents to express themselves outside of talk therapy. 

Group therapy is the main method of care we use in our short-term psychiatric residential program. Adolescents participate in multiple group therapy sessions every day, seven days a week. Groups are led by a variety of professionals, including master’s-level clinicians, behavioral health associates, recreational therapists, art therapists, music therapists, and peer support specialists. We provide a number of different types of groups, such as: 

• Master-level groups (which take place Monday-Friday) 
• CBT skills groups 
• Process groups 
• Wellness groups 
• Resident interest groups 
• Peer support groups 

While our adolescent short-term psychiatric residential program does not provide 24/7 medical care, our team is able to offer basic support in certain circumstances. Each resident is seen by a pediatrician monthly for a standard check-in. Nursing staff is available during the day to handle medications and provide first aid if necessary.  

If a resident needs physical care beyond our medical team’s scope, they will be transported to a nearby hospital emergency room. 

Adolescents can face many challenges that disrupt their emotional and behavioral health, sometimes making it difficult for them to thrive at home, in school, or in other areas of life. Our short-term psychiatric residential program in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, provides a safe, structured environment where young people can focus on healing without having to deal with the pressures and distractions of daily life. 

In our short-term PRTF program, residents benefit from 24/7 support and supervision from an experienced, compassionate team that is dedicated to ensuring that each adolescent’s individual needs are met, and that they receive the right interventions at the right time. 

Our Pittsburgh PRTF program also allows adolescents to step away from the negative influences and unhealthy behavior patterns they may be facing in their daily lives, like at school. Being in the program gives them an opportunity for personal growth and self-reflection. Here, they can learn practical coping skills to better manage stress, regulate emotions, and communicate effectively. They also have a chance to address any underlying trauma in a focused, supportive setting. 

Participating in our short-term psychiatric residential program gives adolescents the space and support they need to build confidence, strengthen their resilience, and prepare for a successful return to home and school life.