Emerald Coast Behavioral Hospital’s 24-hour medically supervised inpatient child and adolescent program provides comprehensive evaluation and psychiatric treatment for children (ages 4–12) and adolescents (ages 13–17) who need acute stabilization care in a structured, secure environment. With rapid, easy access, patients are admitted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

All programs are led by our multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, licensed clinical social workers, licensed mental health counselors, mental health technicians and other clinicians. These programs include the following:

• Comprehensive initial assessment and evaluation of emotional, intellectual, social and physical needs.
• Pharmacotherapy when indicated.
• Strength and dialectical-based approach during treatment. Our treatment team develops individualized treatment plans and monitors progress so patients can stabilize as quickly as possible and continue recovery in a less restrictive environment.

Treatment includes a variety of therapies such as Behavioral Modification, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). DBT is extremely useful in reducing self-harming behaviors, teaching skills to help the patient gain more control of their emotions and promoting a better outlook on life. Patients will also experience other types of treatment during their stay, including expressive therapy, music and art therapy, recreation therapy, yoga therapy as well as group and family sessions.

DBT is a type of therapy that helps the patient learn skills to regain control of their emotions in order to decrease chaos in relationships, increase ability to tolerate discomfort, regulate emotional ups and downs and improve self-concept. Our clinical team is specially trained in DBT skills and strategies to help:

• Reduce self-harming and impulsive behaviors
• Understand and manage overwhelming emotions
• Learn more effective ways to cope with stress
• Improve relationships and identify effective relationships in your life
• Reduce acute hospitalizations
• Create a life worth living

It’s important to remember that many people experience some type of mental illness. In fact, mental illnesses are more prevalent than cancer, heart and lung disease combined.

• Four million children and adolescents in this country suffer from a serious mental disorder that causes significant functional impairments at home, at school and with peers.
• 50 percent of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14 and 75 percent by age 24.
• One in four Americans will experience a mental illness or substance abuse disorder at some time in their lives.
• Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. and an overwhelming majority of suicide victims are found to have a diagnosable mental disorder.
• Approximately 50 percent of youths ages 8 to 15 with mental illness received no mental health services in the previous year.
• Mental disorders in children and adolescents are real and can be effectively treated, especially when identified and treated early. Treatment enables children and adolescents succeed in school, to develop socially and to fully experience the developmental opportunities of childhood.

It’s comforting to know that many people have problems similar to yours. And it’s also comforting to know that there is a place you can come for support, guidance and professional treatment. You are not alone–Emerald Coast Behavioral Hospital is here to help. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental illness and/or addiction, call us for additional information or to schedule a confidential assessment. Never lose hope.

Emerald Coast Behavioral Hospital can help provide intervention, identify the appropriate level of care, conduct no cost assessments and make referrals when necessary. Assessments are available 24 hours every day. To arrange a confidential assessment at no cost, call 850-763-0017 and ask to speak with an assessment and referral counselor.