Adolescent Inpatient

Adolescence can be a difficult time. Young people face unique pressures from school and social media in addition to having to navigate developmental and biological changes. At our hospital in North Port, Florida, we understand that the challenges of adolescence can play a role in the development of mental health concerns. We also recognize that a person’s age and developmental stage can affect how they respond to certain forms of care.  

To ensure that younger patients receive the focused services they need in the environment that is best suited to them, we have tailored our adolescent inpatient program to meet the specific needs of this population. When an adolescent comes to our hospital in North Port, they receive a comprehensive assessment that allows us to gather the information we need to create an individualized plan of care. This care plan guides the adolescent throughout their time in our inpatient program. 

Depending on a patient’s personalized care plan, they may receive the following services: 

• Medical care: Physicians and registered nurses are able to provide basic medical care as needed throughout a patient’s stay. All adolescents receive a medical assessment at the time of admission, and follow-up care is scheduled based on their needs. 
• Medication management services: In our adolescent inpatient program, patients meet with a psychiatric provider daily for medication management services. Physicians, pharmacists, and registered nurses administer medications and work closely with patients to monitor the effects of those medications. 
• Individual therapy: Qualified mental health professionals provide confidential, one-on-one individual therapy sessions as needed for patients in our adolescent inpatient program. 
• Family therapy: Family involvement can be a crucial aspect of an adolescent’s care. For this reason, our team offers family therapy sessions on an as-needed basis. 

Group therapy is the primary treatment method used in our North Port adolescent inpatient program, with all patients taking part in group therapy sessions four times each day. These groups are led by our social services team, recreational therapists, registered nurses, and behavioral health associates. Group therapy sessions include discussions on a variety of topics, such as: 

• Goal setting 
• Life skills development 
• Healthy coping mechanisms 
• Relapse prevention 
• Mental health education 

Group therapy has the added benefit of providing adolescents with an opportunity to give support to and receive support from their peers. This can help remove the sense of isolation many kids feel and give them a community that can encourage them on their healing journeys. 

Each adolescent’s personalized care plan incorporates various therapeutic modalities. Our goal is not just to help your child stabilize but to teach them skills they can use long after they leave our North Port, Florida, inpatient program. To do this, we use therapies that are research-backed and have proved to help adolescents, including: 

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT helps adolescents gain an understanding of the connection between thoughts, feelings, and actions. We teach them to challenge negative thoughts, which can help lead to healthier behaviors and improved mood regulation. 
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT is known to be successful in helping young people who struggle with intense emotions. The goal with DBT is to teach mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation. These skills can be vital in helping kids navigate crises. 
• Motivational interviewing: We believe in the importance of helping adolescents find their own motivation for change. Instead of forcing compliance, we aim to help kids set their own goals and provide encouragement as they work toward achieving those goals. This can help them build their confidence and increases the likelihood of long-term success. 

Inpatient care at North Port Behavioral Health offers a variety of immediate and long-term benefits for patients and their families.  

Examples of the many beneficial features of our inpatient programming for adolescents include: 

• Personalized programming: At North Port Behavioral Health, there is no such thing as “just another patient.” We’re committed to ensuring that every young person has a truly personalized experience while they’re in our care. We’ll work closely with you and your child to identify the full scope of their needs and determine which services are right for them. 
• Experienced and compassionate professionals: Patients in our adolescent inpatient program in North Port, Florida, are cared for by a dedicated team of skilled professionals. Every member of our staff, including our medical, clinical, administrative, and support personnel, shares an unwavering commitment to providing quality service in a dignified and respectful manner.  
• Safe and supportive environment: The moment your child enters our hospital, they are in a safe place where they will benefit from round-the-clock supervision and support. We understand that choosing inpatient treatment for your child can be a difficult decision. When you choose North Port Behavioral Health, you can rest assured that your child’s well-being will be our top priority.  
• Detailed discharge planning: Inpatient care at our hospital is a short-term service that typically lasts four to six days and is designed to prepare adolescents to make long-term progress. To support this goal, we develop a detailed discharge plan for each patient. Before your child transitions out of our care, you will receive a plan that identifies professional referrals, community-based services, and other relevant resources that will help your child make sustained progress in the months and years to come. 

Choosing a hospital for your child can be a heavy decision. Here are some reasons why you can feel confident in sending your child to North Port Behavioral Health: 

• Speed of access to care: The admissions process is simple and flexible. We offer immediate assessments 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are no long waitlists to navigate. Families can call ahead and schedule an appointment, they can walk into our hospital, or they can be referred by a healthcare provider. 
• Expert team of professionals: Our experienced team of professionals is dedicated to providing care that makes a lasting difference. Our staff is made up of professionals from a variety of clinical backgrounds, ensuring that your child receives well-rounded care. 
• Comprehensive care: We address the medical, psychological, and social aspects of mental health. 
• Homelike environment: We want our patients to be as comfortable as possible while at our hospital. Adolescents reside in a private unit specifically for their age group, and they have access to a private outdoor courtyard where they can spend time outside while remaining safe. 
• Skills focused: We focus on providing whole-person care, teaching coping skills that last a lifetime. 
• Care near home: We are part of your community, ready to help you when you need it most. 

At North Port Behavioral Health in North Port, Florida, we are committed to being a beacon of hope for families. We help adolescents navigate their darkest moments, guiding them toward a brighter future. Contact us today to learn more about our adolescent inpatient program and the services we provide or to get answers to any questions you may have.