A physician may order inpatient hospitalization when the patient's condition cannot be safely or effectively treated on an outpatient basis. The goal is to quickly stabilize the patient's most serious symptoms, allowing for a quick transition to less intensive levels of care.

Acute inpatient care includes:

• A comprehensive therapeutic program with services provided by a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, case managers, licensed clinical therapists, certified teachers, registered nurses and certified recreational therapists.
• Individual/group/family therapy to address issues that may compromise the child's emotional health and/or safety.
• Fully approved school, K-12. Located on-site, the school focuses on preparing the child academically and behaviorally to return to his/her public school or an alternative setting.
• Aggressive discharge planning, which includes assisting the patient in a referral for follow-up treatment. Information on community resources is available to the patient for maximum support post-discharge.
• Financial counseling, which informs you about the benefits of your specific insurance and your personal responsibility. Payment options are available if needed.

Advantages of acute inpatient hospitalization:

• 24-hour nursing observation
• Daily interventions and oversight by a psychiatrist
• Intensive treatment by a physician-led team of mental health professionals
• Safe, controlled and structured environment
• Medication and psychotherapy both used as appropriate
• Approved school program available
• Daily therapeutic programming, seven days a week

Arkansas Psychological Association 2007 Residential Hospital of the Year