Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health Inpatient Services
Welcome to the Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health Inpatient Unit
At Independence Health System, we understand that seeking care for your
child’s mental health can be overwhelming. The Latrobe Hospital
Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health Inpatient Unit is designed to
provide comprehensive, compassionate care in a supportive, structured
environment to help children and adolescents overcome behavioral and emotional
challenges.
What is a Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Inpatient Unit?
The Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Inpatient Unit is a specialized
hospital-based program where children and teens receive round-the-clock
care for mental health concerns. Inpatient care is designed for youth
who are struggling with severe emotional or behavioral difficulties, such
as depression, anxiety, trauma, or intense anger, that cannot be managed
safely at home or in outpatient settings.
These units are vital in providing immediate stabilization and intensive
therapeutic interventions. Children and adolescents often face unique
challenges that can affect their mental well-being, such as trauma, peer
pressures, academic stress, or family issues. Our goal is to provide a
safe and nurturing environment where young patients can focus on healing,
learning essential coping strategies, and building the foundation for
long-term emotional health.
Why is the Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Inpatient Unit Important?
The Latrobe Hospital based Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health inpatient
units offer a comprehensive approach to care right here in Westmoreland
County. The unit provides a structured environment where children can
engage in socialization and specialized therapies, receive consistent
psychiatric care, and work on practical skills to manage their behaviors.
This treatment model allows us to focus on the unique emotional, psychological,
and social needs of young patients, providing them with the necessary
tools to cope with and manage their mental health challenges.
Our multidisciplinary team works closely with each patient, their family,
and their support network to address the root causes of behavioral concerns
and foster a path toward recovery. The ultimate goal is to help young
patients return to their communities equipped with the skills and coping
mechanisms they need to succeed at home, in school, and within their relationships.
What to Expect During Your Child's Stay
We understand that an inpatient stay can be an unfamiliar and often stressful
experience for families. It is the intention of the staff and purpose
of this program to provide patients with self-awareness regarding their
behavior and to provide education on prescribed medications as well as
psychoeducation on individual patient diagnosis.
The Admission Process
Admission to our unit typically begins through an evaluation in the emergency
room. After an evaluation by a medical physician, health care professional,
behavioral health staff, and psychiatrist, the decision is made whether
hospitalization is necessary.
The Inpatient Program
The inpatient program is designed to keep patients actively engaged in
a structured and therapeutic setting. The unit is designed to assess and
meet the social, emotional, and physical needs of each patient. There
are a range of therapeutic activities aimed at helping patients develop
important life skills, self-awareness, and positive coping mechanisms.
Two of the key features of the inpatient program include:
Therapeutic Groups: These include socialization groups, art therapy, educational sessions,
and anger management techniques to help your child learn and grow.
Daily Routines: Patients will participate in a structured daily routine, which includes
attending all scheduled treatment groups, maintaining safe and respectful
behavior, and adhering to medication protocols.
A Patient-Centered Approach to Care
Patient-centered care is the cornerstone of our program. We aim to provide
individualized attention to each child, respecting their unique needs
and working to develop personalized treatment plans. Successful participation
in treatment is key to positive outcomes, and we encourage open communication
between patients, families, and the treatment team to create an environment
of trust and collaboration.
Our team of dedicated professionals, including psychiatrists, therapists,
nurses, and social workers, provides a holistic approach to treatment.
The focus is on helping each patient:
Build Coping Skills: Techniques to manage stress, anxiety, and anger, and develop healthier
emotional responses.
Improve Social Skills: Learning how to interact and communicate effectively with peers and adults.
Foster Self-Awareness: Understanding one’s own behaviors, emotions, and how to manage
them appropriately.
Learn Life Skills: Practical tools for success at school, at home, and in the community,
with an emphasis on emotional regulation and decision-making.
Our therapeutic interventions aim to help children and adolescents not
only manage their current challenges but also thrive in the future. The
ultimate goal is to ensure long-term success and well-being by providing
them with the tools, support, and confidence they need to succeed in everyday life.
Helpful Phone Numbers to Learn More and Receive Support
Latrobe Hospital Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health Inpatient Unit 24-hour inpatient psychiatric care
724-537-1989
Latrobe Hospital Outpatient Behavioral Health Outpatient medication management and therapy
724-537-1650
Westmoreland Case Management & Supports, Inc. (WCSI) Support, family-based services, case management and resources
724-837-1808
Westmoreland County Crisis Hotline 24-hour Mobile Crisis
1-800-836-6010
Mental Health America Community resources and support groups
724-834-6351
Westmoreland County Children's Bureau
Assistance with legal and/or safety concerns and resources
724-830-3301
Family Advocacy & Support of Westmoreland County Parent and child educational services
724-838-9074 or
724-396-5617
