Stonington Institute Adolescent Programs

The Acute Inpatient Psychiatric Unit at Stonington Institute is designed to treat adolescent females aged 12-18 in need of crisis intervention for psychiatric issues. We offer the following:

· Comprehensive intake screening and assessment

· Multi-disciplinary treatment approach lead by a Psychiatrist and including a Masters Level Clinician, Dietitian, Registered Nurse, Mental Health Worker, Art Therapist, and Recreation Therapist

· Individualized treatment plan focusing on attainable short and long term goals established with the multi-disciplinary team, the client, their family/guardian, and referring professional if appropriate.

· Individual, Group, and Family Therapy

· Full educational program with certified tutor

· Medication management

· Transition and aftercare planning

Residential Treatment Program

- Available to both males and females ages 12-17 who are experiencing emotional or behavioral problems including drug and alcohol abuse

- Average length of stay is about 9 months

- Special attention given to developmental needs, with a focus on family treatment and the integration of individualized educational services

- The preferred treatment model of choice is the psychosocial model, complimented with a 12-step program and balanced with a strong experiential educational component. The model also includes psychoeducation with a strong emphasis on a cognitive behavioral approach

- Therapy techniques include: professional therapy in a group and individual setting; medication management; individualized treatment planning; special attention to learning disabilities and co-existing disorders; active 12-step participation; relapse prevention planning; experiential education; and comprehensive educational services

- Services also provided to adjudicated adolescents such as security needs, legal dispositions and court rulings

- Comprehensive Nursing Intake Assessment completed on all clients within 24 hours of admission and information utilized in development of individualized treatment plan as well as goals and objectives

- Staffing comprised of a multi-disciplinary team including a mix of clinical, educational, nursing, medical, experiential, recreational, and administrative staff. Clinical staff includes licensed social workers, family therapists, CADC counselors, clinical child psychologists and a psychiatrist

- Educational services provided at Stonington Institute School, a private special education facility licensed by the State of CT Department of Education

- Aftercare is a critical component of the individual treatment plan, with the focus being goal directed and measurable

Intensive Residential Treatment Center

The Stonington Institute Intensive Residential Treatment Center (IRTC) provides a setting for the treatment of mild to moderate developmentally disabled, ambulatory, adolescent male clients aged 12 through 18 with co-occurring psychiatric diagnosis (es) and/or with mild to moderate behavioral challenges, such as attentional and motivational deficits, as well as social and life skill deficits requiring cognitive, skill, and behavior management training. In addition to being identified with mild to moderate mental retardation with an IQ range of 50-70, other Developmental Disorders treated include Borderline Intellectual Functioning (IQ to 75), Aspergers Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, and Autism. Clients may also have been previously diagnosed with a psychiatric disturbance, either mental health or substance abuse. Clients may also have a history of psychiatric trauma.

The primary goal of the program is to select and implement intervention strategies that are likely to improve the symptoms and functioning of the adolescent, to offer parent training, when appropriate, in behavioral management, and for transition of clients back to their home community and to the least restrictive living environment possible. This is accomplished while recognizing client dignity, affirming their choices and ability to contribute, and helping them become as productive and self-reliant as possible.

Program components include:

An unlocked unit consisting of a 10-bed intensive residential treatment program for developmentally disabled
adolescent clients with co-occurring psychiatric diagnosis (es)
Serving ambulatory male adolescents ages 12-18 with moderate to mild mental retardation (IQ of 50-75)
and/or other mild to moderate developmental disabilities and mental health and/or substance abuse issues
Developmental disorders treated include Mental Retardation, Aspergers Disorder, Pervasive Developmental
Disorder, and Autism Spectrum (IQ min. 50; no max)
Average length of stay is up to 6 months
24 hour staff supervision (1 to 2.5 staff ratio days and 1 to 3.3 nights)
Diagnostic, clinical and behavioral assessments
Individualized treatment planning for each client and family
Medication management
Focus on behavior modification and development of independent living skills
Appropriate educational needs addressed in on-site accredited special education program
Family therapy when appropriate; parent support and education groups
Psychiatrist, psychologist and case manager provide daily services
Experiential, music and art therapies
On-site 24 hour nursing
In home aftercare with mobile emergency services
Facilities include playing fields, a high and low ropes course, a rock climbing wall, a pond for
fishing, and plenty of hiking trails highlighting a serene setting

Experiential Learning Program

The Experiential Learning Program here at Stonington Institute is based on the belief that changing behavior requires engaging the mind-challenging both the mind and body in a structured, disciplined, professional setting free of negative symbols and influences. The elements of creative therapy and recreation include new and different experiences designed to encourage teamwork, sportsmanship, trust, respect, communication skills and the recognition of personal strengths. These activities may include hiking, team sports such as volleyball, basketball and softball, initiative games, creative writing, art and movement. Our adolescent boys have recently started a travel basketball team, and have been competing against local schools in the area. They also may include a high ropes course, a low ropes course, an obstacle course, a rock climbing wall and a new on-site organic gardening program. These elements are physically involving and mentally challenging, and require participants to learn to trust each other, work together to help complete the course(s), and acknowledge each other’s strengths, skills and experience. In essence, the ropes courses are an analogy for life. The more proficient one becomes, the more these skills can enhance recovery, ease stress, build self-confidence and promote personal growth and leadership skills, all critical aspects in helping individuals to cope more successfully with the issues of mental health and substance abuse that will always be a part of their everyday lives. It gives participants the opportunity to learn how to “close the door on old habits while opening doors of new growth and change.”

Educational Services

The Stonington Institute School is dedicated to providing a comprehensive, high quality educational experience for all of our students. School staff collaborates closely with clinical, medical and residential personnel to ensure that students live and learn in a consistent environment based upon high expectations and one that is conducive to future success.

The school program, which is fully licensed by the Connecticut State Department of Education and which follows an approved state high school curriculum, is designed to meet individual student needs while providing the academic tools for future academic success. Our administrative staff works closely with the student’s home school district to place the student in courses that will maximize the student’s potential for success. Our faculty, who are all certified special education teachers, offer a strong academic program in both core subjects and electives while understanding the unique social and emotional needs of our students.

Stonington Institute is owned and operated by a subsidiary of Universal Health Services, Inc., one of the leading hospital management companies in the nation.

For more information on the company visit www.uhsinc.com.

Last modified: 10/10/06