Children and adolescents can experience severe emotions, feelings or behaviors that cause problems in their lives and the lives of those around them. These problems may require the help of mental health professionals. Meriter's Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Hospital provides sensitive, responsive and innovative treatment for youth with mental health problems and disorders.

In the United States, an estimated 11 percent of children age 9-17 have diagnosable psychiatric or addictive disorders that cuase significant functional impairment. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for teens.

Meriter's Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Hospital offers the only community-based inpatient mental health program for childen and adolescents in south-cental Wisconsin. Our staff works with the patient and family to develop an individualized plan of care based on evaluation results.

Our Facility

Meriter Hospital offers the only community-based inpatient child and adolescent psychiatry program in southcentral Wisconsin. Dedicated to meeting the unique needs of children and teens who require inpatient psychiatric care, Meriter's Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Hospital is located in southwest Madison. Our 20-bed inpatient facility offers:

• A secure and closely monitored setting
• Private rooms
• A classroom for ongoing academic instructions
• Gym and outdoor recreational space
• A calming room

Clinical Staff

Our highly regarded team has specilized training and experience in the area of child and adolescent mental health treatment. The treatment team includes child and adolescent psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, occupational and recreational therapists, social workers, mental health specialists and certified teachers.

Conditions We Treat

Meriter's Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Hospital treats patients affected by a variety of psychiatric illnesses; common patients concerns include:

• Depressive disorders
• Bipolar disorders (manic-depressive illness)
• Social withdrawal
• Self-harming behaviors
• Attention and concentration difficulties
• Phobias and other anxiety disorders
• Thought disorders

Clinical Assessments and Screenings

Meriter's personalized program begins with a full evaluation by a board certified chid and adolescent psychiatrist to identify the scope and severity of problems. Depending on each patient's symptoms, assessments may include any of the following:

• Diagnostic clarification
• Medication management
• Living and functional skills assessments
• Sensory assessment
• Neuro-psychological testing
• Additional medical testing, including lab evaluations and medical imaging

Therapeutic Activities Offered

Based on evaluation results, our hospital staff works with the patient's psychiatrist and family to develop an individualized treatment plan. Treatment ranges from intensive one-on-one counseling to group activities. Typical treatment activities include:

• One-on-one support and counseling
• Crisis intervention with a focus on recovery
• Problem-solving
• Training in assertive communication
• Social skills enhancement, focused on managing emotions and developing mindfulness
• Educational programs
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) 
• Occupational therapy
• Recreational therapy
• Exercise and movement activities
• Individual tutoring 
• Family therapy sessions and education
• Parent education and support sessions

Family Involvement

      
Positive change is most often initiated and facilitated through the family. We encourage parents and other adults to be involved in family therapy sessions.

Referrals

We welcome referrals from psychiatrists, mental health professionals, social service agencies, school systems and insurance companies. We evaluate potential patients for admission to learn which treatment option - inpatient, partial or outpatient - is most appropriate to the individual's needs.

Payment/Insurance Information

Most insurance policies cover mental health services. If you have questions about your coverage, please contact your insurance provider.

Related Services

   
Meriter Hospital also offers:

• Mental health consultation services for patients hospitalized on Meriter's medical and surgical units, and for those patients seen in Emergency Services.
• Mental health services for adults.
• NewStart, a chemical dependency treatment program for adults and adolescents.

Accreditation

Meriter's mental health and substance use disorder programs are certified by The Joint Commission and by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Division of Quality Assurance.