Child and Adolescent Partial Hospitalization

Your child will be participating in multiple groups throughout the day such as skills group, psychotherapy group, art therapy, recreational therapy, music therapy, and occupational therapy.  Additionally, your child will participate in weekly individual and family therapy sessions. Your child will meet with a psychiatry provider two times per week that will direct patient care and manage any psychotropic medications your child may be taking.

Your child will learn how to regulate his or her emotions and understand why this regulation is important. Your child will also grow in his or her understanding of how therapy works, which will make outpatient appointments more effective. Your child will begin to understand and apply a variety of strategies such as mindfulness, coping skills, communication skills, and anger management skills. Most significantly, it is likely that your child will experience an increase in self-esteem and self-acceptance while at Clara’s House.

Your child will become part of a small group that includes peers of similar age in addition to a core group of staff. The staff on each unit function as a multidisciplinary team including a medical doctor (psychiatrist), clinical nurse specialist, psychotherapist, registered nurse, program facilitator, behavioral health associate, classroom teacher and paraprofessional. Specialty staff, who work with children from each of the units, consist of two art therapists, a recreational therapist, music therapist, occupational therapist and an occupational therapist assistant.

• Participate in the admission process which lasts about 2-3 hours (this can be shorter or longer depending on complexity).
• Complete and return the mandatory communication sheet daily.
• Return phone calls as quickly as possible.
• Ensure that your child attends programming each day unless ill.
• Share concerns, ask questions, and let staff know what would help your child.
• Engage your child by asking about his or her day at Clara’s House and review/reinforce what your child is learning about.
• Participate in family therapy sessions weekly, as family involvement is critical for optimal patient care and progress.
• Attend a discharge planning meeting toward the end of your child’s stay that can include staff from your child’s school and any other professionals that may be involved in your child’s life.

Clara’s House collaborates with District 742 so that education is provided for two hours daily, for school-aged children. The teacher at Clara's House will be in contact with you and the appropriate school staff during the child's treatment stay.

For children that are school age, he or she's home school district is responsible for providing transportation during their stay at Clara's House − with a few exceptions. The teachers at Clara's House will help with these arrangements at the time of admission, so it is helpful for the caregiver to have a plan until transportation is set up. Clara's House is open on non-school days, yet caregivers are responsible for transportation. Medical transportation may be an option.

Unfortunately, no. Insurance will only cover the services of one provider and one therapist at a time. However, know that your child will be seen regularly by a psychiatry provider and therapist throughout the duration of his or her stay at Clara’s House. Please put outside psychiatric, therapy and skills appointments on hold while your child is at Clara’s House.

Each kid is given a binder to help organize the information received from Clara’s House staff. Younger children will receive a Clara’s House tool bag that contains fidgets and other helpful calming tools. Kids are introduced to a lot of new information, so having these materials helps them teach family members what they are learning about in addition to providing a good review for them after discharge.

It is important that patients have their Clara’s House binder and completed communication sheet each day. We go outside for recess on most days so a jacket, hat, gloves, snow pants, and boots are necessary. There is also a gym at Clara’s House, so tennis shoes are helpful. Toys are discouraged because they can be distracting. Electronic devices will be secured upon arrival and returned for use at the end of the day. You will be informed if any other items are necessary.

Family therapy helps improve the overall functioning of the family by addressing needs such as improving communication, strengthening relationships, and increasing each family member’s understanding of alternative perspectives/feelings.

One of the most important goals at Clara’s House is the development of a plan to establish services and routines that will help your child maintain the progress made during his or her time at Clara’s House. Some of these services may include outpatient therapy, psychiatry appointments, case management services, and in-home therapy/skills. Your child’s school will also be contacted to help with the creation of a plan for academic success. It is very important that you as a parent establish relationships with these service providers.

“Parents Supporting Parents” is a virtual support group that is free of charge to all caregivers who have children attending Clara’s House Program. Groups meet virtually each Wednesday from 5:15-6:15 p.m. and Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Early Childhood (age 3-5) parents will have a separate support group/skills meeting that will be communicated with you at intake.

Your attendance is vital to your child's success. This is a unique opportunity for parents like you to connect with other parents who may be facing similar life situations as you. This group can help you help your child maintain progress throughout our program as well as be a place for you to grow in your skills and gain support in your parenting. We want you to get the most out of your child’s time at Clara’s House.