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Children

Children

Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children

At Midwest Center for Youth & Families, we are proud to offer specialized residential treatment for children who struggle with complex mental illnesses. We treat conditions such as bipolar disorder, borderline features, depression, severe ADHD, suicidal and self-harming behaviors as well as the long term effects of low self-esteem in a positive, supportive therapeutic environment.

The focus of DBT is to teach specific skills so that children can learn to feel more in control of their feelings, and parents can learn to respond to their children’s emotions with a greater sense of acceptance and understanding. Our family-centered program provides educational resources for both our residents and their families so that healing can continue at home.

We serve male and female youth ages 10 and over. Our locked and secure therapeutic residential units are separated by age and gender.

Our Residential DBT Treatment Program

While the approach and implementation of our full-immersion DBT program may be adapted for the age and sex of the youth we serve, each resident’s treatment will include the following:

  • Your child will be immersed in a youth-centered, validating, supportive therapeutic environment where DBT-trained staff will work daily with your child to teach, coach and give them feedback on their progress.
  • We complete a comprehensive emotional, physical, intellectual, social and psychiatric needs assessment and evaluation for every individual admitted to our program.
  • Your child will have an individualized treatment plan developed just for them — one that is geared to their unique needs, strengths, attributes and diagnosis.
  • A multiple-disciplinary treatment team will plan, provide and evaluate your child’s treatment and progress, in coordination with the resident, family and referral source.
  • Your child may benefit from the regularly scheduled therapeutic program on every unit:
    • Weekly individual therapy
    • Substance abuse treatment for youth who require education regarding substance use and its impact on their mental health
    • Psychiatric evaluation and medication monitoring
    • Daily, specialized, age-appropriate and gender-focused group therapy
    • Weekly family therapy
    • Equine Assisted Therapy
    • Activity groups using music, art, teambuilding, a ropes course and pet therapy
  • Our family-inclusive DBT treatment program requires and provides for family education, participation and visitation with their child.
  • Licensed nursing staff is present on every unit, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to give oversight and medical support to your child.
  • Ongoing, year-round, core curriculum education for the primary and secondary grades is provided by licensed teachers in our on-grounds, accredited school.
  • Our residential units provide a locked and secure environment for your child.
  • A nutrition screening and meal plan are developed for all residents by a licensed dietician.
  • Community-based recreational activities and outings are planned and organized by a recreational therapist to allow your child to practice their newly learned DBT skills in a natural setting.
  • Our services are designed and implemented in a culturally sensitive framework to acknowledge and honor differences among individuals, families and communities.

Take the First Step

Find out how Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) at Midwest Center for Youth & Families can help your child find hope and healing. Call 888-629-3471 for a no-cost, confidential assessment. If you or your loved one need immediate medical assistance, contact 911 or seek the nearest emergency room.