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New Perspectives -
Sep, 1999 Issue #61
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MENNINGER
RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT PROGRAM
Maria Luisa Leichtman, PhD
Program Director, Menninger Residential Treatment Program
800-351-9058, ext. 5553
“Menninger offers residential treatment for adolescents, ages 12 to 18. This
program treats youngsters who have moderate to severe psychiatric problems resulting in major difficulties requiring intensive treatment
in a structured setting. Issues may include: depression, reckless behavior, substance abuse, withdrawal and isolation, eating disorders,
deteriorating or failing school work, delinquent behavior, violation of rules and social norms and suicidal thoughts.”
In addition to an intensive psychiatric residential program specifically
designed for these adolescents and their families, they also offer an on-site therapeutic school. “Our program differs from traditional
treatment in that it is ‘intensive’ – it provides services formerly available only in a psychiatric hospital setting. It stresses
mastery of social and adaptation tasks. Adolescents who attend Southard School have access to our center for Learning Disabilities,
and when appropriate, begin classes in a local public high school or university. Many participate in community job training workshops
and some hold part-time jobs. Participation in community activities is also encouraged.”
“The short-term model of treatment emphasizes work with family and managing
the transition in to the community. Particular attention is given to discharge planning with involvement of the educational consultant,
family, and other concerned parties.”
The Program focuses on seven areas: The therapeutic milieu (therapeutic focus
on the events and interactions of daily living), therapies (individual and group therapy), psychopharmacology (treatment team evaluates
possible benefit of medication, with full participation of adolescents and family), family (support and commitment are crucial, with
weekly contact with social workers), educational and vocational training (individually tailored, accredited academic program or vocational
planning and training), activities and adaptive skills (psychodrama, recreation, art, and religious programs), discharge planning
(begins early in treatment to focus on the changes necessary to complete residential treatment, and follow-up plan), professional
staff (multidisciplinary team includes child psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nursing staff, educators, chemical dependency
counselors, and family as active participants).
Lengths of stay range from two to six months. Menninger residential treatment
staff work closely as partners with referring professionals to assure continuity of care. They also collaborate with case managers,
insurance companies, and managed care organizations to reduce treatment costs. Every effort is made to minimize lengths of stay and
return patients to the least restrictive environment with carefully developed aftercare plans in place.
Copyright © 1999, Woodbury Reports, Inc. (This article may be reproduced without
prior approval if the copyright notice and proper publication and author attribution accompanies the copy.)
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