Detroit, Michigan’s Trusted Acute Inpatient Program for Children & Teens

At Henry Ford Behavioral Health Hospital, we offer a range of therapies and services in our inpatient program, including: 

• Basic medical care: Our family medicine doctors and nurse practitioners can provide essential medical support to address both immediate and ongoing health concerns.  
• Medication management services: If an adolescent takes medication as part of their care plan, they have daily meetings with our psychiatrist, who assesses the effectiveness of the medication and makes any necessary adjustments. Our nurses can also provide medication management services. 
• Individual therapy: In individual therapy sessions, adolescents can talk openly about their struggles with a skilled social worker, who assists them in setting and achieving goals.  
• Group therapy: Patients can take part in daily group sessions, where they can share their experiences with peers who are on a similar journey, fostering a sense of community and belonging.  
• Family therapy: Parents and guardians have the chance to join their child in weekly family therapy sessions. A social worker guides them through discussions, helping them improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their relationships.  
• Experiential therapy: Adolescents can participate in daily art, music, and recreation therapies. These activities give patients a break from traditional talk therapy and allow them to express themselves in a creative way.

Additionally, our team may incorporate dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) techniques into therapy sessions to help adolescents: 

• Manage intense emotions 
• Enhance interpersonal skills 
• Learn how to voice their feelings 
• Handle stressful situations in a more positive way 
• Improve self-awareness 

At Henry Ford, we believe that effective mental healthcare for adolescents requires a thoughtful, collaborative, and proactive approach. We strive to empower young people by: 

• Offering personalized attention: Our team makes it a priority to gain an in-depth understanding of each adolescent’s unique needs so that we can best support them at each stage of their healing journey.  
• Combining therapies: We use a mix of traditional and innovative therapies to provide a well-rounded care experience that addresses the mental, physical, and social aspects of their well-being. 
• Promoting engagement: We encourage adolescents to take an active role in their healing journey. They have the opportunity to participate in various therapeutic and skill-building activities, enabling them to develop self-confidence, discover personal strengths, and find a sense of purpose. 
• Building a support system: Our team works closely with families to establish a strong support network that enhances the quality of our care and helps adolescents achieve their goals. 
• Creating a nurturing environment: Nestled in a serene, wooded area, our state-of-the-art facility features six distinct outdoor spaces within an integrated medical campus. This unique environment fosters a calming and supportive atmosphere that is conducive to healing. 
• Providing continuous care: We are committed to providing ongoing support so that young people can maintain and build on the progress they’ve made and feel prepared for life after discharge.

Navigating an inpatient program can be an overwhelming experience for a young person. Knowing what to expect can make this transition easier. Here’s an overview of an adolescent’s journey with us: 

• Admissions and assessment: The admissions process begins with an assessment, during which one of our intake specialists gathers information about the adolescent’s needs, symptoms, and medical history, if applicable. 
• Care planning: Our team reviews this information to determine if our inpatient program is a good option for the young person. If so, we begin creating a care plan that is tailored to their unique needs.  
• Daily routine: The adolescent follows a well-organized daily schedule that includes various therapies, recreational activities, and time for relaxation. 
• Continuous evaluation: Throughout the patient’s stay, our team regularly reviews their progress and adjusts their care plan as needed. 
• Discharge planning: We begin planning for the young person’s discharge at the time of their admission. This plan outlines the next steps on their healing journey, which may include stepping down to another level of care, receiving follow-up services, or returning home.

Inpatient care is often recommended for adolescents who are in crisis and require intensive support to regain stability. To determine if an inpatient program could be a good option for your child, consider the following: 

• Is your child’s safety at risk? 
• Have previous mental healthcare services for your child been unsuccessful? 
• Are they having trouble handling daily activities, such as attending school, keeping up with personal hygiene, or engaging in social interactions? 
• Do their symptoms seem to be getting worse? 
• Could your child benefit from a structured environment and professional oversight? 

By reflecting on these questions, you can make a well-informed decision about whether our inpatient program is the right path for your child and begin planning for this important step. 

At Henry Ford, we understand that admitting your child to an inpatient program can be a difficult and emotional decision. As a parent, there are several ways you can support your child and prepare them for this transition: 

• Help with packing: Assist your child with packing essential items, including three changes of clothes, comfortable shoes without laces, and personal hygiene items. You might also consider including paperback books to provide comfort and distraction. 
• Address concerns: Listen to any questions or concerns your child may have, encourage them to express their feelings, and offer reassurance. 
• Educate yourself: Familiarize yourself with the details of our inpatient program, including the therapy methods used, the daily schedule your child will follow, and any support services that are available. This will enable you to explain the process clearly to your child and help them understand what they can expect. 
• Discuss the stay: Have an open conversation with your child about their upcoming stay. Explain why they’ll be participating in the program and how it can improve their well-being.  

We also recognize that this may be a frightening experience for you as a parent. Here are some things you can do to ease your worries while your child is with us: 

• Stay informed: Keep in regular contact with the program’s staff to stay updated on your child’s progress and any changes in their care plan. 
• Connect with support networks: Reach out to parent support groups or counseling services for additional support and advice from others in similar situations. 
• Practice self-care: Make sure that you take care of your own emotional and physical well-being. Balancing your own needs will allow you to provide the best support for your child. 
• Prepare for family sessions: Familiarize yourself with the family therapy sessions offered in the program, and plan to visit and actively participate. These sessions can offer valuable guidance and help you stay connected with your child. 

By taking these actions, you can help your child access the care they need and play a crucial role in their healing process.  

If you’re considering our inpatient program for your child, we encourage you to contact our hospital in West Bloomfield, Michigan, today. Our knowledgeable staff is available to provide more detailed information, answer your questions, and help you understand how we can support your child on their path to wellness. 

At Henry Ford, we believe that every child deserves the chance to live a fulfilling life free from the burdens of pain and distress. Through our comprehensive approach, we will strive to help your child navigate this chapter with confidence and feel more optimistic about the next.