Teen & Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatric Program in Utah

The healing process requires compassion and support. At Highland Ridge Hospital, we have the tools to help.

About Our Adolescent Psychiatric Services

Adolescent treatment at Highland Ridge Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah

Highland Ridge Hospital provides acute inpatient services for adolescents ages 13-17 who have been experiencing severe symptoms of mental and behavioral health disorders.

The primary goal of the adolescent program is to help adolescents achieve the level of stabilization that will enable them to return home or step down to a lower level of care.

Typical length of stay in our inpatient adolescent program is seven to 10 days. During this time, adolescents receive an array of intensive services. Our program features round-the-clock care provided by a multidisciplinary team of experienced professionals.

The following are examples of the mental and behavioral challenges that may be addressed:

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Conduct disorder
  • Depressive disorders
  • Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
  • Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Substance abuse and addiction
  • Self-harm
  • Suicidal ideation

Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of all the mental and behavioral health concerns that can be treated in our program. To determine if your child can benefit from inpatient adolescent treatment at our center in Salt Lake City, Utah, please contact us.

Types of Treatment

Features of care at our adolescent inpatient treatment center in Salt Lake City, Utah

Treatment in our adolescent inpatient program is a highly personalized experience. Prior to beginning treatment at our center in Salt Lake City, Utah, each adolescent completes a thorough assessment. The information that is collected during this process forms the basis of their personalized treatment plan.

In general terms, care at Highland Ridge features the following elements:

Medical services – Adolescents admitted to our inpatient psychiatric unit have access to 24/7 nursing care. Our nursing staff is prepared to provide basic medical services. If an adolescent develops a health concern that requires a higher level of medical attention, we can refer them to a trusted provider in the Salt Lake City area.

Medication management – Adolescents whose symptoms can be eased or alleviated with prescription medications can receive medication management services while in our program. Young people who receive medication management services will have multiple weekly meetings with a psychiatric provider throughout their time at Highland Ridge.

Group counseling ­­– Groups are a fundamental means of treatment at Highland Ridge. We offer multiple daily groups that address a variety of topics. All groups are led by compassionate professionals who are experienced at helping adolescents who have been struggling with acute mental or behavioral health needs.

Expressive therapies – Adolescents who are receiving treatment at Highland Ridge also have the opportunity to participate in daily expressive therapies. Expressive therapies are dynamic, activity-based experiences that allow adolescents to address and express their thoughts and feelings in unique ways. Expressive therapies promote stabilization while also helping young people discover healthier and more productive leisure activities and recreational pursuits.

Family support – At Highland Ridge, we understand the degree to which families can be impacted when an adolescent struggles with mental or behavioral health concerns. We also appreciate the important role that parents and other loved ones can play during and after a young person’s time in inpatient treatment. We are committed to providing parents and other caregivers with the information they need so that they can best support their child’s continued progress.

Discharge planning – Prior to transitioning out of our adolescent inpatient program, each young person and their family will receive a detailed discharge plan. This thorough document will identify the professional services, community-based resources, peer support groups, and other assets that will assist them in their efforts to maintain and build upon the progress that they made while in our care. As with all other aspects of inpatient treatment for adolescents at Highland Ridge, our discharge plans are personalized according to each adolescent’s unique strengths, needs, goals, and progress.

Importance of Group Counseling

The value of group counseling for adolescents at Highland Ridge Hospital

Groups are valuable opportunities for young people who are receiving treatment at Highland Ridge. Groups provide structured and supportive environments in which adolescents can accomplish the following:

  • Share their thoughts
  • Process their experiences
  • Gain essential information
  • Learn from the insights of others
  • Establish healthy peer relationships
  • Practice productive communication
  • Improve their conflict resolution skills

Groups address a wide range of important topics that are relevant to adolescents’ treatment experiences and future progress. The following are examples of topics that may be addressed via group sessions while an adolescent is receiving inpatient treatment at Highland Ridge:

  • Medication management
  • Stress management
  • Coping skills
  • Self-care
  • Distress tolerance
  • Grounding
  • Triggers
  • Deep breathing
  • Healthy boundaries
  • Effective communication
  • Goal-setting
  • Recreation

Multiple groups are held every day for program participants.

Depending upon the type of group that is being conducted and the topic that is being addressed, groups may be led by one or more of the following professionals: master’s-level clinicians, nurses, behavioral health technicians, and licensed recreation therapists.

Comprehensive Support

Promoting continued success through inpatient adolescent treatment in Salt Lake City, Utah

Highland Ridge is committed to providing comprehensive, personalized support for the adolescents who are entrusted to our care. We are also dedicated to ensuring that parents and caregivers have the information they need to best support their child during and after the young person’s time with us.

Inpatient care for adolescents at Highland Ridge begins with a thorough assessment process, continues with an individualized course of treatment, and concludes with a detailed discharge plan. Every step of the way, our treatment teams continue to monitor each adolescent’s progress and adjust their services to ensure maximum benefit.

Our adolescent inpatient program is a safe, structured, and supportive environment where young people and their families are treated with the dignity and respect that they deserve. When you choose Highland Ridge, you join a healing community that has a rich history of empowering adolescents to achieve long-term success.

To learn more about how Highland Ridge Hospital’s adolescent program can help your child, or for answers to any questions you may have about any aspect of our programming, please contact us at your earliest convenience.

Highland Ridge's programs are unlike any other. They really know their stuff!

– Michelle E.