Upon admission, the child works with his or her individual therapist and treatment team to develop an individual treatment plan that establishes goals specific to that child's needs and gives direction to his or her daily activities. On the cottage, there is a strong focus on positive behaviors, with trained staff helping a child become aware of choices in behaviors and offering positive rewards for choosing well. Also, the child meets with his or her individual therapist and participates in regular group therapy. The cottage has daily groups that support and encourage healthy peer interaction. Positive choices are also exercised in recreational therapy, including activities such as team sports, social skill groups and guided structured play experiences.
All activities are safe and appropriately monitored by trained staff.
Residents attend public school where appropriate. Special academic needs are addressed at the Harpst Academy, located on our campus, until the resident can attend public school. Should there be special medication needs, these are addressed by our board certified psychiatrists and our team of licensed nurses. Depending upon a child's individual treatment goals, successful completion of the treatment program takes six to twenty-four months. The average stay on this unit is 28 days.