Balancing Demands of school, family & peer relationships can be difficult. That is why Miami Children's Hospital offers comprehensive Psychiatric and Psychological Services for children, adolescents and their families. Outpatient and Inpatient programs, including acute stabilization, diagnostic, and treatment services, are available to meet the emotional and developmental needs of today's youth. Mental health services are provided to patients who range from 4 to 17 years of age. Miami Children's Hospital is the only provider in South Florida of inpatient services for children in that age range. The patients are assigned to either the children's program or the adolescent program dependent upon their chronological age and developmental level. Each program consists of a structured schedule of therapies, activities and educational services.
The psychiatry inpatient program consists of 20 beds within a locked unit designed to meet the needs of the children and adolescents for whom less restrictive environments are inadequate. The unit is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The psychiatry inpatient unit is a licensed Baker Act receiving facility. For more information, please call 305-663-8493.
The most frequent diagnoses are mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and attention deficit disorders (ADD). Patients are assigned to either the children or adolescent Behavior Modification Program. The emphasis is on providing positive reinforcement in the form of praise, group support and rewards for appropriate behaviors.
Outpatient services are Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 9PM. Emergency care is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call 305-666-6511 ext. 2465.
A confidential consultation with our professional staff of Pediatric Psychologists and Psychiatrist may be helpful if your child has experienced any of the following problems:
Divorce in the family
Experimentation with drugs or alcohol
Depression
A sudden change in friends or activities
Family Conflict and arguments
Childhood fears and anxiety
Low self-esteem or withdrawal from family and friends
Sudden gain or loss in weight
Irritability and anger
Poor school performance or a sudden drop in grades
Support Groups are also offered
Staff and Goals:
Care is planned and provided by an interdisciplinary team, which includes the psychiatrist, RN, clinical coordinator, social worker, family therapist, psychologist, activity coordinator and other mental health workers.
All of the staff is trained in Crisis Prevention Intervention de-escalation techniques. Our goal is to provide, structure, and maintain a therapeutic environment in collaboration with the child or adolescent, the family, and the health care providers; to provide the child or adolescent opportunities to acquire adaptive coping skills appropriate to their developmental stage; and to assist the child or adolescent and family to achieve more satisfying and productive patterns of living through health teaching and anticipatory guidance.
The Psychiatric services staff at form Miami Children's Hospital is dedicated to providing you and your child with the high level of care you deserve and expect from Miami Children's Hospital, South Florida's only full service facility. We are available to lend a helping hand.