Children’s Home BRIDGES™ is Psychiatric Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) providing stabilization and treatment for children and adolescents who are experiencing severe psychiatric symptoms and emotional disturbance. The Program operates year-round and consists of highly-structured therapy and offers scholastic education in cooperation with the licensed staff of the Lincoln Intermediate Unit No. 12.
Our Professional Team
The Bridges™ professional team consists of:
- Two psychiatrists
- Two masters-level clinicians
- Four bachelor’s-level mental health workers
- Registered nurse
- Lincoln Intermediate Unit No. 12 certified special education teachers and teacher assistants
Services Provided
- Individual, Group, and Family Therapy
- Medication Management
- Individualized Mental Health Treatment Plan
- Individualized Education Plan
- Biopsychosocial Assessment
- Psychiatric Evaluation & Collaboration Case Management
- Individualized Behavior Modification Plans- Based on Need
- Coordination of Care
BRIDGES™ uses the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Health Choices Behavioral Health Services Guidelines for Mental Health Medical Necessity Criteria to determine appropriateness of referrals and admissions.
Our clients should meet the following criteria:
- Youth in 1st through 12th grade
- Exhibit behaviors that indicate a risk for unsafe actions toward self or others (self-injurious behaviors)
- Decreased functioning for their developmental level such that the behavioral disturbance requires regular observation and treatment but does not require 24-hour supervision
Admissions
Partial hospitalization must be recommended as the most clinically appropriate and least restrictive service available for the client referred to the BRIDGES™ Program. In addition, the referred individual must demonstrate severe symptoms (problematic behavior and/or severe functional impairment) in one or more of the following areas:
- Suicidal or homicidal ideation
- Impulsivity and/or aggressive behavior
- Psycho/physiological condition (i.e. bulimia nervosa)
- Affect/function impairment
- Psychosocial functional impairment
- Thought impairment or cognitive impairment (other than intellectual disability)
Referral to the Program can be considered for the following: A step-down from acute, inpatient hospitalization or to avoid admission to or as a step down from a Residential Treatment Facility (RTF).
Referrals
Click here to complete a referral for a BRIDGES™ client.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who can make a referral to BRIDGES?
Anyone!
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Complete the referral form by clicking on the question above!
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What ages does the BRIDGES Program work with?
We work with kids in grades 1 -12.
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What does a typical day at BRIDGES look like?
We operate Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 2:15 PM. Our kids are served breakfast and lunch every day in program. The day is a blend of academics and two hours of group therapy- one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon. Education is provided through the Lincoln Intermediate Unit 12. Kids complete assignments based on the curriculum through the LIU, and credits are obtained to meet educational requirements the home school district. Our kids are offered a minimum of one 30-minute individual therapy session a week, family sessions twice a month, treatment team meetings every 20 days, and monthly medication management with the psychiatrist.
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How long will my child be at BRIDGES?
Anywhere from 3-6 months. Most of our kids leave the program after 4 or 5 months and return to school with supports like case management, outpatient, and medication management services.
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If approved, how does my child get to the program?
During the academic year, transportation is provided through the home school district. However, there may be waitlists or a shortage of van drivers, and parents/caregivers may need to transport their child to and from the program.
