Child and Adolescent Acute Inpatient Treatment

At University Behavioral Center, we are committed to cultivating the healing and growth that’s needed for children and teens to live healthy and fulfilling lives. University Behavioral Center offers programming for individuals under voluntary status as well as Baker Act status and provides short-term crisis stabilization for the youth in our care. Our programs are designed for children and adolescents ages 5 to 17. We utilize many different modalities of therapy including art, group, individual and trauma focused techniques. This includes use of our wellness center, yoga class, music activities, and more.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a well-researched and comprehensive treatment approach designed to help people who have difficulty in regulating their emotions. DBT provides the skills necessary to increase distress tolerance, manage emotions, improve interpersonal effectiveness and develop mindfulness, ultimately helping youth move toward having a life that feels more meaningful and worthwhile.

Complex Medical Issues

It is the policy of University Behavioral Center that every youth admitted has a History & Physical with Complex Medical Issues (if present) documented within 24 hours of admission, and a Psychiatric Evaluation with Axis III documented within 24 hours of admission. A thorough assessment of each child or adolescent’s complex medical issue is documented in the History & Physical. Any illness is monitored on an ongoing basis by contracted medical physicians. If necessary, we refer patients to a specialist for direct access visits to follow the course of the illness. A treatment plan appropriate to the condition is established and implemented, with visits to the specialist to continue monitoring the illness and treating it appropriately.

Trauma-Informed Care

Trauma-Informed Care is defined as mental health treatment that is directed by understanding the profound trauma impact on neurological, biological, psychological and social aspects. A high percentage of persons who receive mental health services have traumatic experiences, and we understand that this may apply to the children and adolescents in our care as well.

At University Behavioral Center, we are mindful about utilizing a trauma informed care approach in a patient’s individualized treatment plan when clinically appropriate.

University Behavioral Center offers no-cost, confidential assessments for individuals in need of mental health or substance abuse treatment. Our staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to schedule assessments. Call us any time at 407-281-7000 or complete and submit our online contact form. If you need immediate medical assistance, contact 911 or seek the nearest emergency room.