North Star Behavioral Health System

North Star Hospital · Anchorage
Child and Preteen (ages 5 to 12)
Teens (ages 13 to 17)

If your child or teen has difficulties which are disrupting school or home, or are having a serious impact on others, there may be a need for more intensive care than is provided in many communities. North Star provides a safe, structured environment for your child to focus on their current needs and build upon their strengths.

Most families call North Star when they don’t know where to turn. Your family’s social worker, therapist, doctor or school counselor may also contact us when your child’s behavior may be risky or dangerous. We listen to you about the situation and help you to decide what to do. Because each child is different, our specialists build a treatment plan just for your son or daughter. Our initial assessments include an individual assessment of the problem and the impact it is having for your child or adolescent and your family. At the time your child or teenager is assessed, we will also involve you in making recommendations that include the types of individual and group therapy activities that will be most effective.

Young people’s age and maturity are also important considerations, as different age groups have different types of concerns and issues. That’s why North Star has programs for children, preteens and teens. By working in a specialized group, young people will receive the type of help that is most effective. In the hospital, we focus on intensive treatment to stabilize your child’s behavior and establish a solid foundation before moving to a more flexible type of treatment. During the time in the hospital, your son or daughter will start intensive counseling and may also begin medication to help in the recovery process. Most children or teens are in the hospital about 30 days before going to outpatient counseling or another type of care.

For detailed information about North Star’s programs, call us or ask for a copy of the Parent Information booklet (under construction). You will find details on what you can expect when your child comes to North Star, things to bring, visiting hours, contact information, and answers to many other questions about your child or adolescent’s stay.

INPATIENT SERVICES

North Star Behavioral Health System offers acute inpatient care which addresses acute problems of a critical nature with highly structured programming designed primarily for the evaluation and treatment of children and adolescents. The average length of stay ranges from a week to a month or longer, depending upon the severity and acuity of the child or adolescent's treatment needs.

ASSESSMENT SERVICES

Our specialized team of nurses and master's level clinicians in the Intake Department have extensive experience in handling mental health issues of young people and families. The staff discusses options, provide referrals or make arrangements for a child's admission to a North Star program. They coordinate with the family or guardian, and make arrangements for you to participate in continuing treatment with the parent's permission. North Star Hospital initial assessments are at no charge to the consumer.

COMMON ISSUES ADDRESSED

· Poor anger management · Poor impulse control · Depression · Anxiety disorders · ADD/ADHD · Physical/Sexual/Emotional abuse history · Family conflict · Oppositional behavior · Safety concerns · Psychotic Disorders ·

PROGRAM FEATURES

The treatment program consists of many components in a multidisciplinary approach. Psychiatrists and other physicians, psychologists, nurses, therapists, social workers, mental health technicians, recreational therapists, alcohol/drug counselors and a dietician work with the children and adolescents on various aspects of their life. This approach includes educational/vocational development, daily living skills, development of interpersonal skills, restoration of family relationship, nutrition and social/leisure skills.

The program progresses through four phases. A youth’s progress depends on his or her compliance with the program rules, working through the youth’s treatment issues, and acting in a socially responsible way. The higher the child or adolescents phase, the more responsibility and privileges the youth has. The program is conducted within the boundaries of a Therapeutic Milieu designed to manage in the least restrictive environment. Safety is a primary goal and interventions in behavior management are prompt and aimed at preventing unsafe behaviors.

Therapeutic components may include: · Individual therapy · Group therapy · Family therapy · Milieu therapy · Recreational therapy · Activity therapy · Medication management · Social Skills Development

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT

Parent involvement is very important for the effectiveness of child and adolescent treatment. Parents participate in treatment planning, discharge planning, and family therapy including Family Night activities. We offer parents a handbook that provides information specific to North Star programs and admission. Just as each child and adolescent’s treatment is individualized, each family is encouraged to be involved in the treatment process.

ACADEMIC PROGRAM

Troubled children and adolescents frequently experience academic and disciplinary problems in school and often fall behind in their studies. The Anchorage School District teaching staff placed at North Star Hospital notifies the child’s school only if an Anchorage School District release of information is completely filled out and signed by the parent or guardian. If the student is from outside the Anchorage, the teacher will attempt to contact their school and obtain current assignments. There are places available on the unit to keep schoolwork and books secure. Finished work will be collected, and sent to the student’s school for grading. If for any reason schoolwork is not received or we are awaiting special education certification status the student will be included in unit based educational activities during the school schedule.

DISCHARGE PLANNING

Discharge planning begins upon admission. It is an essential element in helping to ensure a positive outcome and successful reunification with the family and the community. The discharge plan will help the child and family to identify an appropriate support system and specific short and long-term goals to help provide a successful integration back to the community. The multi-disciplinary treatment team, the child, the parent/guardian and other significant persons in the child’s life help to develop the discharge plan. The physician in charge of your child's treatment will make recommendations or referrals for follow-up care.

Click for a map of the hospital location and driving directions.

info@northstarbhs.com

Hospital & Residential Treatment Centers • Anchorage: DeBarr · Bragaw; Palmer
907.258.7575 | 800.478.7575 · 24-hour crisis

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