Excelsior Expands Day Treatment Programming

Day Treatment has been an important part of Excelsior's continuum of treatment services, supporting at-risk girls ages 11-18 and their families by providing a safe, structured environment as an alternative to removal from their families. These girls are behaviorally and emotionally stable enough to reside safely in the community but struggle to function effectively in the public school setting.

The goal is to provide a fully accredited school program with individual, group and family therapy. Upon admission, a Needs and Strengths Assessment will be completed using a variety of evidence based tests . A Psychiatric Evaluation is completed to determine the client's clinical diagnosis and to review medication history along with the development of a treatment plan with short-term and long-term goals and objectives. Additionally an Aftercare Plan will be developed by Excelsior's Aftercare Coordinator, the treatment team and family to help indentify transitional needs and resources.

While in Day Treatment, girls will work in weekly Individual Therapy to address diagnosed problems, teach new coping skills, promote effective choices, and promote healthy problem solving and goal setting. Girls and their families will have on-site Family Therapy sessions, telephone consultation, 24 hours crisis telephone support/intervention and on-site Impact Family
Girls participate in Specialized Group Therapy on site to address a multitude of treatment issues. Typical group topics may include: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Substance Abuse, Anger Management, Healthy Relationships, Survivors of Sexual Abuse, Relapse Prevention, Life Skills, and Family Dynamics. Medication Management is completed weekly by the therapist in consultation with the psychiatrist and medication management when appropriate.

Transportation is available to bring clients to the campus and return them after the school day; this promotes consistent attendance and improved school performance.

Programming During School Breaks is provided for clients on days that school is traditionally out (ie: holidays, no contact school days, etc.)

Structured Afternoon/Evening Care is available for parents who are in need of additional support prior to getting off work. Parents can pick up their child on the way home from work. During their time on campus, clients are involved in activities such as study hall, additional group time and recreational therapy opportunities.

Educational Services are provided by Excelsior's Junior/Senior High School which is accredited by the Colorado Department of Education and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. Each student has an (Individualized Education Plan) or PLP (Personal Learning Plan) which outlining the goals and objectives that help the student learn best. Students are able to work in core subject area classes (English, math, science, social studies), as well as art, music, physical education and variety of elective classes (i.e.; women's studies, computer applications, etc.), vocation training and General Educational Development (GED) preparation. Additional educational supports such as speech/language therapy are available.


Enhanced Day Treatment provides additional services to support clients and families to include the following at a supplemental rate. These services include:

• In-Home Impact Family Therapy and Behavior Coaching - In-Home Family Therapy and Behavior Coaching for up to 6 hours a week.
  

• Overnight Crisis Care and Hospital Diversion can be provided on campus in one of the residential units for 1-2 nights at the Day Treatment rate. Additional nights available at the residential rate on approval from the social worker, placing agency and/or courts.

• Additional Psychological Testing and Assessment - Excelsior's psychologist can complete additional mental health and/or educational needs/functioning.

• Parenting Group - Excelsior provides groups to parents that are supportive and psycho-educational.
  
  

Referrals and Admission:

Referrals will be accepted from county human services agencies, school districts, juvenile courts and families placing privately by contacting the admissions department at Excelsior:

Christy Pennington, LPC
Admissions Manager
303-693-1550, ext 228
christyp@excelsioryc.org

Jim Uhernik, LPC
Director of Business Development and Admissions
303-693-1550, ext 212
jimu@excelsioryc.org

Decisions for admission are generally made quickly, and clients may begin the program within 24 hours of completion of the intake process.