Pediatric Behavioral Health
The Pediatric Behavioral Health Unit at Kentucky Children's Hospital provides care for children and teens ages 5 to 17 who are struggling with mental or behavioral health concerns.
Our team of psychiatrists, clinicians, nurses and staff work together to understand what’s going on and how to help.
Our 17-bed inpatient program offers a safe and secure environment for recovery. We offer therapeutic programming daily, along with individual and group therapy for our young patients.
Patient treatment and safety are our top priorities. We take a team-based approach to behavioral health treatment. Our providers, nursing and patient safety companions are trained to support at-risk patients who need continuous one-on-one supervision.
Our goal is to help your child feel better and to give your family peace of mind.
Who we treat
We admit and treat children and adolescents ages 5 to 17 who are experiencing acute mental illnesses and behavioral issues, such as:
- Depression
- Self-harm/suicidal thoughts
- Severe anxiety
- Eating disorders
- Disruptive behaviors
- Effects of bullying
Treatment
Group sessions
Group sessions are an important part of care. Led by nurses, therapists, social workers and mental health associates, these sessions happen several times a day. Sessions are offered in a safe, supportive setting. By speaking openly and listening to others, patients learn to be empathetic and discover they are not alone. Working with staff, patients set and work to achieve personal goals daily. The lessons and coping skills learned in group sessions can benefit patients for a lifetime. To protect privacy, we ask that what’s shared in group remain private.
Recreation therapy
Recreation therapy allows patients to relax and express themselves in healthy ways. Patients can listen to music, paint, color, play ping-pong or air hockey, draw or play video games. Activities give patients the tools to express themselves creatively and open up to face their issues. Recreation therapy is offered twice a day — in the morning and afternoon. A third evening session may be available as a reward for positive behavior. This offers a calming way to wind down before bedtime.
Music and art therapy
Music and art therapists from UK HealthCare’s Integrative Medicine and Health team provide creative support to aid in treatment. Music therapists use music-based techniques to help patients manage stress, express feelings, improve communication and work toward personal goals. Art therapy encourages creative expression. Through art, patients explore feelings, resolve internal conflict and achieve personal growth.
Pet therapy
On Friday afternoons, therapy dogs visit as part of our animal therapy program. These friendly companions come with a trained volunteer handler. For many patients, spending time with these dogs helps build confidence and motivates them to keep moving forward.
Individual sessions
Each patient meets with their psychiatrist or advanced practice provider daily. Some patients also have additional sessions with a psychologist or licensed clinical social worker, depending on their needs. Sessions give patients a chance to get focused support. Clinicians use this time to better understand what each patient is going through, track progress, and find the treatments that work best.
Family session
A family session is scheduled within 24-48 hours of a patient being admitted. A social worker will call to set a time that works best for your family.
Quiet/free time
Three times a day, patients have quiet/free time. They can read, nap, do homework, journal and socialize with staff and fellow patients.
School session
Fayette County schools provide a full-time teacher for adolescents in our care for more than five days. The teacher works with each patient twice a week. This helps teens stay on track with school and homework.
Spiritual group (optional)
Each evening, patients have the option to meet with our staff chaplain. Our Pediatric Behavioral Health Unit is the only inpatient facility of its kind in Lexington with a dedicated chaplain on staff. The chaplain is here to listen, offer comfort, and support each patient’s emotional and spiritual well-being — no matter their faith, background or beliefs. We believe healing includes the mind, body and spirit.
Treatment team
We have a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers. A child’s treatment team may include:
- Psychiatrists
- Residents and/or fellow doctors
- Advanced practice providers
- Registered nurses
- Registered dietitians
- Licensed clinical social workers
- Occupational therapists
- Psychologists
- Pharmacist
- Certified therapeutic recreation specialists
- A Fayette County Public Schools teacher
Support staff:
- Music therapist
- Child Life specialist
- Mental health associate
- Chaplain
- Patient safety companion
Patient appointments
Patients with behavioral health emergencies should be seen and evaluated at the Makenna David Pediatric Emergency Center at UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital.
Referrals
Healthcare providers, please encourage patients who may need immediate behavioral health evaluation to present to the Makenna David Pediatric Emergency Center at UK.
You can also call the Kentucky Centralized Access and Transfer System (KCATS) at 859-257-5522.
