Westminster’s Leading Adolescent Inpatient Treatment Program

Opening December 2024

When a young person is experiencing acute symptoms of a mental health condition, such as depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia, they need and deserve urgent and empathetic care. 

At West Pines Behavioral Hospital, we’re committed to helping young people ages 13-17 find stability and strength through our adolescent inpatient program. Parents can rest assured knowing that their child will be in good hands at our Westminster, Colorado, campus. 

About Our Adolescent Inpatient Program in Westminster, Colorado

West Pines’ adolescent inpatient program offers a safe, structured environment where young people can focus on healing. 

Our diverse team of professionals includes both medical and clinical specialists who work together to deliver well-rounded care. During their inpatient stay, adolescents may work with the following staff members: 

  • Psychiatrists 
  • Nurse practitioners (NPs)  
  • Registered nurses (RNs)  
  • Licensed or master’s-level therapists 
  • Recreational therapists 
  • Other behavioral health professionals 

We collaborate closely to create a care plan that is tailored to each adolescent’s needs. Throughout the young person’s time with us, our team tracks their progress and adjusts the plan as necessary.  

When Adolescents May Require Inpatient Care

Our adolescent inpatient program is designed for young people who require intensive support. This program might be beneficial for adolescents who: 

  • Are in a state of crisis  
  • Struggle with persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness 
  • Find it difficult to concentrate due to worrying or intrusive thoughts 
  • Cannot maintain basic self-care or fulfill daily responsibilities, such as school or work 
  • Show little or no interest in activities they once enjoyed 
  • Seem detached or disconnected from themselves or others 
  • Experience sudden shifts in mood 
  • Express thoughts of suicide  
  • Engage in harmful behaviors, such as substance use or self-harm  
  • Act impulsively, aggressively, or recklessly 
  • Display irregular sleep patterns or eating habits 
  • Get easily upset or frustrated over minor inconveniences 
  • Have become more withdrawn from friends and family 

If your child is showing any of the above signs, inpatient care may be the best way to help them during this critical time. Our team is committed to providing the support, resources, and guidance necessary for young people to find peace of mind and move forward with a new outlook on life. 

Features of Our Inpatient Program for Adolescents

The teenage years are a time of immense change and self-discovery. In our inpatient program, we provide age-appropriate care that meets adolescents where they are and adapts to their evolving needs. Key features of our program include: 

  • 24/7 supervision and support: Our experienced team is available round-the-clock to offer assistance and address any concerns that may arise.  
  • Whole-person care: Through a holistic approach, we aim to help adolescents achieve optimal health. 
  • Evidence-based therapies: We utilize the latest research-supported methods to promote long-term success for our patients. Core to our inpatient programming is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is highly effective in reducing debilitating symptoms and fostering positive habit formation. 
  • Psychoeducation: Led by licensed therapists, psychoeducational groups help adolescents better understand their mental health and how it impacts their thoughts and actions. By gaining self-awareness and knowledge, patients are better equipped to handle life’s challenges and play an active role in their healing process. 
  • Crisis intervention: Our staff is trained to respond promptly to emotional crises, teaching patients coping techniques to restore calm and stability. 
  • Structured routine: A predictable schedule filled with therapy, activities, and downtime helps young people stay balanced and focused while receiving care.  
  • Skill development: In group therapy, licensed therapists help adolescents develop the skills they need to thrive both in and outside of our program. 
  • Nurturing environment: We provide a secure, supportive space where young people can feel valued and understood. Our team prioritizes open communication, kindness, and respect to build trust with our patients and their loved ones. 
  • Aftercare planning: Aftercare planning starts on the first day when adolescents meet with a case manager for their assessment. This process involves the young person, their support network, and any follow-up providers. We work closely with each young person and their family to outline the next steps on their journey.  

Therapies & Services Offered in Our Adolescent Inpatient Program

In the adolescent inpatient program at West Pines, we offer the following therapies and services: 

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy: This goal-oriented therapy can help adolescents identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress.  
  • Motivational interviewing: Using this person-centered method, counselors encourage young people to explore their reasons for change, acknowledge the barriers they may face, and take actionable steps to overcome them. 
  • Group therapy: During daily group therapy sessions, adolescents have the chance to share what they’re going through and gain perspective from both peers and professionals. In this collaborative environment, young people can heal, learn, and grow together.  
  • Experiential therapy: In addition to traditional therapies, we offer creative opportunities like art therapy. This allows patients to express themselves and explore emotions in a nonverbal way. 
  • Basic medical care: We provide basic medical care at the time of admission and then as needed throughout the stay.  
  • Medication management: Adolescents who are prescribed medication to alleviate symptoms can expect to meet with a psychiatrist each week for oversight. Our psychiatric nurse practitioners and registered nurses can also monitor and administer dosages.  

When selecting therapies and services, our team takes into account the adolescent’s short-term needs and long-term goals. During the assessment and care planning stage, we ask ourselves questions like: 

  • How severe are the adolescent’s symptoms, and what immediate actions are necessary to address them? 
  • Is the young person at risk for harming themselves or others? 
  • Has the patient been hospitalized before or received other mental healthcare services?  
  • Does the adolescent require medication to stabilize or manage symptoms? 
  • Is the young person ready and able to engage in therapy? 
  • What is the adolescent’s primary mental health diagnosis, and which therapeutic methods would be most effective? 
  • Are there co-occurring concerns, like addiction, that we should address in their care plan? 

Why Choose West Pines for Adolescent Inpatient Care

When you choose West Pines, you’ll gain a partner in your child’s healing journey. Here’s what sets our Westminster, Colorado, hospital apart: 

  • A highly qualified team that works diligently to deliver the best possible care 
  • Comprehensive support that nurtures mental, emotional, and physical health 
  • Emphasis on empowering young people through education and skill-building activities 
  • Beautiful, peaceful surroundings, with patient rooms overlooking the Rocky Mountains 
  • Access to wellness amenities, including an on-site gym and outdoor courtyards 
  • A strong commitment to long-term success 

From the moment your child arrives until long after they leave our campus, their well-being is our top priority.  

Get Help for Your Child Today

As a parent of a child who is in crisis, the last thing you need to deal with is a complicated admissions process. At West Pines Behavioral Hospital, we strive to make this step as straightforward as possible.  

To start, simply give us a call or visit our hospital in Westminster, Colorado. You’ll speak with one of our assessment specialists, who will gather information about your child’s background and current symptoms. We’ll also want to know what you hope they will gain from our services. 

Based on this assessment, we’ll determine whether our inpatient program is suitable for your child. If so, we will finalize their admission and give you an overview of what your child can expect from us during their stay. 

If you’re considering inpatient care for your child, please get in touch with us today. Our admissions team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help your child navigate their path to healing and a brighter tomorrow. 

This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at West Pines Behavioral Hospital.