The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated adolescent and child mental health challenges, leading to altered experiences at home, at school, and in personal social interactions.
In 2021, according to a study conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 20.1% of adolescents (12-17 years) and 8.3% of adults in the US reported having had a major depressive episode in the past year. The pandemic also highlighted the need for improved access to health and social services, as an alarming number of young people struggle with feelings of helplessness, depression and suicidal thoughts. Previously, the closest inpatient treatment facility for juveniles to Lafayette was in Baton Rouge.
Vermilion Behavioral Hospital announced the grand opening of its first intensive adolescent outpatient (IOP) program to help young people develop the skills and strategies for healthier, more productive lives. The program is a continuation of the inpatient program and is the first youth IOP in Region IV for youth ages 12-17.
Ribbon cutting marks the grand opening of Region IV’s first-ever intensive outpatient program for youth
“I am really looking forward to mentoring the youth, we see a need for these children and not just for therapy but also for life skills and family involvement. This program isn’t just geared toward the kids, but we’re trying to coordinate with the school systems, coordinate with the outpatient therapist who treats the patient after they leave,” said admissions manager Travis St. Julien. In the near future, he hopes “I’m looking forward to seeing it grow,” Travis said, not only to be able to offer adult and youth care, but also family therapy and family group sessions.
The Youth Inpatient Program is a resource when a youth is admitted to Vermilion’s inpatient treatment program and is experiencing an acute crisis such as suicide, bullying, or an argument. The parents bring them to them, let them access them and take them in for stationary stabilization.
The young people usually stay in the hospital for 5-7 days and are then referred to outpatient treatment for two hours a day and three to four times a week. Youthful IOP welcomes young people transitioning from the inpatient setting as well as those just beginning their healing journey.
The story goes on
The National Library of Medicine has concluded that early detection, regular assessment, and intervention in schools with the help of mental health professionals can help adolescents cope with various issues and make a healthy transition into adult life.
The World Health Organization reported: “Anxiety and depressive disorders can severely interfere with school attendance and schoolwork. Social withdrawal can worsen isolation and loneliness, and depression can lead to suicide.” Half of all mental health disorders begin by age 14, but most cases go undiagnosed and untreated.
“Through this program, we hope to provide an opportunity for families to provide their child with therapy and education about dealing with life’s stressors so they can better cope with bullying, depression and anxiety,” said CEO Amy Apperson.
Children are just little adults. They still have the same emotions that we do, they just haven’t learned how to manage or talk about them, so they need the tools to prevent long-term and chronic problems as adults.”
The outpatient intensive program for adolescents does not require a referral from your doctor. You can simply call or walk into Vermilion Behavioral Hospital for a free evaluation. For more information, visit: www.acadiavermilion.com
This article originally appeared in the Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Vermilion Behavioral Launches Intensive Outpatient Program for Teens
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