The Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program at Kāhi Mōhala is designed for adolescents who are unable to function due to emotional and behavioral difficulties. The program provides an alternative to hospitalization or residential treatment for youth ages 13 to 18 needing a structured, intensive outpatient therapeutic environment with clinical and psychiatric support. The program may also serve as a useful adjunct for youth living in a group home or other alternative settings.
Program Overview
The Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program is located in a separate building on the grounds of Kāhi Mōhala. A common day area, a group room and two therapy offices are in the building to facilitate a self-contained program. We also have access to the hospital facilities such as the dining room, specialized therapy clinics, gymnasium, and the ROPES therapeutic challenge course.
The program design is an evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach. It includes health education, occupational and recreational therapies, and medication evaluation and management. The program’s objective is to provide quality assessments, behavioral instructions and transition along with detailed recommendations for home and school success.
The therapeutic environment is a vital treatment component, providing a consistent structure that motivates and rewards pro-social, adaptive behaviors. Patient empowerment and a positive behavioral management approach are guiding principles. Implementing a privilege level system within the predictable environment allows the youth to better organize their behaviors, develop and use effective coping skills and improve their abilities to learn.
Treatment Program Components
The program consists of an inter-disciplinary team, which includes a psychiatrist, registered nurse, clinical therapist and mental health specialists. This team, along with input from the youth, the youth’s family, school, and community agencies develops an individualized assessment and treatment plan. Treatment plans are strength-based and compliment the young person’s Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) as well as any outpatient mental health services they have received in the past.
Treatment services are dedicated to psychotherapy interventions, academic supports and therapeutic activities. Components of each treatment plan may include some of the following services:
- Group and Family Psychotherapy
- Psychiatric Evaluation and Behavioral Consultation
- Medication Assessment and Management
- Occupational Therapy
- Art Therapy
- Reality-Oriented Physical Experiential Services (ROPES)
- Specialized Services including Nutritional Counseling, Chemical Dependency and Psychological Testing
- Aftercare and Transition Planning
Youth living within a 12-mile radius can access door-to door transportation services provided by the program. Youth who live outside the 12-mile radius may be transported via the Department of Education bus system as written into the IEP. Lunch is provided in the hospital’s dining room and is utilized as a normalizing milieu activity.
Discharge and Aftercare Services
Discharge planning begins upon admission. The goal of the Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program is to transition the youth back to school or a community-based treatment program at the earliest opportunity. An average length of stay in the program is six to eight weeks. The program’s staff coordinates and links with families and referral or community agencies to ensure continuity of care. The home school is encouraged to provide home-hospital tutoring services to ensure the youth remains on track academically.
Ongoing program and treatment plan revision is a cooperative effort of all members of the treatment team. A formal crisis plan is developed upon admission should a youth require more intensive care on an immediate basis in either the treatment program or home.