MY CHILD IS IN THE HOSPITAL!
WHAT NOW?
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Just Ask!
Meet with your child's social worker
Your child's social worker at the hospital should contact and schedule a family meeting within the first 48 hours after your child has been admitted. Many of your questions will be answered during this first meeting so it is important to get started right away!
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Set up a time to meet with your child's psychiatrist
It is helpful to meet with the psychiatrist in person. Remember! The psychiatrist is at the hospital in the morning, so ask your social worker to schedule a morning family meeting so the psychiatrist will be able to join.
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Attend parent information sessions
Parent information sessions are offered once a week while your child is in the hospital. You and other parents will get the chance to meet with one of the social workers together to ask questions regarding hospitalization and what to do when you child is discharged. It is helpful to attend more than one session because new information will be discussed.
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Contact Lauren regarding billing questions
Lauren Sheehan is our office administrator who will work with you and help guide you through the billing process. (703) 841-1290
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Contact your child's school counselor
It is your choice what you tell your child's school. School counselors are often very helpful during this process and an excellent resource to have on your child's side as they return to school. With your permission we will contact the school counselor to gather additional information that will be critical in diagnosis and treating your child.
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Discuss whether psychological testing is needed
The average time between the onset of symptoms and proper diagnosis is 8 to 10 years! Psychological testing can help differentiate between diagnoses to guide treatment of the underlying illness, saving you time and money.
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Understand the importance of medication adherence
The purpose of medication is to undo the effects of the illness and restore one's normal self so they can make use out of therapy. Medication aherence allows for this process to unfold and get your child back on track. One of the most common reasons individuals end up back in the hospital is because they stop taking their medication on a regular basis.
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Make family therapy a priority
Family therapy is required twice a week while your child is in the hospital. But it doesn't stop there. Family therapy is crucial in treating your child long term. Family therapy opens lines of communication, supports each other, educates one another, encourages consistent limit setting, and creates a sacred place to grow and change together. Talk to your social worker about setting up outpatient family therapy.
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Plan for Partial Hospitalization
Transitions are critical times for individuals coming out of the hospital. Partial Hospitalization Programs help to maintain therapeutic growth. Our goal is to gradually reintroduce stressors into your child's life. Doing too much too soon will send your child backwards. The partial hospitalization program allows for a smoother transition back home.
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Come prepared for family meetings
Family meetings are a time to learn what your child has been working on while in treatment, address family dynamics, begin to understand the situations that led to your child coming into the hospital, and make plans for your child returning home. There is a lot of information to cover in a little bit of time. Come prepared to family meetings with a list of topics and questions to get the most of your hour.
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Set up an outpatient team
If your child does not already have an outpatient team it is important to have one in place by the time they discharge from the hospital. The work you and your child do while they are in the hospital is only the beginning and requires continued therapy. Your child should have appointments scheduled to see an outpatient therapist, family therapist, and child psychiatrist. To schedule outpatient appointments with Columbia Associates in Psychiatry contact Lauren Sheehan.
(703) 841-1290
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Want to learn more? Please call us at (703) 841-1290 (Northern Virginia), (301) 949-1465 (Kensington), or fill out the form below. Please do not fill out this form if you have an emergency. If you have an emergency situation, please call us at (703) 841-1290, Monday through Friday between 9AM and 5PM. At all other times and on holidays, in an emergency, please call (703) 536-2000. Submissions to our website are reviewed in our normal business hours, for emergencies, please use these emergency numbers to reach someone who can help you.
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