Community Based Acute Treatment

The Franciscan Children’s Community Based Acute Treatment (CBAT) Program is a voluntary, short-term, residential, psychiatric program that serves children ages 4-14 years old. The focus of CBAT is on regulating emotions, developing coping skills and achieving stability while helping children transition back to their homes and communities.

We serve every child and family with respect, compassion, and dignity. We believe that children are best served when their healthcare team and family collaborate throughout treatment.

Program Overview

Patient Profile

We care for children and adolescents in crisis who are experiencing a wide range of symptoms.

Common diagnoses we treat include:

Anxiety disorders
Bipolar Mood Disorders
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Depression
Autism spectrum disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder

Many families also come to CBAT to seek more diagnostic clarification, as we know that mental health disorders can present uniquely for each child.

Treatment Journey

The average length of stay at CBAT is 2-3 weeks. Upon admission, each child receives a comprehensive psychiatric assessment which helps the clinical team create a treatment plan tailored to each child. Treatment includes individual, group, family, and milieu therapy as well as medication management. CBAT also provides educational programming so children can keep up with their schoolwork during their stay.

Our 24-hour milieu therapy creates a structured and supportive environment that allows for education, practice and reinforcement of coping and self-regulation skills. Along with skills work, we also provide activities that are fun and engaging. By simulating everyday community living in a safe, therapeutic environment, children have the opportunity to learn the skills they need to help them maintain safety when they return to their homes, schools and communities.