Inpatient Mental Healthcare for Youths
In a mental health crisis, Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center offers a safe place for people under 18 to stay. A team member in an Adventist HealthCare emergency room (ER) may admit your child to our behavioral health units for young people. Discover how our Rockville hospital helps your loved one build a path to recovery, so they can return to their daily life.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Call 988 or go to your nearest ER if your child:
- Threatens or takes action to harm themselves or someone else
- Has a sudden, extreme change in mood or behavior
- Sees or hears things that aren’t real
- Refuses to eat or care for themselves
If you call or text 988, you’ll talk to a counselor who can send local crisis responders to you. If you come to an Adventist HealthCare ER, a clinician will assess your teen and connect them to the right level of treatment.
About the Hospital Units
In two bright, welcoming areas of the hospital, your child will take part in group activities to build social and communication skills. If necessary, they’ll also receive education on substance use. During free time, your child can enjoy our gym and outdoor recreation.
Your Teen’s Care Team
Look forward to compassionate support from:
- Psychiatrist – Prescribes mental health medications and works with your teen to manage them
- Social workers and therapists – Help your child process emotions, improve patterns of thinking and behavior, and develop skills for better mental health
- Registered nurses – Tend to your child’s everyday health needs
- Case manager – Coordinates treatment, supports your family and ensures a smooth transition from admission through discharge
- Special education teacher – Provides home and hospital education services to be a bridge between our inpatient unit and the patient’s school and family
School Sessions on Weekdays
Rest assured; we’ll help your child stay on track academically during inpatient care. We provide support with a certified special education teacher, and partner with home and the hospital to keep your student on track.
Family Involvement
As a parent, you can help your child by:
- Attending family meetings at Shady Grove Medical Center
- Communicating with your child’s school
- Contacting therapists or psychiatrists your child talks to outside of the hospital
A weekly orientation group for parents and caregivers takes place Wednesdays from 6:30–7:30 p.m. at 14901 Broschart Road in Rockville.
Occupational Therapy & Life-Skills Building
Your child will take part in activities to practice essential skills, like:
- Caring for themselves
- Managing emotions
- Communicating with others
- Solving problems
- Participating in activities at home or school
These skills will empower your child to thrive after returning to the community.
Expressive Therapy
Expressive therapy offers a creative, constructive outlet for your child to share their feelings. Music, art, writing and dance let them process emotions in a fun, relaxing way with others or on their own.
Discharge Planning
We’ll make sure your family understands your child’s condition and knows how to help them maintain progress after leaving the hospital. Stay with Adventist HealthCare to transition easily to the next level of care, such as:
