Frequently Asked Questions
Methodist Behavioral Hospital
How often do the patients receive therapy?
Acute and Sub acute patients receive individual therapy weekly and group therapy 2-3 times a week or as appropriate based upon level of functioning. Family therapy is conducted as often as necessary.
What theoretical orientation do the therapists typically use?
The therapeutic approach utilized varies and is usually an eclectic approach emphasizing cognitive-behavioral techniques.
Does the hospital help with discharge planning?
Yes. Every patient is assigned to a case manager who helps arrange discharge plans.
Do the patients get to have passes with family?
Sub-acute patients may have therapeutic passes if approved by the guardian and treatment team.
How long is the typical length of stay?
Acute: 5-10 days Sub acute: 3-4 months. In both cases, the length of stay may be shorter or longer depending upon the patient’s progress toward treatment goals.
Do the patients attend school?
Yes. Acute and sub acute patients attend school daily.
Do the patients receive grades?
Yes. All acute patients (unless here less than 5 days) and all sub acute patients receive grades.
How are schools notified of a patient’s admission to the hospital?
Each teacher notifies the administrator of the school district and the patient’s home school by fax and/or phone call to give them the date of admission and request records from the school.
Are the teacher’s licensed?
Yes. All teachers are licensed by the Arkansas State Department of Education. All teachers have or are working toward certification in Special Education.
How are schools notified when a patient is discharged?
Acute: A discharge summary is prepared by the teachers and faxed to the local school district and the student’s home school.
Sub acute: All teachers prepare a discharge summary and a report card for each patient. The discharge summary is given to the parent/guardian upon discharge and should be taken to school when the patient is re-enrolled. The records are also faxed to the patient’s home school.
How often will my child see the doctor?
For the acute program, the patients see the doctor at least six times per week. For the sub-acute program, the patients see the doctor at least twice per week.
How do I get my child into the hospital?
Call and speak to someone in the admissions department who will do a comprehensive assessment and tell you what options there are for the child.
Can my child have any personal items in their room?
Yes, they can have a paperback book and a small stuffed animal or soft doll with no strings that must be less than 12 inches in size.
When can I call and speak to my child and when is visitation?
Phone times are Monday-Friday 7:30p-8:30p. You can call and check on your child by speaking to the nurse on the unit at any time. Visitation is Saturday and Sunday from 2:00p-4:00p. Sometimes a special visitation can be set up by speaking to your child's therapist.
Will my child receive spiritual services in the hospital?
Yes, Methodist Family Health has a Director of Pastoral Care who is a United Methodist Minister. Weekly Bible studies for the patients as well as monthly spiritual services are offered to all Methodist Behavioral Hospital patients on a voluntary basis. The spiritual services are conducted by members of area churches of all types of faiths. In addition to the regularly scheduled spiritual activities, the youth are encouraged to speak with their case worker in order to contact the minister about any additional spiritual needs.
What is the Teaching-Family Model?
It is a program that uses a behaviorist approach to diminish negative behavior and replace with more appropriate behavior. The Teaching-Family staff is trained to proactively teach each youth individualized social skills to help each child internalize the healthier ways of behaving in all aspects of their lives.
What methods does the Teaching-Family Model use for behavioral treatment with youth?
Conditioning using learning theory and motivation system principles.
How is staff trained in the Teaching-Family Model?
Pre-service orientation and by working closely with a Program Consultant who provides on-going training that fosters skill improvement, accountability, staff satisfaction, and ensures quality control by giving feedback. Staff learn behavioral treatment skills to become certified with the National Teaching-Family Association (www.teaching-family.org).
Does the Teaching-Family staff work with the professional staff of doctors, nurses, therapists, teachers, and dietitian?
Yes, the focus is on team approach across the agency.
What are the benefits of using the Teaching-Family Model?
The positive culture, professionalism of staff, the family friendly atmosphere, the teaching of skills in target problem areas, and the ability to train and certify a replicable model across programs.
Will I be notified if my child is started on any new medications?
Yes, upon admission the frequently used medications will be reviewed with the guardian and the guardian will be given the opportunity to discontinue any medications. Any medications not listed will require prior consent from the guardian before giving.