Child & Adolescent Service

Four Winds is the leading specialized provider of child and adolescent mental health services in the Northeast. A multidisciplinary, experienced, caring, professional staff works with children ages 5 through 12, and adolescents ages 13 through 17, in homelike cottages. A broad range of emotional and behavioral difficulties are treated in these intensive programs including psychiatric/substance abuse (dual diagnosis), eating disorders, psychological trauma/abuse, and behavioral and anxiety disorders. An individualized treatment plan is developed for each child and adolescent, and comprehensive discharge planning, in collaboration with the referring therapist/agency and the home-district school, begins upon admission to the program. Family participation is an integral part of the treatment plan, and Four Winds strives to involve the family in the patient's treatment whenever possible.

Child Treatment

Child services integrate individual, group and family therapy, psychodrama, and a full complement of educational, expressive and recreational therapies including art and problem-solving activities. An early childhood track and play therapy, conducted in a safe, therapeutic space, are used as modalities for the younger children thereby allowing them free expression of their feelings. Community meetings of children and staff teach and foster coping skills and socialization. Reinforcement of a positive self-image, promoting self-care skills, taking responsibility and learning independence are all skills which are integrated into the child's daily routine. Masters-level and special education teachers work with the children daily addressing educational progress and problems in coordination with the home-district school.

Adolescent Treatment

The adolescent service integrates individual, group, and family therapy with a full complement of educational, expressive and recreational therapies. Adolescents attend daily community meetings, and also engage in psychodrama, art and insight-oriented therapies. This comprehensive program addresses adolescent problems including depression, anxiety, suicidality, social isolation, eating disorders, conduct problems, and physical and sexual abuse. Group therapy includes instruction on how to constructively utilize leisure time, informational education regarding life skills, and medication education. Special services are available for those with eating disorders and psychological/trauma abuse issues. Our multidisciplinary team approach encourages family participation in therapy, education and activities whenever possible. Masters-level and special education teachers work with each adolescent in a self-contained classroom setting at The Learning Center, Four Winds' on-grounds school.

Adolescent Dual Diagnosis (Psychiatric/Substance Abuse Treatment)

Dual diagnosis treatment combines a variety of modalities including intensive treatment blended with the 12-step principles. A multidisciplinary team develops an individualized treatment plan for each adolescent. Part of the therapeutic process involves an overall examination of one's lifestyle.