The Diagnostic Center is a residential program providing crisis intervention treatment for adolescent girls classified with acute social and mental disorders, suffering from long-term abuse, neglect and/or abandonment. Out-of-home placement affecting this population commands specialized services and therapeutic psychiatric care. The goal of the Diagnostic Center program is to assess, stabilize symptoms, and recommend the next level of care upon discharge.
The Diagnostic Center provides statewide emergency placement and crisis intervention services to adolescent girls ages 13-19, with the median age 14-16. Typically teen girls admitted are influenced by the effects of long-term abuse, abandonment, and/or neglect affecting their ability to function emotionally, cognitively, and socially. Initial assessments indicate common behaviors ranging from depression, high anxiety, self-destruction, oppositional behavior, inappropriate sexual behaviors, suicidal thoughts, and decrease interest in academic achievement. Our service approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Interventions with a focus on holistic healing and strength-based interventions.
Special program emphasis and additional staff training are focus on trauma-based care with the intent of assisting residents to achieve treatment goals within 90 days. Within the Diagnostic Center the Treatment Plan strives to provide every resident with a safe, home-like environment where they gain pro-social behaviors, identify coping skills, and develop healthy respect for themselves and others. Every resident’s Treatment Plan includes therapeutic psychology, social and recreational therapy, activities of daily living, and academic enrichment.
Upon admission a Psycho-Social Assessment is completed. A Psychiatric Evaluation is also completed to determine the level of care and services needed to help the resident to stabilize behaviors plus address mental health issues.
Daily school attendance is required and included as an indicator in the behavior modification system. On staff at the Diagnostic Center is a certified teacher. The education program is recognized by the State of Maryland as an approved Type III School with classwork in science, math, history, and English – taught on the level of the individual.
Recommendations for the future placement of Diagnostic Center residents are made after careful review of records and reports from the various professional staff that comprises the treatment team of the individual. The anticipated outcome for the resident is placement in a less restrictive setting such as family reunification care or treatment foster care.
