As Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and other childhood psychiatric disorders grab headlines nationwide it becomes clear that America's children are struggling with mental illness. The new Children's Program at Holliswood Hospital takes aim to help children ages four to eleven overcome obstacles to their mental health by providing a safe, therapeutic environment staffed with experts in the field of developmental psychiatry.
An estimated twenty-one percent of U.S. children ages nine to seventeen have a diagnosable mental or addictive disorder associated with at least minimum impairment, a recent study conducted by Methodology for Epidemiology of Mental Disorders in Children and Adolescents indicates.
"In the past, issues of mental health, especially for children, had a certain stigma attached to them and the families and children struggling to cope often did so alone, without the assistance of professionals to provide treatment and proper coping mechanisms," said Dr. Jeffrey Borenstein, CEO of Holliswood Hospital and host of the public television series "Healthy Minds" which airs on WLIW Channel 21 locally.
"Holliswood Hospital helps bridge the gap, providing treatment not only for the patient, but also for families as they deal with psychiatric disorders. Our treatment program is on a distinct unit specifically designed to treat children ages four to eleven," Borenstein said.
"The hallmark of the Children's Program is that it is age-specific and flexible to adapt to each child's needs," said Tiffany Kiss, the program's director. A consistent routine including schooling, therapy sessions and family interaction help each child successfully transition into care.
"Staff members are sensitive to the impact any hospitalization has on a young child and their family. We make every effort to be responsive to this by encouraging family to visit, participate in program and contribute to the wellness of their child," said Kiss.
Holliswood Hospitalis a private psychiatric facility specializing in acute psychiatric mental health care located in Queens, New York.