Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program & Outpatient Mental Health Clinic

Vesta's Child & Adolescent (C&A) services are aimed at providing a comprehensive approach to addressing the mental/behavioral health care needs of Maryland's youth and their families in a fun, informative and structured environment, while building a stronger, more resilient child.

Our Child & Adolescent program operates weekdays (year round) between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM. With a variety of licensed and trained mental health professionals on site, your child will receive a comprehensive team based approach to treatment. From one-on-one counseling sessions to medication monitoring (if needed) from our on-site Psychiatrist, our staff of counselors and therapists have experience working with youth who present many typical Axis I disorders, including:

Counseling Services

Research proves that one of the most effective methods to remedy common developmental disorders is through behavior therapy. Our Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program (PRP) incorporates the ideals of resiliency (The ability to recover from illness, change, or misfortune) training coupled with consistency, skills development, knowledge acquisition and group therapy to aid in treatment.

C&A consumers will have the opportunity to participate in group therapy/education sessions such as:

  • Coping skills training (learning how to self-manage a diagnosis)
  • Organizational Skills Management
  • Positive problem solving methods
  • Anger Management
  • Relationship building and self-esteem
  • Personal awareness and boundaries
  • Childhood behavioral disorders and sensitivity to kids who live with them
  • Personal hygiene and nutrition

Home School Services

In addition to our weekly on-site programming, youth enrolled in our PRP receive off-site intervention and services from the C&A treatment team. With an intention to provide a wraparound continuum of care, we involve ourselves in the life of our child consumers outside of our on-site programming. At least 3 times per month interaction is made with our C&A consumers at home and/or school. Treatment team members utilize this time to interact with consumers in an environment where they are more comfortable and likely to display symptoms of their specific diagnosis. Team members also use this time to check in with parents and school administrators/teachers to follow up with progress and address any issues. Examples of off-site goals include:

  • Family treatment, knowledge sharing, and responsibilities
  • Anger Management
  • Personal Hygiene
  • Attending 504/IEP plan meetings
  • Discussing behavioral concerns with key school staff

Community Based Skills Training

At least once a month our youth consumers are given the opportunity to apply skills they have developed through community activities and events. Activities include:

  • Trips to local movie theaters
  • Trips to local stage plays and concerts
  • Trips to sporting activities and games
  • Trips to the zoo, aquarium, national parks and museums

Eligibility And Intake Process

To be eligible for our program, youth must satisfy ALL of the following requirements:

  • 5-17 years of age
  • Referred by a Licensed Mental Health Professional
  • Have an Axis I diagnosis from a licensed mental health professional
  • Currently have ACTIVE Maryland State Medicaid

Families who meet the eligibility requirements can set up an intake appointment with the C&A program coordinator or director. The following steps outline the intake process:

1.     A referral from a mental health professional should be forwarded to our program.

2.     Onsite Intake/Assessment (Parent or Legal Guardian Must be Present):

(Please bring as many of the following documents as you can locate)

  1. Birth Certificate
  2. Social Security Card
  3. Medicaid Card
  4. Immunization Record
  5. Current medications and dosages
  6. Legal Documents (Custody, Guardianship etc.)
  7. Personal Identification
  8. Name, telephone number and address of all the child’s medical doctors (primary care physicians, dentists, etc.)
  9. Information for 3 emergency contacts
  10. Most Recent Report Card
  11. Any existing IEP Plans, 504 plans and behavior modification plans (If applicable)

Providing Mental Health Services Since 1982