Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health Programs

All children and youth have the right to live happy and healthy lives. Unfortunately, an estimated 15 million U.S. young people can be diagnosed with a mental health disorder. At the Stormont Vail Behavioral Health Center, we take an all-encompassing approach to caring for children and adolescents.

Child & Adolescent Inpatient Program

The Child and Adolescent Inpatient Program focuses on acute, short-term crisis stabilization for  individuals experiencing a psychiatric emergency. The program includes individualized treatment planning with a multidisciplinary approach, discharge planning and continuity of care with community providers. The program accepts individuals up to age 17 who meet admission criteria.

Take a moment to read our Child and Adolescent Treatment Book

Treatment Structure

Patients will receive individual, group and family interventions as outlined by their individualized treatment plan. During treatment, patients are provided with a thorough psychiatric assessment, medication management, therapeutic interventions and discharge planning services to set them on a course of outpatient services. The behavioral health care team consisting of psychiatrists, social workers and nursing staff work with patients to assist them in learning new coping strategies and enhanced life skills.

We offer a wide variety of services all focused on helping children and adolescents grow, overcome and cope with mental health disorders. Some of the services we offer include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Collaborative Safety Plans created and reviewed with social workers and families/guardians
  • Medication management
  • Comprehensive transition to outpatient services with scheduled follow-up, referrals and resources
  • Substance use referrals and resources
  • Therapeutic groups, including: coping skills building, art therapy, pharmacy, nutrition, spirituality, mindfulness, crafts and recreation

Common Types of Youth Behavioral Health Disorders

Mental health is an essential part of children’s overall health. Both physical and mental health can affect the how we think, feel and act. The most common forms of mental health disorders observed in young people include:

  • Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): ADHD is a condition that affects an estimated 11 percent of school-aged children. Symptoms of ADHD include difficulties with attention, increased activity and difficulties with impulsivity.
  • Autism: Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by abnormal brain development and functioning. It is often diagnosed before a child turns three. Children with autism typically have delayed speech or no speech at all, problems with interacting socially, limited interests and odd or repetitive behaviors.
  • Adjustment Disorders: An adjustment disorder is an emotional or behavioral reaction to a stressful event or change in a person’s life. This could include young people struggling with moving from adolescence into young adulthood, children of parents who are going through a divorce, switching schools, etc.
  • Traumatic Responses: Children who are victims of violence may show lasting effects. Child abuse, community violence and bullying may increase risks of children developing mental health disorders including depression and posttraumatic stress disorder.

Virtual Care

Stormont Vail Health is dedicated to improving and enhancing the patient experience. Our Virtual Care Options provide our patients with the same high-quality care from the comfort of their own home. We currently offer Video Visits, E-Visits and MyChart messaging as Virtual Care options for our patients.

Meet the Team

Headshot of Carol L. Adams, PsyD., Stormont Vail Health Clinical Psychologist

Carol Adams, PsyD

Specialty: Psychology
Provider Bio

Nancy Brader, APRN

Specialty: Psychiatry
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Dawn Bradley, LSCSW

Specialty: Psychiatry
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Erin Burns, APRN

Specialty: Psychiatry
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Abby Callis, PsyD

Specialty: Psychology
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Daniel Casement, LSCSW

Specialty: Psychiatry
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Haskel Chaffin, LSCSW

Specialty: Psychiatry
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Jessica Dalton, APRN

Specialty: Psychiatry
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Matthew Dittmer, LSCSW

Specialty: Psychiatry
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Shelly Dudley, APRN

Specialty: Psychiatry
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Jena Dunham, APRN

Specialty: Psychiatry
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Deborah Edelman-dolan, LSCSW

Specialty: Psychiatry
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Mary Evans, LSCSW

Specialty: Psychiatry
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Jason Gardner, LSCSW

Specialty: Psychiatry
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Laura Gilbow, LMSW

Specialty: Psychiatry
Provider Bio

Our Behavioral Health Care Location

Stormont Vail Behavioral Health Center

3707 SW 6th Avenue
Topeka, KS 66606
Location Information

Stormont Vail Health Manhattan Campus

1325 Research Park Drive
Manhattan, KS 66502
Location Information