FAQ - Coastal Harbor Health System | Compassion Quality Excellence

Child & Adolescents - FAQ

• How do I know if my child needs help?
• Do I need a referral from a doctor ?
• How do you determine what kind of care my child requires?
• What should I bring for the assessment?
• Are there things that my child shouldn’t bring if they’re admitted?
• If my child is admitted to the Acute unit, how long will they be there?
• Am I able to see my child?
• How will my child keep up with school work?
• What happens if my child is not admitted?
• How can I be assured that my information will be kept confidential?
• How will I pay for treatment?

It is not unusual for a child to face stress in daily life and with the challenges of growing up. Sometimes the child can get better over time. Other times, however, the child – because of trauma, severe life changes, trouble coping, or other more pressing challenges – may require additional help. If you think your child suffers from depression, self-destructive behaviors or behavior that could harm others, returns to an old action such as bed wetting or soiling, or other persistent and worrisome behavior, contact your child’s doctor or call us for an assessment.

We do not require a referral. If you believe your child needs help, please call our admissions department at (912) 354-3911 to schedule an assessment. The assessment will help us to determine what type of care your child may need.

With the assessment we determine your child's needs and whether those needs require hospitalization. The assessment usually takes about one hour and includes our assessment counselors sitting down with you and your family and gathering pertinent information about your child's current symptoms and needs.

Please be prepared just in case your child is admitted by bringing a few days’ clothing, any medication he/she is currently taking, your child’s social security card, and your insurance card.

For the safety of your child and everyone at Coastal Harbor we must control the availability of any potentially dangerous items. These items are considered contraband and include belts, shoelaces, or strings of any kind; nail files and clippers; mirrors, including those in compacts; needles, hooks, pins, and wire hangers; metal cans and breakable hard plastic items; rope, chain, large heavy jewelry, or cord items; skin astringent, shaving lotion, polish remover, and caustic liquid; metal hair bows, clasps, and hair bands; razor blades; sharp razors; knives and any items that may be used as a knife; firearms and ammunition; cigarette lighters and matches; scissors; cell phones, and money.

The average stay with us is five to seven days. Your child’s stay may be longer or shorter depending on the psychiatrist’s evaluation. The psychiatrist will determine when your child is believed to be safe, stable and not a threat to themselves or others. We will update you daily on your child’s progress and the likely discharge date.

Yes. Visiting hours are Monday-Friday from 7:00PM-8:00PM. There are two visiting times on Saturdays and Sundays; one from 1:30PM-3:00PM and another from 7:00PM-8:00PM. Your child may also have phone calls. Each child is allowed 10 minutes of phone time during the morning shift (1:00PM-2:00PM) and another 10 minutes during the evening shift (6:30PM-8:00PM). If you like you may call and speak with a nurse and check on your child at anytime. We have nurses on call 24 hours a day that will be more than happy to update you on your child’s progress.

It is always permissible to bring your child’s school work during visiting hours. We will encourage school work when it is possible to do so. However, our chief concern is for the emotional healing of your child and the treatment process, so this will be our primary focus during their stay with us.

You will receive a referral for more appropriate treatment if your child does not meet inpatient admission criteria. Many times we may, for example, make a referral to an outpatient psychiatrist, counselor or therapist.

By federal law, we are required to maintain complete confidentiality regarding all patient and family information. We will only share your personal information if you give us written permission to do so.

We accept most types of insurance, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield or United Healthcare. We also accept Medicaid, Medicare and Tricare in many instances. Payment arrangements can be made for those without insurance coverage.