CLEVELAND — A new program through Cleveland Clinic Children’s, aiming to open this fall, will continue efforts to expand pediatric mental health services.
What You Need To Know
The program has an anticipated opening this fall at Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital for Rehabilitation
Cleveland Clinic said the program will provide intensive multidisciplinary treatment for youth in need of more support than traditional outpatient therapy, but who do not require inpatient care
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2021 pediatric groups declared a National State of Emergency in children’s mental health
The program is expected to open this fall at Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital for Rehabilitation and will be located in a renovated space designed to provide structured, supportive care for children experiencing behavioral health challenges.
Cleveland Clinic said the program will provide intensive multidisciplinary treatment for youth in need of more support than traditional outpatient therapy, but who do not require inpatient care. Different innovative technologies will be incorporated through the program, including virtual reality exposure therapy, AI-assisted emotional regulation therapy, and frequency-specific micro-current therapy to support learning and engagement.
“What we see is that many families face fragmented care and long waitlists,” said Joe Austerman, D.O., chair of the Department of Pediatric Behavioral Health & Neurosciences at Cleveland Clinic Children’s. “By strengthening the connection between crisis care, intensive outpatient services and long-term outpatient treatment, it’s our hope that this program will help ensure children and families receive the right level of care at the right time.”
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2021 pediatric groups declared a National State of Emergency in children’s mental health. There was a 45% increase in rates of depression, anxiety and suicide attempts among teenagers and children. Cleveland Clinic’s pediatric emergency room saw an almost 300% increase in patients younger than 21-years-old seeking mental health care.
“The mental health challenges facing our young people are greater than ever, and if we don’t address them now, the impact will be felt for generations to come,” said Ethan Benore, chair of the Division of Pediatric Behavioral Health at Cleveland Clinic Children’s.
Cleveland Clinic Children’s is also in the planning phases for a mobile intensive intervention team, a suicide prevention center, and a behavioral health unit within pediatric emergency departments.