“The mission of the Mental Health Division is to promote recovery and safety.”
Child Study and Treatment Center (CSTC)
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8805 Steilacoom Blvd. SW
Lakewood, WA 98498-4771
(253) 756-2504
1-800-283-8639
Child Study and Treatment Center (CSTC) treats children from age 5 to 17 who can not be served in less restrictive settings within the community.
It is the state's only psychiatric hospital for children and is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).
Mission Statement:
In collaboration with families and communities, staff provides medical, psychological and behavioral assessment and treatment services to youth with disabling mental disorders. Services are provided in a safe and nurturing environment that promotes positive processes of growth, development, and attachment.
Staff:
Child Study and Treatment Center contracts with the University of Washington Department of Psychiatry for the services of a Medical Director. A Psychiatrist is contracted from the University of Washington for each of the three units . Residents and Post-doc fellows and trainees in Psychiatry, Psychology, and other disciplines are an integral part of our staff. Each Cottage staff team includes a Psychologist/Program Director, Social Worker, Cottage Supervisor, Nurses, Psychiatric Child Care Counselors, Cook, Cottage Custodian and Ward Clerk. Recreation Therapists work closely with each team.
Academic School:
The Clover Park School District provides teachers, classroom aides and a principal for the two schools, elementary and secondary. School programming is offered year round in small classes of approximately 8 students.
Medical/Dental Services:
Some medical needs of patients are met through Western State Hospital or community physicians and hospitals. Laboratory, dental, radiology and pharmacy are examples of contract services.
Parent Advocate:
Child Study and Treatment Center has a part-time parent advocate that partners with families to create positive outcomes and can actively engage and support parents before, during, and even after their child's treatment. They can insure that parents receive necessary information, mentoring, access to training, and opportunity for full engagement with the treatment process.
Inpatient Programs:
The inpatient program has the capacity to serve 16 children between 5-12 years of age and 31 adolescents, ages 12-17. There are three units or cottages, where children have their own bedrooms. Each child and his/her family are assigned to a treatment team consisting of a Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Psychiatric Social Worker, Nurse, and Psychiatric Child Care Counselor. The treatment team works intensively with the child, family and community team. Participation by parents and/or guardians greatly enhances a child's potential for progress and is strongly encouraged. In addition, the treatment team encourages participation from assigned caseworkers and community agencies to assist the child in developing the skills and support systems necessary for a successful transition to their home and community.
Referrals for Inpatient Services:
Most children come to Child Study and Treatment Center through the Children's Long-term Inpatient Committee (CLIP) following approval by one of the state's 14 Regional Support Networks (RSNs) serving the county in which the legal guardian resides. The CLIP committee provides final approval for children admitted to CSTC and also coordinates a "waiting list" when necessary. Families cannot admit a child directly. Some children are ordered to the facility by the courts to be evaluated to determine competency in criminal matters. The general criteria for admission to Child Study and Treatment Center includes the following:
Adolescent Programs
- Severe disturbances of cognition: confused, illogical thinking, impaired judgment.
- Severe disturbances of mood/affect: depressive conditions, bipolar and anxiety states.
- Dangerous behavior to self or others.
Children with developmental disabilities may also be considered for admission provided that they have a psychiatric diagnosis and meet the above criteria.
Conditions usually excluded are: Chronic antisocial/delinquent behavior, problems primarily associated with substance abuse/dependency, autism, significant mental retardation and medical conditions which require intensive, specialized support.
Clinical Services:
Each patient is under the care of a physician who provides psychiatric services and supervises the treatment plan. Clinical services also include: medication monitoring, nursing services, 24-hour behavior management by Psychiatric Child Care Counselors and Licensed Nurses, behavioral programming, and a full range of psychotherapeutic services, which are provided by the clinical staff (Psychiatry, Psychology, and Social Work) and various trainees (Residents and Interns). Recreational Therapists also provide recreational therapy services regularly for all patients. A full-time Chemical Dependency (CD) Professional provides CD treatment and assessment services for our patients. A part-time Physician's Assistant (P.A.) is also available to provide a variety of medical services. Psychological assessment services are provided when indicated.
Physical Plant:
Child Study and Treatment Center consists of a five building complex located on the far eastern side of the Western State Hospital Campus. One large building provides administrative and professional offices, conference rooms, an elementary school (Oak Grove) and a gymnasium. Another building houses the secondary school (Firwood). The remaining three buildings are residential cottages. Two of the cottages are 16-bed facilities and the third is a 15-bed facility.
Diversity Statement:
Child Study and Treatment Center is committed to recognizing and serving the needs of a culturally diverse population, including ethnic and sexually minorities and the persons of the community with developmental disabilities.
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For more ways to get in touch with the Department of Mental Health Services, go to the DSHS Contact Information Web page. Mental Health Related Questions Contact:
