Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health Services at Woodridge
Willow Unit – expert mental health consultation, evaluation and referrals for children and teens
Behavioral health problems in children don’t always present in a typical manner.
That’s why the Willow Unit at Woodridge Hospital offers outstanding inpatient psychiatric care to children and adolescents in a caring, comfortable environment.
Willow Unit is a 12-bed unit serving children and teens ages 6 to 17 (and 18-year-olds meeting criteria who are current high school students).
The team crosses many disciplines, including medical doctors, psychotherapists, nursing professionals, licensed social workers, a pharmacist, an education specialist and recreational therapists.
Mental health issues we treat
We provide highly specialized diagnostics and treatment for young patients with a variety of behavioral health issues such as:
- ADHD
- Bipolar disorder
- Destructive behavior
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Psychosis
Family involvement
The Willow treatment team encourages strong parental / family involvement.
Upon admission, an initial family session is scheduled to take place within the first 24 hours of hospitalization. This allows the parents / guardians to speak freely with the patient and members of the treatment team and begin to address ongoing therapeutic needs right away.
Family sessions are then held as often as needed until the patient is discharged.
Visiting family member patients
Parents and family are also allowed to visit during designated hours once a patient has been approved for “trust” level by the team.
Therapeutic services
Willow Unit provides a very structured environment, and patients participate in a variety of goal-directed therapeutic activities throughout the day, including:
- Group therapy
- Nursing groups
- Activities therapy
- Exercise groups
- Individual therapy
- Medication education groups
- Pet therapy
Participation within the therapeutic community is a vital part of your child’s treatment.
On Willow Unit, the patients are guided to assist others with their treatment. This gives opportunities for positive peer influence and perhaps uncovers previously unseen leadership potential. It also helps patients gain ownership of their own goals and treatment.
Parents / guardians will receive a handbook with more details on rules, visitation and therapy when the patient is admitted.
Willow School
Educational support for children at Woodridge
Willow School is a state-certified Category VII non-public school located within the unit.
The school’s educator / administrator is a master’s degree level, licensed special education teacher.
The educator strives to maintain contact with each student’s home school, both to provide educational continuity for the child and to obtain useful collateral information. This collaboration is vital, as many students at Willow School are experiencing academic and / or social problems.
A smooth transition back to school after a hospital stay helps to minimize stress for both the student and his / her family.
Having a comprehensive school on the unit also allows our staff members and physician the opportunity for direct observations of the child’s behavior in a genuine classroom setting.
Have questions? Need help?
Read more about Woodridge or contact us at:
Woodridge Hospital
403 North State of Franklin Road
Johnson City, TN 37604
(423) 431-7111