We care for children and teens who need hospital-based mental health treatment due to:

• Safety concerns for themselves or others, or
• Complex mental health needs that require close monitoring and a team-based approach

For patients with eating disorders, additional support is available through U-M’s Comprehensive Eating Disorders Program. U-M’s Comprehensive Eating Disorders Program.

Our Care Team

Your child will be supported by a multidisciplinary team that works closely with families, including:

• Attending Psychiatrist – Leads treatment, sets goals, and oversees care
• Psychiatric Residents and Fellows – Provide evaluations, medication management, and treatment planning
• Social Workers – Primary family contact; lead family meetings, coordinate community resources, and plan for discharge and aftercare
• Activity Therapists – Lead therapeutic groups using approaches such as DBT and CBT
• Learning Specialists – Support educational needs and coordinate with schools
• Psychiatric Nurses and Patient Care Workers (PCWs) – Provide 24/7 care using trauma-informed and crisis-intervention approaches
• Behavioral Team (Psychologist and BCBA) – Assesses and treats complex behaviors using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA); supports parent education and behavior plans
• Dietitians and Consult Services – Provide nutrition support and medical or specialty consultations as needed

General Unit: Patients who come through the emergency department or medical units and are medically and psychiatrically stable for inpatient care are reviewed by physician and nursing leadership.

Neurodevelopmental Unit: Referrals for youth with complex psychiatric, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental needs (often including autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disability) are reviewed by an interdisciplinary team. Referrals should be coordinated through your child’s outpatient primary care or mental health provider.

For questions about admission, please call 877-475-MOTT.

Your child’s treatment plan is individualized and may include:

• Medication management (with parent/guardian consent; medication is not required but may be recommended)
• Family therapy to support communication and relationships
• Safety planning to address concerns such as suicidal thoughts and home safety
• Behavioral planning for youth with complex behaviors
• Group psychotherapy, offered multiple times per day

                  Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

                  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), when clinically appropriate
• Consultation services, including pediatric and specialty care as needed

The unit provides a safe and structured environment with regular monitoring. All belongings are checked upon arrival, and certain items (such as sharp objects and internet-capable devices) are not allowed for safety reasons.

Each day follows a consistent schedule that includes therapy groups, school support, meals, and activities. Our team focuses on patient- and family-centered care, using trauma-informed and evidence-based treatment approaches.

Families are encouraged to be involved in care and visit their child when possible. Parents/guardians may visit at any time, 24 hours a day. However, we encourage visitation in the evening so patients can attend therapeutic groups during the day.

Communication

Your child may use unit telephones during designated hours. For urgent needs, families can contact the nursing station directly.