At UCSD Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Services (CAPS), our commitment is to care for children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral problems. We focus on child and family-centered care, and our aim is to help each young person and each family build better and healthier relationships.
PROGRAMS DESIGNED FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
UCSD CAPS offers comprehensive acute inpatient psychiatric treatment services designed for children and adolescents to age 18.
We provide a supportive and caring environment where acute emotional and behavioral problems can be treated effectively. Our programs are under the direction of board eligible or board certified UCSD faculty psychiatrists. We utilize a multidisciplinary team of specialists that work together to address the special needs of each child or adolescent.
The team includes psychiatrists, pediatricians, psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, mental health workers, occupational and recreational therapists, and San Diego Unified Schools teachers. All team members have special training and a particular interest in children and adolescents.
Program Services
- 24 hour Psychiatric Coverage
- Psychosocial Assessments
- Medication Evaluation and Education
- Individual and Family Therapy
- Occupational and Recreational Therapy
- Group Therapy
- Individual Behavior Management Programs
- Chemical Dependency Educational Program
- On-Site San Diego Unified Schools Special Education Teachers
- State-Of-The-Art Computer Learning Program
- Individual Education Programs
- Case Management and Interagency Collaboration
- Nutritious Meals and a Registered Dietitian
INDIVIDUALIZED TREATMENT PLANNING
Each child receives a complete evaluation upon admission. Particular attention is given to the child's medical, psychiatric, psychological, social, recreational, occupational and educational needs. An individual treatment plan is developed, integrating family, school, community agencies, and other service providers.
The treatment plan is child and family-centered and updated weekly to address the changing needs of each child or adolescent. To maintain gains made through inpatient treatment, a follow up care plan is created upon discharge. The follow up care plan provides supportive direction and resource information for each child and family.
Common signs that signal the need for help include:
- Suicidal thoughts and behavior
- Severe anxiety
- Threatening or destructive behavior
- Agitated behavior
- Irritability
- Social withdrawal
- Depression
- Hallucinations
- Severe sleep and appetite disturbances
- Substance use or abuse
- Decline in school performance
FEES
UCSD CAPS treatment services are covered by Champus/Tricare, Medi-Cal and private insurance.
INFORMATION
For admission assistance and information, call UCSD CAPS 24-hours a day (619) 229-3700, or call the UCSD Medical Center Physician Referral and Information Service at 1-800-926-UCSD (8273).