Youth Hospital FAQs
If I have questions, whom do I ask?
When your child is admitted to the Youth Behavioral Health Hospital at NCHC, we will give you contact information for our team. Direct your questions to your treatment team Nurse and Social Worker during the day hours. Questions during the evening hours should be directed to the Nurse. You are welcome to phone the Youth Hospital anytime to inquire about your child.
Call us at 715.848.4585 with any questions or concerns.
Treatment & Medication Questions: 715.848.4585
For questions regarding your child’s treatment program, medications,
updates, and scheduling contact our Treatment Team. For privacy reasons,
patient care information cannot be emailed, however, you may ask questions
via email and we can respond back in the most secure way.
Visitation & Contact Questions: 715.848.4585
For questions regarding visitation, visitation scheduling, deliveries,
or phone calls please contact our Treatment Team.
Discharge & Community Resources: 715.848.4316 (Social Worker)
For questions regarding the discharge process, community resources, or
family involvement recommendations please contact our Social Worker.
What is a Crisis?
A crisis is whatever an individual, family or group feels is a crisis at the time. Crisis situations can take many forms. Some situations may include:
- Feeling overwhelmed, depressed, helpless, hopeless or unable to cope with difficult situations in their life
- Talking about or attempting suicide
- Bullying or threats of violence
- Drug and/or alcohol abuse
- Eating disorders
- Difficulties at school
- Other mental health emergencies
How much does it cost? Will insurance cover the cost of the hospital?
Most insurance companies cover hospital stays when they determine it is necessary for your child. Our staff will work with your insurance company to minimize any cost to you. There are times when parents/guardians are responsible for the cost of care and we will be in communication with you about costs of your child’s stay.
Can I stay overnight with my child?
Visitors are not able to stay overnight with our patients but we hope you will visit! We have established visiting hours and encourage you to spend time with your child during their stay. If visiting hours that we have set don’t work for you, please contact our staff and we will help make other arrangements.
Is information about my child and my family kept private and confidential?
Patients and staff are required to maintain confidentiality at all times. The information contained in your child’s medical record is confidential. It is a legal requirement that North Central Health Care receive specific authorization prior to releasing this information. Authorization may be granted by completing a Release of Information form (ROI).
What do I tell other people about where my child is?
Sometimes it feels like people may not understand what you and your child are going through and this can be hard. At other times, you may find that people are supportive and helpful. You get to decide how much or how little you tell people about your child’s hospital stay. A hospital stay is not something to be ashamed of – everyone needs different kinds of help in different ways throughout their life. You might tell people who are wondering where your child is that your child is staying somewhere where they can get the help they need to treat their medical condition. Or, you may like to share more details about what your child is experiencing because people in your life can then offer additional support. There is not a right or wrong way to handle this and you get to choose based on what feels comfortable for you.
What about my child’s schoolwork?
Every child’s educational needs are different and we work with you, your child and their school to determine an individual plan for education. Homework/education time set aside each day and our staff are available to support your child in completing school work, meeting with their teachers, and meeting their educational goals.
What items can or should we bring?
We want your child’s transition to the Youth Behavioral Health Hospital
to be as easy as possible. To make this happen, we provide all the necessary
personal items that your child may need during their stay. Patients are
allowed to bring approved items with them if they choose, but it is not
required. We work with each patient within our
facility to make sure their time here is as comfortable as possible.
What items are provided for Youth?
Basic Toiletries Supplied:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Contact Lens Supplies
- Ponytail Holders
Personal Items Supplied:
- Pillows
- Blankets
- Pens
- Writing Utensils
- Journal
What items are approved for us to bring?
Toiletries: Patients are welcome to bring favorite toiletries from home, but staff will check to make sure the items are safe and suitable.
Clothing: 3 Changes of Clothing without Strings (Socks, Underwear, Pajamas, Bathrobe, Slippers & Shoes)
Comfort Items: Your child can bring up to 2 additional comfort items from home which may include a blanket, stuffed animal, or special item. These items must be given to Youth Hospital staff and determined to be safe and washable.
What items are NOT ALLOWED?
For your safety and the safety of others, these items are restricted on the premises. You can also download or print the Youth Restricted Item Poster which contains a full list of allowed and restricted items.