THE CHILDREN'S DAY UNIT

The Children’s Day Unit (CDU) is a clinical research unit at NYSPI which provides assessments and clinical services for children and adolescents ages 6-18 in need of intensive psychiatric treatment. Research at the CDU is designed to provide researchers in Child Psychiatry a unique opportunity to initiate and develop innovative treatment for childhood mental disorders. Within a highly controlled but nurturing milieu, children receive psychiatric evaluations, psychological testing, neurological work-ups, and psychosocial and educational assessments. Children may remain in their own schools while participating in treatment studies, or if indicated, they may attend regular classes at P186X, an education arm of the New York City Department of Education that is located on the CDU. Detailed and reliable medical and psychosocial observations are made by highly trained personnel without significant interruption in the youngsters’ lives or education. The duration of the assessment and treatment varies according to the individuals’ needs.

Treatment modalities for children referred to the CDU may include individual, family, and group therapy, behavioral therapy, and psychopharmacologic intervention if indicated. The Social Worker on the CDU functions as the primary therapist for some individuals and as the family worker for others, as the needs of the children dictate. The Social Worker is also responsible for discharge planning, which begins at the time of admission, to ensure appropriate follow-up care.

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