Sub-Acute Adolescent Program

Program Overview

Rivendell Behavioral Health Services of Arkansas provides sub-acute inpatient treatment for adolescent males and females (ages 12 to 17) with persistent emotional and behavioral health needs. This physician-led program typically lasts 3–4 months, with length of stay individualized based on progress and clinical needs. Care is delivered in a structured, therapeutic environment addressing medical, psychiatric, academic (when applicable) and social needs.

Our team uses trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches, including family-centered therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)-informed care and skill-building interventions to support each patient. Individualized treatment plans focus on building coping skills, increasing responsibility and preparing adolescents for a successful return to home, school and community environments.

Program Availability

This program is offered during designated treatment periods, with admissions opening as availability allows. Referrals are accepted year-round to maintain an active waitlist. While primarily offered during summer months, additional openings may be available based on program needs.

Core Treatment Components

Individual Therapy
Weekly one-on-one sessions provide personalized support, emotional processing and skill development based on each patient’s needs.

Family Therapy and Connection
Family involvement is an essential part of treatment. Sessions are offered regularly (typically twice monthly), with phone or virtual options available to support engagement and continuity of care.

Group Therapy
Led by licensed professionals three times per week, groups focus on building coping skills, improving communication and supporting emotional growth. Topics may include:

• Emotional regulation
• Social and communication skills
• Problem-solving and conflict management
• Goal setting and accountability
• Wellness and healthy lifestyle education
• Life skills and discharge planning

Recreational Therapy
Structured activities help strengthen coping skills, improve emotional regulation and build confidence in social and community settings.

Journaling and Self Reflection
Guided reflective activities support emotional processing, self-awareness and healthy communication.

Additional Services

Educational Programming (when applicable)
Academic support is provided in collaboration with certified educators to help maintain progress during treatment.

Spiritual Support (optional)
Opportunities for spiritual engagement are available based on patient preference.

Level-Based Treatment Program With Patient Tools and Incentives

Our program features a structured, incentive-based level system designed to promote healthy choices, personal growth and active engagement in treatment. Patients progress at their own pace through five levels — Prep, Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and Senior — based on participation, positive behaviors and progress toward individualized treatment goals.

Patients earn points by demonstrating:

• Safe, appropriate behavior
• Responsible self-care
• Cooperation within the therapeutic community
• Commitment to treatment goals

As patients meet expectations and maintain progress, they can advance levels and gain increased privileges and opportunities to practice new skills. This system reinforces accountability, recognizes achievements and helps prepare patients for lasting success.

Patient Tools and Incentives

Monitoring Moods and Emotions
Patients can enhance self-awareness and support their treatment journey by learning to monitor their moods and emotions. By logging daily moods on a simple 0-10 scale, patients can identify emotional patterns, monitor their progress and gain valuable insights that guide effective treatment during treatment groups and with staff support.

Incentives
Our incentive system is designed to motivate and reward positive actions and participation. It encourages progress, builds healthy habits and supports skill development. The system creates a supportive environment where patients can stay focused, grow and prepare for long-term success.

Quiet spaces and therapeutic support help clients manage emotions and stay on track with their goals.

Therapeutic Passes

As clinically appropriate, patients may participate in supervised therapeutic passes, including day or overnight visits. These opportunities enable patients to practice skills in real-world settings while providing the treatment team with insight into their progress outside of the program.

Passes are based on individual progress, clinical readiness and program level, supporting continued growth, responsibility and healthy decision-making.

Together, these structured levels, tools and real-world opportunities create a supportive environment that motivates progress, builds essential skills and prepares patients for success during treatment and beyond.

Discharge Planning and Aftercare Support

Discharge planning begins during treatment and is tailored to each patient’s progress and clinical needs. Our team partners with patients and families to coordinate follow-up care, connect with community resources and support a smooth transition after discharge.

Who We Serve

This program supports adolescents experiencing emotional, behavioral or mental health challenges that impact daily functioning, including:

• Depression, anxiety or mood-related difficulties
• Trauma-related symptoms
• Emotional dysregulation or impulse behaviors
• Difficulties at home, school or in social settings
• Limited progress with outpatient or lower levels of care

Length of Stay

Treatment typically ranges from 2–4 months, depending on each patient’s individual needs, progress and treatment plan.

Admission Criteria

Eligibility is determined through a clinical review and may include:

• Recommendation from a licensed behavioral health provider
• Documentation supporting the need for a higher level of care
• History of limited progress in outpatient or community-based treatment
• Clinical readiness to participate in a structured therapeutic program
• IQ of 70 or above, or cognitive/developmental functioning sufficient to participate in treatment

Why Choose Our Program

• Physician-led, multidisciplinary team
• Structured, therapeutic environment designed for stabilization and growth
• Trauma-informed approach, evidence-based care
• Strong family involvement throughout treatment
• Focus on successful return to home, school and community
• Individualized treatment plans

Admissions and Referrals

Referrals are accepted year-round, with programming most active during the summer months. Early referrals are encouraged, as space may be limited and a waitlist may apply.

Make a Referral

Referrals can be submitted at any time using one of the following options:

• Online: Submit a referral through our referral page or Contact Us form
• Call: 800-264-5640
• Email: [email protected]
• Fax: 501-794-4277
• Mobile Assessors: Call or text one of our mobile assessment team members