Just over a year ago, CHOC celebrated the completion of its Mental Health Inpatient Center ― the only inpatient psychiatric facility for children younger than 12 in Orange County.
Designed to serve patients ages 3 to 17, the Center has treated more than 650 patients since its opening.
Patient satisfaction is high, with the Center earning a “top box” score of 86% on patient satisfaction surveys. By comparison, 49 to 79% is the average range for other inpatient psychiatric units.
The restraint rate is also extremely low — approximately 0.6%, compared to a national average of 25 to 30% for inpatient psychiatric units.
Dani Milliken, clinical director of the Center, is especially proud of the multi-disciplinary team coming together to support CHOC patients.
“These statistics are only possible because of the team and their dedication and compassion,” she says.
Several factors distinguish the Center from other facilities.
A 3,600-square-foot outdoor play area combined with the 12,000-square-foot unit’s aesthetics and layout create a unique environment designed to promote relaxation and healing. In addition, an eight-week training period for staff before the Center’s opening created clear expectations, as well as programmatic and organizational structure.
“Good outcomes are the result of people, practice and place,” Milliken says. “Without all three, the program cannot be successful.”
Learn more about what makes CHOC’s Center unique:
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Get mental health resources from CHOC pediatric experts
The mental health team at CHOC curated the following resources on mental health topics common to kids and teens, such as depression, anxiety, suicide prevention and more.
