Thompson Launches Enhanced Residential Treatment Center

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – Thompson Child & Family Focus (Thompson) recently launched its Enhanced Residential Treatment Center program that prioritizes family functioning and aftercare to prevent repeat stays for youth with significant behavioral health challenges.

The program targets adolescents ages 11 to 17 in need of residential care, often the most highly traumatized youth in our communities. Comprehensive psychological assessments, person-centered planning, and evidence-based therapeutic practices will be provided to youth in treatment for an average of 60-90 days. Enhancements in discharge planning will include High-Fidelity Wraparound (HFW) and Family Centered Treatment (FCT) services.

Alliance Health CEO Rob Robinson stated, “Our philosophy of maintaining deep and innovative relationships with our behavioral health providers resulted in the reimagining of residential clinical care. With Thompson providing High-Fidelity Wraparound and Family Centered Treatment to families as part of discharge, functioning families equals more stable youth in their communities. It’s a win-win.”

FCT is a home-based service which stabilizes youth and families who have experienced trauma coupled with complex mental health challenges. Elimination of out-of-home placements and higher levels of care is the primary FCT goal. Wrap is an evidence-based practice that helps empower youth and families develop the skills necessary to navigate systems like child welfare, juvenile justice, and school systems successfully. High Fidelity Wraparound is a team service to support caregiver and youth voice and choice in their needs and supports in the community.

Thompson successfully operated multiple long-term care residential programs for youth with significant behavioral health challenges for decades. The system of care has been missing a shorter stay program for youth whose caregivers are equipped with the skills needed to function well once the youth return to their home environment. Thompson’s Enhanced Residential Treatment team, alongside the HFW and FCT teams will partner with the youth’s family to ensure positive outcomes.

“Enhancements to residential care have been needed and more kids need to be served,” said Thompson President/CEO Will Jones. “Alliance Health consistently is willing to invest in innovative programs to meet needs for the most complex youth in our communities. Family involvement in their child’s life is a huge predictor of health and success. We look forward to living out our agency name by focusing on both the child and their family to ultimately see both thrive.”

Twelve beds will be available to Alliance Health members. The program operates within Thompson’s 62- acre Matthews, NC campus – a beautifully wooded therapeutic environment conducive for treatment.