Clinical Indicators for Acute Psychiatric Hospitalization
Adolescents experiencing the following symptoms may require inpatient psychiatric stabilization:
- Suicidal Ideation or Suicide Attempts
- Severe Emotional Dysregulation
- Homicidal Ideation
- Self-harm Behaviors
- Active Psychosis (Hallucinations or Delusions)
- Uncontrollable Aggression
- Significant Impairment in Daily Functioning
Our admissions team can assist referral sources in determining whether acute inpatient care is clinically appropriate.
If a teen in your care is experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency room.
Acute Psychiatric Stabilization for Adolescents
Ascent Behavioral Hospital provides short-term acute psychiatric stabilization for adolescents experiencing behavioral health emergencies requiring a higher level of care. We believe in the importance of providing quality acute psychiatric care to support teens who are experiencing a mental health emergency.
Our multidisciplinary treatment team focuses on crisis stabilization, psychiatric assessment, medication management, safety monitoring, and discharge planning to support the next appropriate level of care. With a focus on adolescent behavioral health, our treatment serves as the first stepping stone toward recovery and healing.
We are dedicated to providing a comprehensive and compassionate approach to adolescent behavioral health. Below are the key elements that help us create a foundation for lasting stability and healing.
- 24/7 Medical Supervision
- Experienced and Compassionate Staff
- Evidence-Based Treatment
- Focus on Family Involvement
- Safe and Supportive Environment
- Full-time, on-site psychiatrist
Specialized Inpatient Psychiatric Care for Adolescents About Ascent Behavioral Hospital
At Ascent Behavioral Hospital, we offer psychiatric care in a nurturing and compassionate environment designed to feel more like a place of healing than a traditional hospital. As a specialized psychiatric facility, we focus on providing care for adolescents ages 12 to 17.
Our mission is to provide safe, evidence-based psychiatric stabilization for adolescents while serving as a trusted partner to hospitals, crisis teams, residential treatment programs, and community behavioral health providers. This vital first step in their healing journey addresses their immediate needs while laying a strong foundation for long-term recovery.
With a focus on adolescent behavioral health, we tailor our care to meet the unique needs of each individual, ensuring they receive the highest standard of support and treatment during their time with us.
Prioritizing Your Teen's Well-being The First Steps: Referral and Admissions Process
When an adolescent is experiencing a mental health crisis that requires a higher level of care, timely placement is critical. Ascent Behavioral Hospital partners with emergency departments, crisis assessment teams, social workers, case managers, residential treatment programs, and behavioral health providers to coordinate admissions and ensure patients receive the care they need as quickly as possible.
Our admissions team provides clinical screenings, insurance verification, and admission coordination to support a smooth transition into treatment. We work closely with referral sources and families throughout the process to determine whether acute psychiatric hospitalization is the most appropriate level of care.
By maintaining a structured admissions process and clear communication with all involved parties, we help ensure safe placement, continuity of care, and a supportive experience from the very first step.
Insurance Providers We Work With Regularly
Insurance Verification & Admissions Coordination
Our admissions team works closely with insurance providers, referring facilities, case managers, and families to verify benefits, obtain authorization when needed, and support a smooth admission process. We accept most major insurance plans and strive to make placement as efficient as possible during times of crisis.
If you have questions about coverage, authorization requirements, or eligibility for admission, our team is available to assist with insurance verification and care coordination. Contact us today to discuss a referral, verify benefits, and confirm bed availability.
Prioritizing Your Teen's Well-being What Sets Ascent Behavioral Hospital Apart
A Holistic Approach to Healing
At Ascent Behavioral Hospital, we are committed to treating our patients holistically, by addressing their social, physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. This holistic approach allows us to treat the whole person, not just their symptoms. Mental health challenges rarely exist in isolation—they affect every aspect of a person’s life. By considering the full scope of our patients’ needs, we help them build a strong foundation for recovery and long-term well-being.
This comprehensive approach allows us to:
- Identify and address root causes
- Improve resilience
- Empower our patients with the tools they need to thrive beyond their time with us
Our treatment options are carefully tailored to meet the diverse needs of our patients. By supporting patients' physical health, promoting emotional healing, and strengthening social connections, we cultivate an environment where individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to take the next steps in their journey toward lasting wellness.
Preparing Patients for the Next Steps
We recognize that stabilization is only the beginning. At Ascent Behavioral Hospital, aftercare planning begins from day one, with a focus on connecting patients to the resources they need for sustained progress. Whether it’s ongoing medication management, recommendations for day treatment, partial hospitalization, or outpatient therapy, we work closely with families and external providers to ensure a seamless transition. This proactive approach to aftercare planning helps reduce the risk of relapse, provides continuity of care, and ensures patients feel supported as they move forward in their recovery journey. By providing patients and their families with the necessary tools and support, we empower them to build on the progress achieved at Ascent Behavioral Hospital, fostering long-term wellness and ensuring sustained success in their recovery journey.
A Secure Environment for Psychiatric Stabilization
At Ascent Behavioral Hospital, we prioritize the safety and security of our patients, understanding that a stable and protected environment is essential for healing. Our facility is designed with a comprehensive approach to safety, including a secure, locked environment that ensures patients are safe while receiving care. With 24/7 supervision, frequent safety checks, and secure perimeters, we provide a structured environment where patients can focus on their recovery without distractions or concerns. Our commitment to safety goes hand-in-hand with our dedication to fostering a therapeutic space where adolescents can heal, stabilize, and make meaningful progress toward lasting well-being. Every measure we take is focused on creating a safe, supportive atmosphere that is essential for helping patients regain control and confidence during their journey to recovery.
Family Involvement Throughout Treatment
We also understand how critical communication is for families during this time. Family involvement is prioritized by offering regular updates on the patient’s progress through their assigned therapist or psychiatrist. Families can connect directly with their loved ones through secure, monitored calls. Parents are also encouraged to participate in family therapy, where they can talk with their teen and their teen’s therapist to better understand their mental health crisis and learn how they can support them through it. This balance of safety and open communication helps families stay informed and reassured throughout the treatment process, further promoting a positive outcome in adolescent behavioral health.
Warm, Comforting Environment
We've thoughtfully designed our environment to feel welcoming and therapeutic, moving away from the sterile atmosphere often associated with psychiatric hospitals. While we provide the highest level of acute psychiatric care, we do so in a space that feels warm and comforting – because we understand that emotional safety is just as important as physical safety during crisis stabilization. Our facility combines the clinical expertise of a psychiatric hospital with the nurturing environment teens need to feel secure and supported during their recovery journey. This balanced approach helps our patients feel more at ease and receptive to treatment, creating an ideal setting for stabilization and healing.
Multidisciplinary Treatment Team
The team at ABH includes a variety of medical professionals. These include:
- Registered Nurses (RNs)
- Psychiatrists
- Doctors of Nursing Practice (DNPs)
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)
- Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
- Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)
The presence of these medical professionals ensures that patients receive comprehensive care from a team of experts. The staff includes members who are primarily focused on medical care, with others dedicated to residential support.
Psychiatric Stabilization Is a Process
Every adolescent responds to treatment differently. While some patients experience rapid stabilization, others require additional time to safely manage acute symptoms, adjust medications, or develop the skills needed to transition to the next level of care.
Our clinical team continually assesses each patient's progress and adjusts treatment based on their individual needs. The focus is not on achieving a quick fix, but on establishing safety, reducing immediate psychiatric risk, and preparing each patient for the most appropriate next step in their continuum of care.
Throughout treatment, we maintain communication with referring providers and families to support informed clinical decision-making and coordinated discharge planning.
For Referral Partners
Ascent Behavioral Hospital partners with emergency departments, crisis assessment teams, residential treatment centers, behavioral health providers, and community agencies throughout Utah and the surrounding region.
Our admissions team assists with:
- Clinical screenings and admission reviews
- Insurance verification and authorization support
- Bed availability inquiries
- Coordination with referring providers
- Discharge and continuity-of-care planning
We understand the urgency of behavioral health crises and strive to provide responsive communication throughout the referral and admission process.