Adolescent Inpatient Mental Health

Streamwood Behavioral Healthcare System (SBHS) provides intensive support to children 12 to 17 so they feel a little more like themselves again.

SBHS was the first mental health facility in Illinois dedicated to young people. Today, it remains a trusted name that draws people from across the state. 

Highlights of inpatient mental health for teens include:

• Collaborative care: Your child receives support from a psychiatrist, nurse and therapist who communicate regularly. This approach allows for more responsive care and a clear path toward healing. We might adjust medications, therapy goals or daily routines to help your child get the most out of each day.
• Academic support: Your child takes part in on-site classes with licensed teachers, so their education stays on track during an inpatient stay. Staff also coordinate with school counselors or teachers to share what your child is working on in therapy. This extra step helps schools support your child’s progress after treatment.
• Family involvement: We typically meet once a week with a family member, caregiver or other trusted adult. Sessions focus on improving family communication and navigating daily challenges. Staff stay in touch outside these sessions to share updates and offer guidance, so support feels more consistent at home.
• Ongoing treatment: After an inpatient stay, many teens continue treatment with our outpatient services. Options include partial hospitalization, our intensive outpatient program (IOP) and traditional therapy. During school breaks, our summer IOP gives teens a structured way to continue building skills.

level of care assessments for inpatient mental health care are available for teens at any time. These assessments offer insight into what level of care might be most helpful, along with how to move forward. Staff are available to answer questions and help ease the transition into inpatient treatment. Learn more about assessments and referrals.

Inpatient stays at SBHS are typically 7 to 10 days. It’s a short-term setting where a lot of progress can be made. Your child’s days are highly structured, with therapy, on-site school and therapeutic activities. This routine helps relieve symptoms while creating space for healing. 

Here’s what to expect:

• Group therapy: Your child talks through emotions, challenges and goals with peers in guided sessions. Group therapy takes place daily — even on weekends.
• Individual therapy: These sessions enable your child to reflect on the circumstances that led to their admission and what they’re learning in treatment.
• Medication management: Staff monitor how medications for mood, anxiety or other symptoms are working and adjust the drug type or dose as needed.
• Psychiatrist check-ins: A psychiatrist meets regularly with your child to understand how they’re feeling and how treatment is progressing.
• Expressive therapies: Activities like art, music and recreation give teens creative ways to process emotions. Find out more about expressive therapy.
• Schooling: Licensed teachers lead classes on weekdays so your child stays connected to their education and daily routine.

Discharge planning begins early and involves identifying next steps for care, connecting your family with helpful resources and sharing insights from treatment. These efforts help your child leave with a clear plan and the support they need to keep making progress.

Find out more about referrals and admissions. Or call 630-837-9000 anytime, day or night, to schedule a level of care intake assessment.