Newport News Behavioral Health Center offers acute inpatient psychiatric treatment to children as young as 8 who require immediate intervention for a mental health crisis. We utilize a brief therapy approach focused on de-escalating crisis situations. These services help young residents address their psychiatric symptoms and provide support to their families.

The 13,000 square foot newly constructed secure environment offers 24 total beds and is located next to the residential treatment facility. The freestanding facility is located on a rural campus setting, providing a natural and soothing environment. The facility includes activity and group rooms, outdoor courtyards, a dining area, patient rooms and recreation areas. Patient rooms feature individual bathrooms, and there are two patients assigned to a room.

The Acute Care Center is our Virginia treatment center for children. It is open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and is staffed with qualified mental health professionals with experience in acute inpatient setting. The staff includes master’s level clinicians, registered nurses, mental health technicians and board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrists.

The Acute Inpatient Care Program is based on four principles of the Phase System: Explore, Discover, Connect. The process will move patients through phases that include:

• What led to your child’s admission to our facility
• Understanding how your child’s history has affected their life
• How to make sure your child is on the right path
• Understanding the steps to take to achieve personal and family goals
• Development of longer-term goals
• The learning and practice of coping skills the child and family can utilize at the time of discharge

• A structured daily clinical program
• Individual, group and family therapy sessions
• Comprehensive discharge and aftercare planning
• Education and homework assignment support with oversight by a certified teacher
• Recreation and activities therapy

Before a child is admitted to one of our inpatient programs, we must first conduct a confidential, no-cost assessment. The assessment is intended to determine the severity of their psychiatric condition and particular treatment needs.

Certain criteria must be met in order for a child to be eligible for treatment. There are also documents that must be provided so our treatment team can gain an understanding of the child’s history. Referring professionals may call 757-888-0400 or 800-967-0999 to make a referral for their patient.

To help provide access to behavioral healthcare for as many children as possible, we accept most private insurance and Medicaid. Please contact our admissions department for a complete list of our accepted insurance providers.

Newport News Behavioral Health Center provides behavioral health treatment services to children and adolescents in a therapeutic environment. If your child is struggling with behavioral or emotional issues, please call us at 757-888-0400 or use our online form. 

Licensed professionals are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide confidential, no-cost assessments. In case of a medical emergency, please dial 911 or seek the nearest emergency room right away.