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INTERCEPT PROGRAM EARNS NATIONAL ATTENTION
The Youth Villages of Massachusetts Intercept for Emergency Diversion program gained national media coverage earlier this year from National Public Radio (NPR).
Due to the lack of available psychiatric beds, thousands of youth struggling with mental health issues are forced to wait in hospital emergency rooms. Only four agencies offer an alternative to inpatient psychiatric care in Boston, including Youth Villages.
Twelve-year-old Haley faced a similar challenge. When her mother, Carmen, woke up at 2 a.m. to find Haley missing from her bed, she knew her daughter was in danger. Haley had been engaging in risky behaviors and was sneaking out of the house at night. Her inappropriate use of social media and past suicidal ideation due to bullying at school had Carmen very concerned for Haley’s safety.
Once she located Haley, she drove her to the nearest hospital emergency department, where Haley spent the next three days on a gurney in a hallway, waiting for treatment. A caseworker at UMass Memorial Medical Center contacted Youth Villages, and Haley’s family met with a supervisor in the emergency department.
Once Haley was admitted to the Youth Villages Intercept program, treatment started immediately. Haley’s specialist went to the family’s home and conducted safety sweeps and provided counseling for the whole family. Haley was able to be treated at home and met with her specialist three times a week to work on coping skills, emotional regulation and online safety.
After three days of waiting in the hospital, Intercept for Emergency Diversion took Haley home and gave her the treatment she desperately needed.
Martha Bebinger of WBUR/ NPR.
Studies have shown a great deal of success in keeping the youth in their environment, amongst peers and with family. Since being admitted, Haley has made tremendous progress. She can now set boundaries and successfully regulate her anger in times of distress. We were honored to be highlighted on NPR!
