A man and a woman smiling and standing in a hallway

What to Expect

Our dedicated team is here to ensure a structured, supportive and family-centered environment where your child receives comprehensive and empathetic care, from admission through discharge, keeping you a part of the process every step of the way.

Admissions Process

From the moment you arrive at the Montefiore Einstein Center for Children’s Mental Health, our team will guide you through every step of the process, answer questions and help your child feel cared for and reassured. You will meet key members of the care team, get a sense of your child’s daily experience and understand the process and goals of your child’s treatment plan.

Upon arrival, your child will receive a comprehensive evaluation to help us understand their emotional, behavioral and medical needs. This includes meetings with a psychiatrist, a nurse and a social worker, and may also involve a psychologist or other specialists, as needed. The team gathers information from multiple sources, including your child, you as the parent or guardian and, when applicable, previous treatment providers or community contacts such as school personnel. This helps us develop a clear, complete understanding of your child’s strengths, challenges and current symptoms.

Based on this assessment, the treatment team will:

Confirm or clarify your child’s diagnosis
Identify key treatment goals
Develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to your child’s unique needs
Recommend therapeutic strategies that best support progress

The evaluation process is ongoing; as your child makes progress, the team regularly reviews and updates the plan to ensure care remains effective and goal-oriented.

Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing without drawstrings
Pajamas
Slip-on or lace-free shoes
Socks
Underwear
Jacket or coat for outdoor activities

Personal electronic devices
Sharp objects, glass containers, or items with metal edges
Anything with strings, cords, or laces
Mirrors
Makeup
Underwire bras
Valuables (jewelry, cash)
Cigarettes/e-cigarettes
Over-the-counter/prescription medications

All personal items brought to the unit will be reviewed and approved by staff to ensure a safe environment for your child and others. If you are unsure whether an item is allowed, please inquire with staff ahead of time.

Family Involvement & Communication

Family involvement is an essential part of your child’s recovery. We encourage active participation through family meetings, visits and ongoing communication with your child’s treatment team.

Family meetings are typically held once or twice a week and are a vital part of your child’s treatment. During these sessions, the care team meets with you to share updates on your child’s progress, gather your input and perspectives and work together on treatment goals. Family meetings also focus on preparing for discharge and next steps, including follow-up care and how to best support your child’s continued recovery at home and in the community.

Visiting hours are offered daily to support and maintain meaningful family connections while respecting your child’s treatment schedule. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to visit regularly, as family involvement is central to care. Staff will review the visiting schedule and guidelines with you upon admission.

You may contact your child’s psychiatrist or social worker at any time for updates or to discuss your child’s treatment plan. These team members serve as your primary points of contact and can help coordinate communication among the broader care team. Regular updates are provided to keep you informed about your child’s progress, treatment goals and discharge planning.

There are designated times during the day when patients may use the unit phones. If you would like to reach your child, please call the nursing station at 347-842-3900, and a nurse will assist in connecting you. Patient phone times are:

6:00AM-9:00AM
12:00PM-1:00PM
5:00PM-8:00PM

Discharge & Aftercare

Discharge planning begins at admission. Your child’s social worker will work with you, your child’s outpatient providers and your child’s school to create a safe and supportive plan for returning home or transitioning to another level of care.

A psychosocial assessment is completed early in your child’s stay to understand their strengths, challenges and support systems. This includes family history, school functioning, social relationships, coping skills and cultural or community factors. This information guides treatment and supports an individualized discharge plan.

We work closely with families and guardians throughout treatment and discharge planning. This includes regular updates, involvement in meetings and guidance on supporting coping strategies at home. Families also receive education on symptoms, triggering situations, warning signs and community resources. Our goal is to strengthen partnership, build confidence and support your child’s ongoing progress.

We coordinate with outpatient clinicians, school staff and community programs to maintain continuity of care. This includes sharing discharge information, reviewing safety recommendations, scheduling follow-up appointments and linking families with needed services. This collaboration helps create a consistent support network after discharge.

Before discharge, the team will review your child’s progress, safety needs and next steps. Together, you will discuss coping strategies, medications, home and school supports and follow-up care. A collaborative safety plan is also created with you and your child, outlining what to do during a crisis, strategies your child can use and steps for securing unsafe items. These preparations help ensure a safe and well-supported transition.

Aftercare begins immediately after discharge. Your child may participate in outpatient therapy or psychiatry, intensive outpatient or partial hospital programs, school-based services or community and in-home supports. Consistent follow-up care helps maintain progress and supports long-term stability.