Child & Adolescent Services

Hamilton Center is committed to the growth and development of healthy children and families. We offer a wide range of services designed to identify and treat behavioral health problems before they become more serious. Our services may vary by county so that we may address the most critical needs of each community. In all cases, our goal is to offer hope through the most up-to-date, quality behavioral health care to children and their families.

Hamilton Center's child and adolescent services work very closely with educational institutions, health and human service agencies, and county and state organizations to provide the best possible care for children. We work closely with Departments of Family and Children Services, United Way agencies, local school corporations, health care organizations and others to ensure access and coordination of care for families living in central and west central Indiana.

We provide services, which range from programs for expectant mothers and early childhood to treatment for young adults under 18 years of age.
Our treatment is family-focused, individualized for each child or adolescent, with an emphasis on maintaining the family unit.
We strive for the least restrictive care with focus on community supports.
We work closely with educational institutions, health and human services organizations and state and county agencies to coordinate care for each child or adolescent.

Outpatient Counseling Services

Hamilton Center's child and adolescent outpatient services are offered to young people under the age of 18. After an initial assessment of the unique emotional and developmental needs of each child, a treatment plan is developed jointly with the family and therapist. Outpatient services may include individual, group or family therapy, psychiatric evaluation/treatment, psychological testing and substance abuse treatment.

Prevention and Early Intervention Services

Hamilton Center provides Infant and Toddler Services programs, which are prevention and early intervention programs especially designed for young children from birth to three years of age and their families. Intervening early reduces the risks of children acquiring more serious problems as they grow into adulthood. Although services may vary slightly by county, all programs have an emphasis on home-based services and family integration. These services may include:
First Steps Early Intervention Services, First Steps for Families, Healthy Families and Early Head Start.

Family Preservation Services

Family preservation services are an important part of Hamilton Center's children's continuum of care. Therapists and case managers provide mental health services in homes of our clients several times a week to assist children and families in reaching their treatment plans. In addition to home-based services, our case managers work to connect families with other available supports in the community such as obtaining a bus pass or library card, enrolling for financial aid, etc. We do as much as possible to keep people functioning well as a family unit and a part of their community.

Day Treatment

Hamilton Center offers various options for those children and adolescents who may need more intensive services, programs in addition to traditional outpatient treatment. For example, in Vigo County, we offer Adolescent intensive Outpatient Programming for those young adults struggling with an addiction problem. In addition, we offer a Therapeutic Play Group for young children who need assistance in managing certain emotions and behaviors. In Vigo County, Hamilton Center provides an alternative education program for middle and high school students who have not been successful in the local school system.

Foster Care

As a Licensed Child Placing Agency, Hamilton Center offers foster care services for children and adolescents under 18 years of age. The foster care program offers three levels of care including regular, special needs and therapeutic as well as respite and emergency care. Children who are eligible may have mental, physical, emotional or developmental disabilities and/or a history of abuse or neglect. In such cases, additional supportive services may be required. The purpose of the program is to offer a positive alternative to the placement of children in inpatient psychiatric hospitals, institutions or group homes. The program works closely with county Offices of Family and Children Services.

For More Help

There are a variety of ways to access child and adolescent services in Hamilton Center, Inc.'s regional behavioral health system. It is important to us that you receive services as close to home as possible. Staff is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week for those needing emergency treatment. To find a location nearest you, see Locations on this website, or call (812) 231-8200 or (800) 742-0787.

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