For Parents and Families | Bradley Hospital

For Parents and Families | Bradley Hospital
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For Parents and Families
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For Parents and Families
Specialized Mental Healthcare for Children and Teens
Bradley Hospital is a nationally recognized psychiatric hospital dedicated exclusively to the care of children and adolescents. The hospital provides expert, compassionate mental health care for young people – from early childhood through adolescence – while offering families the support, education, and resources they need throughout the treatment process.
Facing a mental health concern as a child or teen can be an overwhelming experience. Bradley Hospital offers expert evaluation and treatment for a wide range of emotional and behavioral conditions in young people, including but not limited to:
Depression
Anxiety and panic disorders
ADHD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Autism spectrum disorders with behavioral challenges
Trauma-related conditions
Suicidal thoughts and self-harming behaviors
Services are available at multiple levels of care to meet the needs of each child and their family:
Outpatient services
including therapy, psychiatry, and evaluations
Partial hospital programs
that provide structured, intensive support during the day
Inpatient hospital care
for children and teens in crisis
Emergency and urgent evaluations are available through the
Access Center
These programs are designed specifically for mental health in adolescence and childhood, with age-appropriate support and evidence-based care.
Download the Patient and Family Information Guide:
In English
In Spanish
Family and Caregiver Involvement and Support
Bradley Hospital understands that mental health care involves the whole family, not just the child receiving treatment. Family-focused services are designed to support parents, caregivers, and siblings every step of the way.
Family services include:
Personalized consultations with clinical staff
Emergency evaluations through the
Access Center
Ongoing guidance and advocacy from a
family liaison
Recommendations for school-based services or special education programs
Assistance with accessing community-based support resources
Family support groups
Participation in the
Family Advisory Council
, which provides a space for caregivers to share feedback and work with staff to enhance the care experience
These services empower families to be fully engaged in the treatment process and better equipped to support their child at home and in the community.
What to Expect
Families new to Bradley Hospital can expect a warm, welcoming environment where care is tailored to each child’s age, symptoms, and strengths. Clinicians work closely with families to create treatment plans that reflect each child’s needs and the family’s goals.
Services are delivered by a multidisciplinary team that includes child and adolescent psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, and other specialists in pediatric mental health.
Recognizing When to Seek Help
Many children and teens experience emotional or behavioral struggles at some point, but when symptoms interfere with daily life, relationships, or safety, professional help may be needed. Common signs of a mental health issue in children or teens include:
Persistent sadness, withdrawal, or irritability
Sudden changes in behavior or personality
Anxiety or constant worry
Aggressive behavior or frequent outbursts
Trouble at school or a drop in academic performance
Loss of interest in usual activities
Talking about death, self-harm, or suicide
Early intervention is key. Bradley Hospital offers timely evaluations and treatment options to help children and families get the support they need.
Bradley Hospital
About Bradley Hospital
Our History
Bradley Hospital Executive Leadership
Nursing at Bradley Hospital
Educational Partnerships
Nurse Residency Programs
Nursing Leadership
Psychiatric Nursing
The DAISY Award
Commitment to the Community
Bradley Hospital Facts and Statistics
Map, Directions, Parking and Volunteer Information
Bradley Hospital in the News
For Parents and Caregivers
Planning Your Visit
Your Child's Stay
Support Services
MyChart Patient Portal
Rights and Responsibilities
Rhode Island Mental Health Law: Patient Rights
Confidentiality Policy
For Families and Friends
While You're Here
Family Advisory Council
Support and Therapy Groups
Family Liaison Program
Nutrition: What We Offer
Making Connections
Animal Therapy at Bradley Hospital
Parenting Resources
Online Parent Support Groups
Resources for Parents
Resources for Veteran and Military Families
Children's Behavioral Health Resources
Insurance and Billing
Cost of Care
Programs and Levels of Care
Mindcast: Healthy Mind, Healthy Child Podcast
Parents Guide to Children's Mental Health
Defining Mental Health
Getting Help for Your Child
How to Find Help for Your Child
Crisis Situations with Children and Teens
Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Issues
Early Child Development Issues
Overactivity and Inattentiveness
Extreme Anger or Irritability
Extreme Defiance
Learning Problems
Speech and Language Problems
Drug or Alchohol Use
Extreme Anxiety or Fear
Extreme Sadness and Despair
Eating and Body Image Concerns
Self-Injurious Behaviors
Child Abuse
Psychosis
Early Child Development
Talking to Your Child's Pediatrician
Mental Health Evaluations
ADHD Evaluation
Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation
Developmental Evaluation
Educational Evaluation
Feeding Evaluation
Neuro-Psychological Evaluation
Psychological Evaluation
Psychotherapy Evaluation
Speech-Language Evaluation
Common Mental Health Diagnoses
Paying for Mental Healthcare
Mental Health Support
You and Your Support Team
Advocacy Organizations
Health Insurance Care Managers
Mental Health Specialists
Mental Health Hospitals and Community Mental Health Centers
Medical Hospitals and Health Centers
Early Childhood Services
The School System
Accessing Special Education
Preparing for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Meeting
State Agencies
Community and Non-Profit Organizations
Coordinating Your Child's Care
Transitioning to Adulthood
Talking to Your Employer
Maternal Depression
Mental Health Treatment
Levels of Care: Explained
Psychotherapy
Trainings
Medications
Parenting Articles and Tips
Knowing When to Seek Help for Your Child
Understanding Your Child's Temperament
Building Your Child's Self-Esteem
Peer Relations
Getting Your Child to Sleep
Problems After a Traumatic Event
Talking With Your Child After a Traumatic Event
Bradley Hospital Social Work and Counseling
Patient Stories
Meet Alex
Meet Jordan
Patient Story: Meet Jack
Resources for Families
Giving to Bradley Hospital
Ways to Give
Trustees & Governors
Development Team
Philanthropy & Grant News
Bravo Bradley
Planned Giving
2025 Honor Roll of Supporters
Christopher Benedick Adopt a Family Program
With Gratitude: Patient Stories
AJ's Story
Lucas's story
Izzy's Story
Nathan's story
Profiles in Giving
Publications & Videos
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