We realize that parents considering Meridell Achievement Center may have many questions about our treatment programs, the admission process and many other matters. For that reason, you can find answers to common questions below. Please contact us if this FAQ does not address your concerns.
Neurobehavioral disorders are brain-based abnormalities that affect emotional regulation, frustration tolerance, communication, socializing and executive functioning. A child with a neurobehavioral disorder may present highly impulsive aggression, lack of behavioral control and inability to calm down after a triggering event. Behaviors are often out of control with poor decision-making.
Yes. Children with psychiatric and behavioral disorders—distinct from neurobehavioral children—are engaged in different clinical programming appropriate to their treatment needs. These separate programs offer specialized milieus and clinical environments.
Intensive programming is provided each day to include psychoeducational groups, skills groups, processing groups and recreational therapy groups. Therapy interventions are evidenced-based and informed by models including cognitive behavioral therapy, systemic family therapy, collaborative problem solving, dialectical behavioral therapy, EMDR and other trauma and relational models.
Yes. We treat autism spectrum disorders in children who are verbal with moderate to high functioning (levels 1 and 2 severity) and IQs 70 or above. Nonverbal individuals with low functioning (level 3 of DSM-5) or IQs below 70 are not appropriate for our programming and treatment.
These children tend to struggle as a result of many lagging skills (emotional regulation, frustration tolerance, communication, social thinking and executive functioning). We focus on skill building in individualized and group programming. Neuropsychological test results are typically incorporated into individual programs and interventions.
We first conduct an admission psychiatric evaluation and other routine assessments (nursing, psychosocial, history and physical). Educational, recreational and nutritional tests are run later. As indicated and ordered by the psychiatrist, we also conduct psychological, neuropsychological and neurophysiological assessments.
Absolutely. We will also send relevant clinical information to your signed consent community professionals.
Major insurers allow an average of 30 to 70 days, reviewed case by case. TRICARE® allows approximately three to six months, also reviewed case by case.
It is called managed care. Having insurance does not guarantee they will approve your child. For admission, insurance looks for repetitive treatment failure. After admission, the insurer continues to review whether the child needs to continue in our level of care or if they can step down to a less intensive program.
Absolutely! We want family members to consider themselves part of their child’s treatment team. There are weekly family therapy sessions. Patients can make phone calls, have visitors, and use therapeutic passes to go off campus with family (ordered by your psychiatrist). We have a small fenced-in dog park so visitors can bring dogs.
Call us at 800-366-8656. We are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST. We will assist you through the process.
The day starts at 7:00 a.m. with hygiene, dress, room cleaning and bed making. A short group is held before breakfast to identify and express feelings and set goals for that day. Medications are given, and then we eat breakfast.
Weekday school sessions are held in the morning and afternoon: three hour classes, two classes per session. Between school sessions, patients have groups, midday medications and a nutritious lunch.
Individual therapy, family therapy and meetings with a psychiatrist occur weekly. Recreation therapists lead daily activities. Group therapy sessions are held every day.
After school and on weekends, children run, play and burn off pent-up energy. Quiet down time takes place when indicated. We have sports fields (63 acres), a full-court gym, lateral climbing wall, activity room and low ropes courses. Our pool is open every day during Summer.
After activities, patients have process or issues groups, eat dinner, see to hygiene, work on assignments, make phone calls, do laundry and participate in evening medications. Bedtime is 9:15 p.m.
Contact Us
Call Meridell Achievement Center at 512-528-2100 or 800-366-8656 to ask questions or make a referral. We proudly accept TRICARE® and most major insurance coverages.