Inpatient Psychiatric Care for Children and Adolescents
RiverValley’s Children’s Hospital provides intensive inpatient psychiatric care for children and adolescents ages 5 to 17. Our 80-bed facility on a scenic 40-acre campus in Owensboro offers a safe, structured environment where young people receive individualized, trauma-informed treatment from a dedicated multidisciplinary team.
When a child is experiencing a psychiatric crisis or behavioral challenges that cannot be safely managed in an outpatient setting, our inpatient program provides the intensive, round-the-clock care they need. Licensed by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services and affiliated with the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Center for Autism, our Children’s Hospital combines clinical excellence with a compassionate, child-centered approach.
From the moment a child is admitted, a multidisciplinary team — including psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, licensed therapists, registered nurses, behavioral health technicians, and a board certified behavior analyst — works collaboratively to evaluate the child’s needs and develop an individualized treatment plan. Every plan is designed to address the specific emotional, behavioral, and psychiatric challenges the child is facing while building the skills they need to succeed at home, in school, and in the community.
Our 70,000-square-foot facility includes spacious activity and recreation areas, a full gymnasium and cafeteria, secure child-friendly outdoor spaces, and an on-site school operated in partnership with Daviess County Public Schools — so children can continue their education during their stay. Recreational therapies include music and art programming offered in partnership with the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art.
The inpatient program includes individual, group, and family therapy; medication evaluation and management; specialized therapeutic activities; 24/7 nursing care and crisis support; behavioral intervention services; and comprehensive discharge and aftercare planning. Our evidence-based therapeutic approaches include Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
In addition to our standard inpatient program, the Children’s Hospital offers the BIRCH Program — a first-of-its-kind long-term treatment program in Kentucky for high-acuity male adolescents ages 12 to 17, developed in partnership with and funded by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. We also offer the STATE Program for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder, providing specialized ABA-based treatment in a dedicated unit.
Our Walk-In Clinic is open 24/7 — no appointment necessary. Call the Children’s Hospital at (270) 689-6800 or contact us online to learn more.
What to Expect
Admission begins with a comprehensive psychiatric assessment at our 24/7 Walk-In Clinic — no appointment is needed. A trained provider will evaluate your child and determine whether inpatient care is appropriate. If admitted, your child will receive a thorough orientation and meet their treatment team.
During their stay, your child will participate in a structured daily schedule that includes therapy sessions, therapeutic activities, educational programming, meals, and recreation. The length of stay is determined by clinical need and treatment progress. Throughout the admission, the team works closely with your family to prepare for a successful discharge, including developing an aftercare plan with outpatient therapy, community resources, and follow-up appointments.
Other Children’s Hospital Services
Acute Psychiatric Inpatient
Immediate safety and stabilization for children and teens in psychiatric crisis. Short-term inpatient care with rapid assessment, 24/7 monitoring, and comprehensive aftercare planning.
Individual Group Family Therapy
Individual therapy, group experiences, and family sessions tailored to each child’s needs. Licensed clinicians specializing in youth care help children and teens build coping skills and resilience.
Specialized Therapeutic Activities
Art, music, movement, and recreation designed to promote healing and self-expression. Our specialized activities help children build confidence, develop coping skills, and discover new strengths.
Medication Evaluation Management
Careful medication evaluation by child and adolescent psychiatrists. Family-involved decision-making, close monitoring, and clear discharge planning for the best possible outcomes.
Nursing Care Crisis Support
Registered nurses and behavioral health associates providing continuous, compassionate care and crisis support around the clock. Trained in pediatric psychiatric care and therapeutic intervention techniques.
Behavioral Intervention Services
Evidence-based behavioral intervention focused on understanding root causes and building healthier skills. Individualized behavioral plans, consistent reinforcement, and family education for lasting positive change.
Specialized Therapies
Targeted programs including the STATE Program for autism spectrum disorder, trauma-informed care, and evidence-based clinical approaches tailored to each child’s unique needs and diagnosis.
