The Children We Serve

Children appropriate for referral are 10–17 years old, have a psychiatric diagnosis, attempted treatment at lower levels of care and are expected to improve with intensive treatment. Children who are delinquent or severely developmentally delayed are not candidates for this treatment program. Children with a secondary diagnosis of chemical dependency may be referred.

Our program treats children with a wide variety of psychiatric diagnoses and behaviors. Diagnoses include but are not limited to:

Behaviors include:

Children may be placed in our program under a court order or voluntarily by the parent/guardian. Children adjudicated a Child In Need of Assistance (CINA) or delinquent are court-ordered into treatment. The Department of Human Services or Juvenile Court assigns a worker to coordinate the referral process and monitor treatment. Parents/guardians who choose to place their child voluntarily complete the referral process. We ask that parents/guardians be involved in treatment, support placement and participate in family therapy once every two weeks.

The average length of stay for treatment is 6–12 months. Most children are able to return home after treatment. Our therapists assist the family when planning for their child’s return to their home, school and community. Aftercare is available at Orchard Place through our Aftercare Program for children who need medication monitoring, outpatient therapy and remedial services. If the family lives too far away to commute or prefers another provider, the therapist will help the family access local providers.

Orchard Place is licensed annually by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals and licensed to provide substance abuse services by the Iowa Department of Public Health. Orchard Place has been accredited by the Joint Commission since 1989.