Inpatient Mental Health for Children and Teens

Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatric Care: Why Choose Us?

At Lincoln Prairie Behavioral Health Center, we provide a structured setting where your child can gain confidence, develop coping skills and manage behavioral challenges.

Our inpatient program offers short-term mental health care for children and adolescents up to age 17. We provide compassionate 24/7 support when emotions or behaviors become difficult to manage at home. Families from around Illinois put their trust in our program.

Highlights of our program include:

• Child-focused: Children experience emotional challenges differently from adults. They’re still learning to understand themselves, relate to others and express their feelings. Staff understand these differences and respond with approaches that help your child feel heard and more at ease.
• Steady foundation: Many staff and leaders have been with Lincoln Prairie for years. They put their experience to work for your child. This kind of commitment shows up in small ways that help your child feel cared for and supported.
• Personalized care: Staff include psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, nurses and therapists specializing in child and adolescent care. They work together to tailor services to your child. This approach helps your child get the support they need as they progress through treatment.
• Open communication with parents: We know it’s hard to be apart, so we keep you informed and connected throughout your child’s stay. We call you on the day your child is admitted to introduce ourselves and explain what to expect. You are also welcome to call or text any time you have questions.

Comfortable Place to Start Healing

At Lincoln Prairie, we include activities and routines that help your child feel more at ease during their stay. Whether it’s movement, creative expression or something familiar from home, these experiences can help kids settle in and feel more grounded. This sense of ease makes it easier to focus on feeling better.

In addition to a robust schedule of therapies, adolescent inpatient psychiatric care includes:

• Creative and active pursuits: Art projects, yoga and guided dance and movement sessions give your child different ways to express themselves.
• Time to move: A gym and scheduled activities help children and teens stay active between therapy sessions.
• Animal visits: Miniature therapy horses visit regularly and are a highlight for many children.
• More meal options: We offer a daily salad bar and weekly slushies to add variety to mealtime.
• Familiar items from home: Your child is welcome to bring their clothes, toiletries and comfort items like a stuffed animal.

Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatric Care

We place your child in a peer group that meets their age and developmental needs. Our approach makes it easier to share what’s on their mind and receive guidance that makes sense for their stage in life.

• Pediatric unit: For younger children, typically up to age 12 or 13
• Tween unit: Primarily for girls ages 12 to 14
• Adolescent unit for girls: Ages 12 to 17
• Adolescent unit for boys: Ages 12 to 17

What should I expect during my teen’s psychiatric hospitalization?

A structured routine helps your child feel prepared and confident throughout their inpatient stay. Therapy, school and other activities give them space to work through feelings and progress toward their goals.

Here’s what to expect:

• Group therapy: We focus on building coping skills, managing emotions and improving self-esteem. Lincoln Prairie also offers LGBTQIA mental health services with special sessions addressing issues related to gender expression and sexual orientation.
• Trauma-informed approach: Staff take the time to understand what your child has been through and respond with calm, steady support.
• Education: We contact your child’s school to help them stay on track with assignments during their stay. Teens receive instruction from certified teachers, while younger children work with a specialized education partner.
• Medication management: Some children and teens benefit from medication to help with anxiety, depression or sleep difficulties. Staff closely monitor your child’s response and make adjustments as needed.
• Phone calls and visits: Your child can receive calls from you or anyone you’ve preapproved, up to three times a day. We also welcome in-person visits on Saturdays.
• Discharge planning: Early in your child’s stay, we start working with you to plan next steps and set up follow-up services so your child can receive ongoing care.

Get Help Now

Call 217-585-1180 to schedule a no-cost and confidential mental health intake assessment. For non-urgent inquiries, you can also start the process by sending us a message.