The Challenge Program - Central is a Child and Adolescent Partial Hospital Program for youth in need of structured psychiatric day treatment services. The program operates Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on our Piscataway campus. Challenge - Central serves youth ages 6-17 who are experiencing serious emotional and behavioral problems which negatively affect their ability to function at home, at school or in the community.
Young people who are returning to the community after hospitalization or who are at risk for hospitalization due to psychiatric and behavioral health challenges are typical candidates for admission. The average length of stay is typically two weeks.
Many of the youth served are coping with emotional, social and behavioral health problems such as mood swings or depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, trauma, thought disorders and psychosis, impulsivity, aggression and anger, hyperactivity and inattention, suicidal thoughts or attempts and other behaviors which have posed a risk to themselves or others.
Our treating teams consist of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, licensed, registered and advance practice nurses, master's level therapists, social workers and art therapists, mental health specialists and activities assistants. Our goal is to help youth and families get through these challenging crises and return to their communities. We will do everything we can to make this a brief, healing and positive experience for you and your loved ones.
SERVICES WE PROVIDE:
DMISSION Youth who are able to benefit from a short-term treatment program which utilizes medical, educational, behavioral and psychological interventions in an open day program setting may be admitted on a voluntary basis.
Admission is initiated through Acute Psychiatric Services (APS) at UBHC in Piscataway, 732-235-5700 or the UBHC Access Center at 1-800-969-5300.