For parents looking into residential mental health care for their child, a common question is, “Will I be able to visit my child while they’re in treatment?” HillsidesCares in Pasadena, California knows how important family is to the healing process. Our program offers visitation with guidelines that focus on helping families in ways that support the child’s progress.
If you’re thinking about residential treatment for kids in Pasadena, it’s normal to feel nervous about how much time you’ll get to spend with your child during their stay. You might also wonder, “How long will my child be in treatment?” or “How will this help my family?”
HillsidesCares provides caring, full-service residential and outpatient mental health treatment for kids and teens aged six to 17. We are accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA)—the gold standard for residential facilities. Contact HillsidesCares today for admissions info or learn more about how we can help.
Can I see my child in a residential treatment program?
The short answer is “yes.” Here’s what you can typically expect from HillsidesCares when it comes to family visitation:
- There is no waiting period or timeline before a family can visit their child in treatment. The family just needs to call the team to confirm in advance to ensure it is clinically appropriate.
- Regular visitation days are Saturdays and Sundays, however there may be additional times available during the week depending on their child’s specific treatment plan and schedule.
- Same-day visits might be possible depending on the client’s treatment plan, but you need to call the treatment team ahead of time to arrange it.
- These opportunities allow you and your child to work on building a healthier connection.
What to expect on visiting day
Visiting day is an important time for parents and children in residential treatment. It offers a chance to connect and strengthen their relationship. Here are some things you can expect on the day you visit your child:
- Check-in process: Upon arriving, you’ll need to sign in at the facility. This ensures safety and keeps track of visitors.
- Scheduled time: Sticking to the scheduled visitation days and times is important. Arriving on time helps your child feel secure and ensures that you get the most out of your time together.
- Structured activities: Depending on the treatment program, activities such as family therapy sessions or recreational activities with your child may be planned during your visit.
- Staff presence: Staff members may be nearby during your visit to provide support and ensure that everything runs smoothly. They can also answer any questions you may have.
- Respect the environment: Remember that this is your child’s therapeutic space. Follow any guidelines to maintain a supportive atmosphere for everyone.
Visiting day allows you to show your child love and support. Following the facility’s guidelines ensures a meaningful and supportive experience.
How to emotionally prepare your child for visits
Preparing your child for your visit can help ease their worries. The goal is to make the experience as positive as possible. Here are some tips to help emotionally prepare your child:
- Communicate ahead of time: Talk to your child about the visit beforehand. Let them know when you’re coming and what to expect. This will give them a sense of security and something to look forward to.
- Acknowledge their feelings: Your child may feel a mix of emotions—from excitement to nervousness. Encourage them to express their feelings and reassure them that having these feelings is okay.
- Keep it positive: Focus on creating a positive atmosphere. Avoid discussing topics that may upset your child or cause stress. Instead, celebrate small achievements and share encouraging words.
- Practice routines: Help your child understand what the day will look like, including saying goodbye at the end of the visit. Preparing them for this helps minimize feelings of sadness or anxiety.
With preparation and understanding, visits can be a key part of your child’s healing process.
Alternatives to in-person visits
In-person visits can be really special, but sometimes they just aren’t possible. Luckily, there are other ways to stay connected and support your child’s emotional needs:
- Video calls: Many programs let you use video chats. Seeing your face and hearing your voice can help comfort your child.
- Phone calls: Regular phone calls are a great way to check in, share updates, and encourage your child. Try to schedule these calls so they have something to look forward to.
- Letters or care packages: Sending a nice letter or small gift can make your child’s day. Add positive messages and items they enjoy, if the program allows it.
- Emails or messages: Some places let you send emails or messages. Keep your words kind and encouraging.
- Virtual activities: If allowed, try doing something fun online together, like playing a game or watching a movie on a streaming app.
These options help you stay close to your child, even when you can’t be there in person. They remind your child that you care and are always there for them.
Family therapy during residential treatment
Family therapy is an important part of residential treatment. It helps families grow stronger and improves how they communicate. Here’s what to expect:
- Therapist-led sessions: A therapist will guide you, your child, and possibly other family members through conversations to solve problems and share feelings.
- Understanding each other: Therapy is a safe space to talk about feelings, deal with conflicts, and work together on solutions.
- Rebuilding trust: Sessions focus on fixing and strengthening relationships that may have been hurt.
- Learning tools: You’ll learn about your child’s treatment, triggers, and ways to support them at home. This helps create a caring space for their recovery.
- Growing together: Family therapy helps everyone learn new skills for healthier relationships and better communication.
By being a part of family therapy, you can build a stronger bond with your child and help them succeed in the future.
Tips for parents dealing with separation anxiety
It’s normal for parents to feel separation anxiety when their child goes into residential treatment. Here are some tips to help manage those feelings:
- Stay connected: Use scheduled visits, phone calls, or other ways to stay in touch with your child. This can help you feel closer and more at ease about their well-being.
- Trust the process: Residential treatment is there to help your child heal and grow. Trusting the professionals can help ease your worries.
- Get support: Join a support group for parents or talk to a counselor. Talking to others who have been through this can bring comfort and advice.
- Stay busy: Do activities or hobbies you enjoy. Keeping yourself occupied can help take your mind off anxious thoughts.
- Focus on progress: Celebrate your child’s wins, no matter how small. Remind yourself that treatment is a step toward a better future.
Managing separation anxiety is tough. However, looking after your feelings will help both you and your child during this time.
Why are there visitation guidelines?
Visitation policies at residential mental health treatment centers help support children’s emotional well-being while keeping families connected. Clear boundaries help kids adjust to their new environment and focus on healing. These policies create a structure. This structure balances children’s needs with long-term family goals.
While visits may be limited at first, parents stay involved through regular updates, planning meetings, and family therapy. This ensures families stay connected in meaningful ways. By working together in a structured and supportive setting, families can help their child heal while building resilience for the future.
How long do kids stay in residential care?
The length of a residential treatment program depends on your child’s needs and progress in therapy. Some kids stay for about 30 days, while others may stay a few months. At HillsidesCares, we work closely with parents to provide regular updates and adjust the treatment plan as needed, so you’re always informed.
If you’re asking, “How long do kids stay in residential treatment?” there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The most important thing is making sure your child gets the care they need to make real progress, while keeping families involved every step of the way.
How HillsidesCares strengthens family bonds
At HillsidesCares, we believe that residential treatment isn’t just about helping your child. It’s about rebuilding the entire family, so everyone emerges stronger and united.
Here’s how we encourage family reconnection and communication throughout treatment:
- Customized family involvement: From participating in therapeutic family sessions to contributing to treatment goals, parents are deeply involved in the progress of care.
- A supportive healing environment: Visitation and communication are balanced with the need to create a calming space where your child can focus on recovery.
- Continuous guidance for parents: Family workshops, regular updates, and advice from clinical staff help empower parents to support their child.
We know this can be an overwhelming process, but you’re not alone. Our team works with you every step of the way. We provide family support services to build a brighter, healthier future for your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
At HillsidesCares, our visitation policy helps families stay involved while keeping the structure needed for treatment to work. Visits usually happen on Saturdays, but the schedule might change depending on the child’s treatment plan.
Parents can visit regularly, depending on the program’s schedule. We encourage family involvement to support your child’s progress.
Yes, visiting your child during residential treatment is encouraged because it helps them feel supported and connected to family. Being there can make a big difference in how they feel and heal. Visits are a chance to show you care, build trust, and stay close.
Family therapy and support are important parts of healing. They help families talk about problems, communicate better, and build healthier relationships. Our therapists work with families to understand each other’s needs and come up with ways to create a supportive home after treatment.
It’s normal for kids to feel nervous about family visits, especially at the start of treatment. Our staff helps you and your child work through these feelings to make visits positive and helpful. Starting with family therapy before visits can make things easier.
Getting your child ready means talking openly and giving lots of support. Explain why the treatment is needed and how it can help them. Let them know it’s okay to feel nervous, scared, or unsure, and remind them that you’ll be there for them. Visiting the facility and meeting the staff ahead of time can also help them feel less worried. HillsidesCares is here to help you every step of the way.
Take the next step with HillsidesCares
Visiting your child during residential treatment and staying involved in their care can make a big difference in their healing process. If you’re thinking about residential treatment for your child or teen in Pasadena, we’re here to help. Our program is designed to support families and help kids grow and thrive.
Pasadena is a beautiful place to visit. It has family-friendly locations like the Huntington Library, Museum, and Botanical Gardens, the Kidspace Children’s Museum, and plenty of outdoor parks. We serve families in Pasadena and surrounding communities like Glendale and Arcadia, as well as the Los Angeles metro area.
Contact HillsidesCares using online contact form or by calling 323.641.4842 to learn more about our program and how we can support your family. We can also help you verify your insurance to make sure you’ll have everything you need to get started. Let’s work together to help your child succeed!