Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City Crittenton Children’s Center's intensive residential program helps adolescents (all genders ages 12 to 18) who are exhibiting high-risk, out-of-control behaviors because of complex trauma from abuse, neglect, chaotic living situations, or symptoms of mental illness. Children who enter our residential program have continued to display high-risk behaviors despite a variety of previous treatment efforts.

The average stay for children in intensive residential care is three to six months. Our staff psychiatrists are on-site seven days a week and a registered nurse provides care all hours of the day and night. Children will attend on-site school classes offered through the Hickman Mills School District.

Crittenton’s team of mental health professionals creates a personalized care plan to meet each patient’s unique needs. Available treatments and therapies, include:

  • Individual and group therapy using evidence-based care models 
  • Chemical dependency prevention and recovery groups
  • Specialized shorter-term intensive treatment for military dependents
  • Expressive therapy
  • Spiritual wellness
  • On-site medical and laboratory services
  • Enhanced individualized education to address academic deficits
  • Career counseling

To request an evaluation for intensive residential care, call 816-765-6600.

What to expect

If you think your child may need residential treatment, call 816-765-6600. Our intake team will discuss your current situation and what options are available, including scheduling an appointment for an in-person assessment. During the assessment, our intake team will gather information to help determine the best care option for the child. Crittenton intake staff also will work with the family and referring provider to determine what payment options are available.

Specialized offerings

Neurobiological Treatment of Adolescents with Complex Trauma (NTACT) is an intensive gender-specific residential intervention for boys and girls ages 12 to 18. These adolescents often have a history of violent physical aggression or self-harm or may have multiple suicide attempts. Many have experienced multiple failed placements in residential facilities or have not progressed after a year or more of residential treatment.

Co-Occurring Disorder in Adolescents (CODA) was developed to treat substance abuse that accompanies mental illness. Treating both at the same time significantly reduces relapse rates. Crittenton uses proven therapies based on the Hazelden Co-Occurring and Teen Matrix Model.

Tricare Unit is geared to the needs of military families, providing intensive short-term treatment for adolescents in a residential facility. Crittenton is certified by TRICARE for residential care.