Oppositional Defiant Disorder Treatment Center in Pittsburgh

Learn more about ODD at Southwood Psychiatric Hospital near Pittsburgh, PA

The emotional disturbances that are definitive of most, if not all, mental health conditions can leave sufferers feeling distraught and incapable of gaining control over their ability to regulate the emotions they experience. Mental health conditions like oppositional defiant disorder, however, also bring about significant behavioral disturbances in addition to such emotional deficits. Children and adolescents who are suffering from oppositional defiant disorder, also known as ODD, engage in problematic behaviors to an extent that it begins to reap adverse consequences in nearly all aspects of their lives. With the mood and emotional disturbances compounded onto these behavioral deficits, youth with ODD can rapidly begin to feel as though they have lost control over their ability to function appropriately on a daily basis. For this reason, and keeping in mind the sensitive nature that surrounds the symptoms of this devastating mental health condition, Southwood Psychiatric Hospital has developed specialized programming that encompasses various therapeutic interventions that are designed specifically to help treat youth who are plagued by the symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder. By engaging in such treatment, young people have the opportunity to regain control of their emotions, of their thoughts, and of their behaviors, ultimately resulting in their ability to rediscover the happy, healthy, and productive lives that they want, and deserve, to be living.

Why consider treatment for ODD at Southwood Psychiatric Hospital near Pittsburgh, PA

When children and adolescents with ODD do not receive the treatment that they need in order to alleviate their distressing symptoms, there can be countless adverse effects that arise. The problematic behaviors that are characteristic of oppositional defiant disorder can result in the onset of significant disturbances in a youth’s academic life, home life, and social life. The self-esteem of these young people can drastically decline as their relationships become tainted and their abilities to excel academically become hindered. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for young people with ODD to experiment with, and subsequently develop addictions to, drugs and/or alcohol. For these reasons, among many others, it is imperative that treatment is sought as early as possible so that these negative outcomes can be avoided.

Types of ODD treatment offered at Southwood Psychiatric Hospital near Pittsburgh, PA

As a foremost provider of child and adolescent mental healthcare, Southwood Psychiatric Hospital is devoted to providing the most effective mental health treatment, education, and assisted living services to youth who are battling emotional, behavioral, and cognitive concerns, including those associated with the presence of oppositional defiant disorder. We believe that it is necessary to address and care for every need for each of our patients so that the most favorable treatment outcomes are the result. We believe all people are capable of change and possess the capacity to learn new skills and abilities that can serve them well for a lifetime. Based on this belief, we facilitate a therapeutic environment that is conducive to healing and change so that each youth who is entrusted into our care for the treatment of oppositional defiant disorder has the opportunity to gain insight about his or her own life and develop positive skills for healthy functioning.

The methods for care utilized at Southwood Psychiatric Hospital include cognitive-behavioral approaches that implement crisis and reality theories. We believe that these approaches, coupled with a structured setting, produce lasting healing and promote interpersonal growth. Cornerstone to the care supplied by Southwood Psychiatric Hospital is individualized treatment planning within a therapeutic milieu that incorporates these approaches within several therapeutic methods. We also encourage each patient’s family to be involved in the therapeutic process so that every child and adolescent reaps the benefits of having ample support while bettering him or herself.

The following treatment methods are those that are featured within the programming offered at Southwood Psychiatric Hospital, methods that are proven to improve the lives of children and adolescents who are plagued by the symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder:

Medication management: When symptoms of a mental health condition, such as oppositional defiant disorder or other co-occurring condition, require the use of pharmaceutical intervention in order to alleviate said symptoms, the use of medication may be incorporated into a youth’s treatment plan. Each individual’s particular medication needs are assessed by a psychiatrist who can then prescribe, monitor, and adjust medication in conjunction with each child’s particular needs. Additionally, medical personnel, such as nurses and nurse practitioners, assist in the supervision of medication management so that the most effective dosage of a given medication produces the most favorable results. These professionals have contact with patients on a daily basis.

Individual therapy: Held every other day on the child and adolescent inpatient units, individual therapy sessions are afforded to patients who are struggling with oppositional defiant disorder so that one-on-one time with a mental health professional can be had in order to help each youth process emotions and monitor his or her treatment goals. This is also a time where youth have an opportunity to talk about their successes and explore areas for improvement in a confidential setting.

Family therapy: The involvement of each patient’s family is an integral part of the treatment provided at Southwood Psychiatric Hospital. We facilitate family therapy sessions at a minimum of one to two times during the course of a child’s stay in the inpatient setting. During these family therapy sessions, youth, their caregivers, and other loved ones and family members can work through familial conflicts, improve communication, and learn how to work as a team in ensuring lasting recovery from mental health concerns, such as those that arise from the presence of oppositional defiant disorder. Additionally, we put forth every effort to make sure that each young person in our care is able to have contact with his or her family at least once each day.

Group therapy: A myriad of groups are included as part of the treatment process in our inpatient programming. Such groups allow patients who are struggling with oppositional defiant disorder to practice new skills that have been learned, receive additional support from our staff, benefit from encouragement received by their peers, and learn new methods for managing thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. Groups are held four times a day and are led by Master’s level clinicians, nurses, and other experienced professionals. Topics covered within these groups include the following and are based upon the cognitive-behavioral therapeutic approach:

• Social skill development
• Teamwork and team building skills
• Learning effective methods for coping
• Understanding the importance of following, and learning how to follow, rules and directions
• Recreation groups
• Anger management
• Stress management techniques
• Medication education
• Diagnosis education

Experiential therapy: In order to encourage creative expression and stress the benefits of physical activity, Southwood Psychiatric Hospital incorporates numerous experiential therapies into its inpatient programming. The following are examples of the experiential therapies that patients are able to participate in during the course of their treatment:

• Art
• Music
• Gym
• Yoga
• Outdoor recreation

Continuing care and levels of treatment for ODD

While the programming offered within Southwood Psychiatric Hospital is focused on patients being able to achieve their treatment goals, we remain dedicated to helping those who come to our hospital for care in succeeding once they have completed their treatment. From the moment a youth is admitted into one of our programs, our staff begins formulating aftercare recommendations that will meet the child or adolescent’s ongoing needs. Inpatient treatment, by nature, is designed to stabilize a youth so that the therapeutic process can continue at a lower level of care. Therefore, we conduct ongoing assessments of needs in order to ensure that referrals to another treatment provider will help a patient who is grappling with the symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder continue his or her success long after leaving Southwood Psychiatric Hospital.

Our staff of compassionate and caring professionals will work in collaboration with each youth and his or her family to establish how the youth will retain the skills that have been learned throughout the course of treatment and which services in the community will refine and build upon those skills.

Whatever your child or adolescent’s mental health needs may be, let Southwood Psychiatric Hospital be your treatment provider of choice. We will make it our goal to help your child successfully achieve the full and happy life that he or she deserves, free from the challenges of oppositional defiant disorder.