What Parents Have to Say
Patients & families
The following is an excerpt from a letter received by the parent of a CPES patient:
“My daughter is being released after a two-week stay in CPES and I wanted to… express my appreciation for the care she received. I can honestly say that I have never encountered a more caring staff and successful program as exists in CPES. The nursing staff was outstanding in how they cared for the children, which at times can be a very difficult job. The therapists and psychiatrists were so perceptive and effective, and my child is one who has been able to fool many in the past. Words really cannot express my appreciation and it is nice to know that I am part of an organization, which provides such a fine program, run by such a fine and caring staff. Thank you.”
Name and town withheld to protect patient confidentiality
A long-time leader in both adult and adolescent psychiatry, Saint Raphael’s is one of just five hospitals in Connecticut that offers inpatient mental health services to school-aged children and it’s the only hospital in Connecticut treating children under age 5.
It’s staffed by a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, nurses, pediatricians and other clinicians specially trained to provide the most comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and treatment, based on each child’s special needs.
Multidisciplinary team approach
CPES uses a multidisciplinary approach to treating mental illness in children and adolescents. Specialists work together to plan treatment methods, monitor effectiveness and evaluate a patient’s progress.
This team approach means the physicians, nurses and therapists caring for your child are together under one roof, which improves communication.
The team also coordinates with your child’s outpatient physician for intake, medication evaluation, discharge, and aftercare plans.
Saint Raphael’s is a JCAHO-accredited child and adolescent psychiatric inpatient facility.
When you and your child first arrive
Please bring:
- Proof of guardianship
- health insurance documentation forms
- medical records
- medication your child is taking.
Children wear their own clothes on the unit; please bring sleepwear, a change of clothes, a teddy bear or other comforting toy or special blanket.
Visiting your child
Parents and guardians may visit from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. on weekdays and 3:30 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 7:30 p.m. weekends and holidays. The only people who may visit with your children are family members with previous authorization from a guardian.
The Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut provides free lodging for patients’ families visiting from out-of-town. They can be reached at (203) 777-LOVE.
We promote a relaxed, caring environment. Children and adolescents wear their own clothes and may have stuffed animals, books, or pictures of friends and family. Feel free to bring these or any other favorite keepsakes.
For the safety of your child and other patients, please do not bring your child any of the following items:
- Valuables (jewelry, large amounts of cash, etc…)
- Cellular phones, radios, CD players, video games, televisions, computers, PDAs, or any other electronic devices (these can be fire hazards or interfere with medical equipment and the Hospital’s communications system)
- Small toys (choking hazard), toys that use or generate electricity or a spark, and latex balloons.
The Hospital cannot be responsible for any items left in your child’s room.
If you have a specific question or concern, please contact Jennifer Barba, LCSW, Director, Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Services at (203) 789-3340 or email: [email protected].
Page last updated on Dec. 01, 2010