Inpatient Psychiatry Service

Ages range from 8 to 17. For the purposes of school and some therapeutic activities, the children are divided into younger (school-aged) and older (adolescent) groups.

Caregivers cannot stay overnight with their children. We know this is difficult for some caregivers, but please be assured that staff are available 24 hours/day to ensure your child’s comfort and safety. Every effort will be made to notify you immediately if there is a significant change in your child’s condition.

Usually not, unless there are specific circumstances. Most of our patient rooms are semi-private rooms with two patients.

Visiting hours for caregivers and siblings are weekdays from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. On Wednesday evenings, visiting is extended until 8 p.m. and there is a family night activity.

Yes. Your child’s treatment team will ask you for a list of people (friends or extended family) who have your permission to visit. These visits should be prearranged with the team. Anyone younger than 21 years old must be accompanied and supervised by the patient’s caregiver(s).

Yes. You can bring comfortable clothes for your child to wear, such as play or school clothes. You should also bring pajamas.

It is a good idea to bring some things that will make your child comfortable, such as a blanket and/or pillow. Items such as unframed photos, books, posters, stuffed animals, a journal, stationery, hair care products, and electric razors can also be brought onto the unit. Anything sharp (razors, pins, scissors, or glass or metal picture frames) or other items that may not be safe for the children on the unit should be left at home. Our staff will check any belongings that you bring to ensure their safety.

To reach your child, your child’s treatment team, or a staff person on the unit urgently, call 617-355-7721. If your child or the staff you are looking for are not immediately available, the staff will take a message and your call will be returned as soon as possible. Caregivers should feel comfortable calling the unit at any time.

Meals are served family style, with patients and staff eating together. There is generally one meal selection but some children on the unit have special diets, depending on their medical or dietary needs. You can let the staff know if your child has any dietary restrictions.

During the academic year, part of every weekday is dedicated to school. We have two teachers, one for grades 1 to 8 and one for grades 9 to 12. With your permission, they will help gather assignments from your child’s school so your child can keep up with some schoolwork while on the unit.

Read about our clinicians.

The primary person to ask about your child’s progress and treatment is their social worker, who is usually available by phone (617-355-7721) after 10:30 a.m. during the week.

If they are not immediately available, you can leave a message that will be returned as soon as possible. The nursing staff person who is on duty at the time you call can answer questions about how your child is doing or how they are spending the day. The staff member assigned to your child during each shift is available to answer questions that arise on evenings and weekends.

No. Caregivers must be involved and give consent for any medication additions or changes. Only in an emergency would medication ever be administered to your child without your prior knowledge. In such a case, every effort will be made to get in touch with you as soon as possible.

This is a question that most caregivers struggle with at some point during their child’s admission. Be selective. Know who you are talking to. Use the IPS staff to discuss how to talk about your child’s hospitalization with family, friends, and other community members.

Remember that different people are going to have different reactions — some you will expect, and some will surprise you. You may be pleasantly surprised at how supportive one person is, while being disappointed at another person’s reaction. Remember that you choose how much information to share.