Louis Jackson Rapid Intervention Center (RIC)
A Safe Place to Heal for Kids in Foster Care
The program was opened in 1997 and is licensed by the New York State Office of Mental Health. It offers short-term intensive mental health services and crisis support for both boys and girls aged 5 to 17 years who are in foster care and experiencing acute behavioral or emotional problems that place them or others at risk. The RIC is housed in a free-standing building on our Dobbs Ferry, NY, campus and has a capacity of 8 beds.
The RIC is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with admissions screenings and assessments performed by licensed mental health professionals.
The interventions and services offered at the RIC include diagnostic assessment, family assessment, a review and assessment of psychotropic medication (if needed), short-term intensive psychotherapy, and 24-hour supportive counseling.
Services are provided by an interdisciplinary clinical team of licensed child psychiatrists, child psychologists, psychiatric social workers, a pediatrician, nurses, special education teachers, recreational therapists and sociotherapy counselors.
Youngsters in the program have the use of the Village’s extraordinary array of recreational and educational programs, with caring, licensed professionals providing high quality treatment at less than half the cost of hospitalization.
Depending on their physical and emotional needs, youth may participate in individual or group recreational activities.
The goal is to return children home within 21 days or less or to the least restrictive placement possible. For admissions information, call 1-800-793-5090.
Assessment and Diagnostic Services
The RIC provides assessments and diagnostic services as a single service using standardized tests, clinical interviews, and behavioral observation. The focus of the assessment includes mental status, psycho-sexual development, intra-psychic conflict, social relationships, and family functioning. Specific areas of concern or dysfunction including suicidal behavior or language, sexual trauma, and sexual and physical assault receive focused attention. Any need for psychotropic medication is also assessed.