I am a mom of three girls, one of whom happens to have a very challenging mental health history. She is 14 and has been diagnosed as Bipolar with psychosis, PTSD, Major Depression, and ODD. Although she is currently under treatment with a psychiatrist and therapist, I am looking for better involvement for her as far as group therapy or other programs that could be of some aid to her and our family. I feel as though her doctor does his job as far as treating her but never has a word of advice nor encourage meet for the party responsible for the bill. My daughter lacks the ability to control her thought partners as well as her actions in a social setting. It is because of his that she has been home bound since October of 2006.
It is funny that I work in the mental health field and day after day I speak with countless frustrated parents who find the fight fruitless when battling the search for services in adolescent psychiatry. I have had many professionals tell me to just place her in a residential program...that is not optional. I will not give up on my child. If I give up then who will fight for her?
This is why I am seeking the advice of the mamasource network. I know that someone, somewhere has either experienced a similar situation, know someone like me or has seen or heard something about this subject.
My sister's company may be able to help you. She works for a company called the Menta Group, and they work with adolescents with various disorders. You can find out more about them online. My sister's name is Tracy, she's the director. Her email address is ____@____.com this helps.
A.
I have personally worked with children and adolescents like your daughter for many years. I used to work for a residential group home in Oak Park and currently provide therapy in Naperville doing very similar work. It can be a really tough road taking care of a child with such complicated diagnoses... However, it sounds like you are really committed are doing a terrific job. Have you considered family therapy?
Is your daughter ready for that type of involvement? Sometimes it can help to even meet on a monthly basis together as a family unit to gain additional support. You are completely correct when saying it's terrific your daughter is getting great help... but what about the rest of you... where's your moments of encouragement, praise and support...
This might be a good idea for you to look into. If you want to chat further directly... I'd be happy to talk. Just send me an email with your number.
R. Gadomski, LCSW
Highland Park Hospital has an Adolescent Psychiatry department. They are really good and wonderful. The counselors and mental health workers can give you a lot of advice and direction.
Alexian Brothers hospital has a great behavioral health outpatient program for teens. We checked it out for my daughter but it was too long of a drive to get her there. I don't have a phone number but I am sure you can get it from information.
good luck, I understand the struggle....
You are so strong and smart not to give up on your daughter and place her in a treatment facility! My sister has similar problems with her daughter and feels at times like she is pulling her hair out! Have you sought out someone at Children's Memorial in Chicago, they have great treatment programs and they are the most encouraging people in the world. Both my daughters see specialist at Childrens and they have been a Godsend! Your family is in my prayers and from a teachers stand point you are the best kind of parent out there, there are too many who just give up, it gets too hard and it is so easy to give up and that is what they do! I hope you find the help you need for you daughter!
M.
Hello! The child psychiatry department at the University of Illinois at Chicago is very good. They have tons of groups for kids and parents, and they would also be able to do a thorough eval to clarify your daughter's diagnosis. The intake number is ###-###-#### or ###-###-####. They will also be able to tell you what insurances they accept when you call. Good luck!
Hi C.,
There are some great IPU and PHP at Children's Memorial Hospital, Hartgrove, and Lakeshore that are great with diagnosis, medication, behavior plans, and hooking you up with long term out patient services. All three not only treat the child, but also to parent/sibling groups as well.
Good Luck and keep up the great job with your daughter!
K.
Hi! I am a mother of 4, and awile back was suffering from severe panic attacks. I couldn't stay on any medication, so I looked to a nutrionist/whole health facility for help. It definitley is not your traditional doctors office, but they treat you with diet ( not a diet, but the right foods for your body type) and a therapy technique called eft, or nst(a deeper form of eft by doing body work) Eft is talking about symptoms or issues, frustrations whatever, and then tapping on certain meridian points on the body to help clear them out of the system.I have found it to be very helpful. The doctors office is called Dr. Mercola's and they are in Schaumburg, Il. Unfortunately I think they only accept a few insurances. I'd say it couldn't hurt to look into it, especially if you've tried everything else! 847*985*1777 It might not make it go away, but it could ease the symptoms some!I'm not sure if it's something that they would be qualified for, but it couldn't hurt to ask. good luck!
