Psychiatry and Psychology in Minnesota

Child, Adolescent and Family Treatment Program

The Mayo Clinic Child, Adolescent and Family Treatment Program (CAFTP) is an inpatient program to help youths up to age 18 live life to the fullest.

This specialized hospital unit brings together pediatric experts from every specialty for efficient and comprehensive assessment of the most complex psychiatric and medical illnesses.

How the program works

Individuals admitted to the unit undergo a comprehensive evaluation by a psychiatrist, physician's assistant and psychiatric nurse. Medical tests or consultations with other medical specialties are ordered as needed. Psychologists are available to administer and interpret psychological tests.

The multispecialty hospital team meets with you and your family daily to design a treatment plan to address your psychological and physical needs. Through this approach, the team can clarify whether a medication is needed and, if so, prescribe an appropriate and often simplified medication regimen. The choice of medication may be further customized by understanding each person's ability to metabolize drugs through use of a genetic test (Cytochrome p450). This test helps the team decide which medications should be avoided, thus preventing unnecessary side effects and complications.

Treatment focuses on both medication and non-medication therapies. Supportive and cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation and recreation therapy, and education are among the non-medical therapies. A cognitive behavioral therapy group meets daily. Education covers topics including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, self-esteem, forgiveness, relapse, emotions, anger management and sleep disturbance. Electroconvulsive therapy is available, if needed.

Individuals receive daily individual and group therapy to address needs identified during treatment planning meetings. Because pediatric mental illness affects the entire family, Mayo's program encourages family therapy throughout the hospitalization. Individual and family therapy improve communication and healing, while giving all involved a sense of hope and momentum as the dismissal day approaches.

Frequently treated illnesses

• Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
• Anxiety disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Chronic medical symptoms
• Disruptive behavior disorders
• Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia nervosa
• Learning disorders
• Major depression
• Neuropsychiatric illnesses
• Pain disorders with psychological features
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Specialty diagnostic assessments

• Second opinion evaluation
• Chemical dependency evaluation
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Brain imaging