The Clinical Program at CPC Behavioral Healthcare -- High Point Schools

The High Point School, a therapeutic day school in Morganville, New Jersey, has successfully integrated an intense and broad array of JCAHO-accredited clinical services into its educational program since 1985. Promoting individual academic achievement, among students who range from 4 to 21 years of age, is done through a unique mix of clinical services. High Point Schools’ 221 students greatly benefit from individual and group therapy, emergency services, psychiatric services, and parent interaction.

Clinical Services for Students: Individual & Group Therapy

The goal of clinical services at High Point School is to promote the academic achievement of our students by addressing the emotional and behavioral barriers to learning. Therefore, every student is evaluated clinically and receives individual and group therapy on a weekly basis. Individual therapy focuses on the development and maintenance of prosocial and coping behavior, the appropriate expression of emotions and thoughts, and building the skills needed for positive relationships with peers and adults. A range of treatment approaches are available including: cognitive-behavioral; psychodynamic; and play therapy for younger students. Group therapy is grounded in a cognitive-behavioral model with an emphasis on skill-building. While our elementary school offers groups that focus on the development of social skills, problem-solving skills, and anger management skills, our adolescent school offers groups which focus on such age-appropriate topics as coping skills, reading social cues, managing depression, and interpersonal skills. Eighteen full-time, state-certified and state-licensed social workers and three board-certified psychiatrists provide this care.

Emergency Services

An emergency clinician is assigned daily to assist students who are emotionally agitated and unable to concentrate on the academic activity of the classroom. After thoroughly assessing each situation, the emergency clinician assists the student in creating and implementing a plan to return to and re-engage in classroom activities. Further evaluation by the on-site school psychiatrist is available as needed to develop appropriate plans for keeping students safe.

Psychiatric Services

Our psychiatrists, who are integral members of the clinical team, have firsthand knowledge of students and their progress in all facets of the school program. They are available throughout the school day to perform evaluations, consult with families and staff, and prescribe and monitor student medication as necessary.

Family Contact and Parent Groups

Because we believe that parents are our students’ most important asset, our clinical services focus on helping parents deal effectively with the needs of their children. Parents and students have an opportunity to strengthen their relationship and form a productive alliance for solving problems through family meetings and regular phone contact with clinical staff. In addition, parent groups help parents examine and build parenting skills and receive support in managing the behaviors of their children.

5/23/2005