Step-Up/Step-Down (SU/SD)
Youthdale’s Step-Up Step-Down Program (SU/SD) was created to bridge the gap between community and acute mental health care. By combining assessment, therapeutic programming, and integrated multi-disciplinary care, SU/SD helps clients manage the activities of daily living and their complex mental health symptoms, with the goal of eliminating the need for hospitals, emergency visits or secure treatment.
The SU/SD program aims to increase the feeling of hope and stability for clients and their caregivers and decrease reliance on acute services, develop long-term treatment and community re-integration plans, and reduce clinical risks and safety concerns. Step-Up Step-Down is one of the many programs offered at Youthdale Treatment Centres. SU/SD has one goal in mind: to help young people and caregivers struggling with complex needs.
Located in downtown Toronto, SU/SD typically operates as a step-down model for clients coming from a hospital or secure treatment setting or as a step-up model where community treatment and/or in-home support have not been successful. SU/SD is a voluntary 6-8 week mental health program that aims to serve young people ages 10-17 struggling with serious emotional and/or behavioural problems.
Clients admitted to the program consistently meet with a psychiatrist, individual therapist, occupational therapist, art therapist, and case manager throughout their treatment and attend school daily on the unit.
