Transitional Psychiatric Unit (TPU)
The Transitional Psychiatric Unit (TPU) is a voluntary psychiatric inpatient unit that provides stabilization, assessment and intensive treatment for children and youth between 10 – 17 years of age, living in Toronto, and who are experiencing urgent emotional and behavioural difficulties but are not at immediate risk of harm to themselves or others.
The TPU is available as a “step-down” resource from higher acute settings such has hospitals or other secure units, as well as a "step-up" resource for children and youth who require a higher intensity of service that exceeds the level of care that can be provided in the community (family home or live-in service).
The average length of stay is 4-6 weeks, and the child or youth must be in agreement with the admission. Our team is comprised of psychiatrists, child and youth counsellors, social workers, nurses, psychologists, and an occupational and art therapist.
Working closely with the client and their support network to set goals for admission, the TPU provides:
a structured and safe therapeutic environment
an integrative diagnostic assessment of the young person and his/her support systems
an appropriate medication regimen as indicated
individual, group, and family therapy
on-site day treatment program
support for the young person and their parents or guardians
access to professionals to plan for the young person’s continuing care in the community