Our Comprehensive Assessment & Short-term Treatment (CAST) program was founded with the philosophy that all adolescent residential treatment should be considered a respite. It is a chance for the family and other stakeholders to catch their breath, and then evaluate what is working and what is not. From this point of reflection, we develop a plan of care that can enable the adolescent to succeed in the least restrictive, community-based setting that is possible.
CAST thoroughly evaluates a student’s strengths and needs during a 60-to 90-day residential placement. The program serves adolescent males who range from 11 to 19 years old. CAST assessments rely on psychological testing and extensive clinical interviewing with students, their families, and their collateral contacts. This enables our clinical team to form connections with students and then present findings in a developmental, bio-psycho-social, and holistic framework. The CAST clinical team will develop individual treatment plans for students and deliver clinical mental health treatment, which includes crisis intervention that is based on the student’s needs.
Our clinical team assesses students for depression, ADHD, behavior/conduct disorder, substance abuse, anxiety and trauma, sexual behavior, and fire-setting behavior. CAST’s clinical team can support assessments outside this standard battery if requested by the referring agency or external treatment team members.
CAST students reside on Mount Prospect Academy’s main academic campus in Plymouth, N.H., were we maintain a 3:8 ratio of caregivers to students. MPA permanency coordinators work closely with student families and community stakeholders to coordinate home visits for students during treatment.
CAST students are enrolled in MPA’s academic program, which is a certified special education facility that awards high school credits. Academics are a core element of all MPA treatment plans, and a student’s sending school district is considered a critical stakeholder in our program. We strive to develop student interests in real-world career paths and provide curriculum that is relevant. As such, MPA provides students with opportunities to advance in the general curriculum from their sending schools and we use work-based learning experiences to foster a sense of responsibility and diligent work ethic.