Residential Treatment

ECH’s Residential Treatment Program provides 24-hour therapeutic care for 10 to 18 year-olds, with a capacity of 30 residents. Youth are most often referred to our program when less intensive interventions have been exhausted and a higher level of care is needed to stabilize behaviors and build life skills in a secure environment.

Specialized needs we address:

• Complex mental health and behavioral health challenges
• Trauma resulting from abuse, neglect, or disrupted family systems
• Ability to work with neurodivergent populations and those on the autism spectrum
• Gender sensitive treatment

From day one, residents feel the benefits of predictability and understanding that their basic needs will be met. Our team greets each newcomer with warmth and the knowledge that establishing trust is a critical first step in trauma-informed care.

As a Qualified Residential Treatment Program (QRTP) designated by the State of Missouri, ECH offers a high level of clinical care with measurable outcomes. Each youth receives:

• 90 minutes of individual therapy per week
• 60 minutes of group therapy per week
• At least one hour of structured recreational therapy daily

Individualized programs are also custom-created to meet clients where they are, including:

• Special programs surrounding physical abuse, sexually harmful behaviors, Autism, developmental delays, and other related traumas
• Family therapy (in-person and virtual)
• Family engagement visits
• Educational services
• On-site medical and psychiatric care
• Substance use and abuse prevention/education counseling
• Chapel services (voluntary, non-denominational)

As a Level IV treatment center, our facility is equipped with enhanced safety measures to protect youth and staff. We provide:

• Locked entry points
• Routine schedules
• Consistent expectations
• Opportunities to earn independence

All ECH staff are trained in trauma-informed care and certified in safe crisis management. Staff includes:

• Master’s-level social workers to provide case management
• Therapists trained in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EDMR), and other evidenced-based practices
• On-premise crisis intervention specialists that include a 24 hour, on-call staff of nurses and clinicians

Beyond clinical expertise, ECH is known for our staff’s responsiveness and deep commitment for the youth we serve.

• Low staff-to-resident ratio ensures personalized care at all hours and opportunity to make genuine connections
• Case management teams are consistently praised for quick communication with caseworkers and families
• Direct care staff go above and beyond organizing birthday parties, outings, or custom rewards to help youth stay engaged and feel seen

Recreation is a central part of our treatment model, helping youth develop social-emotional skills and experience moments of normalcy and fun in a safe environment. Each resident participates in at least one hour of structured recreational therapy each day.

Examples of activities include:

• Theatre-inspired movie nights featuring ticket takers and concessions
• Board games, card games, and video games
• Outdoor activities like campus walks and fishing trips
• Super Bowl parties, birthday celebrations, and farewell events
• Camp-style summer programming with rotating activities throughout the day

Ultimately, we aim to provide opportunities for youth to earn privileges and simply be kids.

As part of our trauma-informed care model, we use validated clinical assessments to track each resident’s progress throughout their stay.

We measure:

• Reduction in post-traumatic stress symptoms
• Achievement of individualized therapeutic goals

Our end goal is to prepare residents to leave the residential treatment program with the skills and confidence to thrive in a less restrictive setting.

Community reintegration may look like:

• Reunification with family
• Transition to a foster home
• Placement in a transitional living program, such as Steppingstone

For those returning home, ECH offers aftercare services for up to 6 months to support a successful and lasting transition.