Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 12/9/2008

Question
I would like to know if there are any residential facilities for children under the age of 10 years old. My son has been diagnosed with biploar/odd and has been in and out of behavorial centers..which are not long term..and his behavior has become worse. He has been on numerous medication which doesn't not work long term. I am in a desperate situation due to this matter, and the school which he attends has done all they can do and he has been suspended from school on 6 different occassions due to his behavior and has hurt 2 teachers since he had been in school. I NEED HELP IN FINDING PLACEMENT FOR HIM BEFORE IT GETS WORSE THAN IT ALREADY IS...

Answer
Hello Priscilla:

While there are residential programs that accept children as young as six, not knowing what area you live in, I can't tell you where to look.  I will tell you it is very difficult to place any child, and often their acceptance will only be made after all other avenues have been tried.  These avenues include medication, out-patient counseling, wrap-around services and therapeutic day schools.

What I would suggest is to call a local mental health resource center and ask for an evaluation for services such as outpatient counseling.  Discuss with them everything that has been tried and they will direct you to what is still available.  

Unfortunately, it can be a long process. You do not say what medications have been tried.  Studies are showing a combination of Lamictal and Seroquel to work where others have not on children with bipolar disorder.  Speak to your doctor about the appropriateness of these for your son.

Lastly, do not give up.  There is hope, even though it may not seem so at the moment.  Remember--under all that anger, is a little boy even more scared and confused than you are.  He will come out eventually.
                     Joyce A. Anthony