The Children's Day Unit is an outpatient day hospital program that is a subdivision of the Division of Child Psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, as well as a unit in the New York State Psychiatric Institute. It is both a clinical and research facility and a comprehensive evaluation and treatment program for children and adolescents ages 12-18 , with a diversity of diagnoses including mood disorders, psychosis and eating disorders.

All children and adolescents receive a comprehensive evaluation, including psychiatric and psychological assessment, physical and neurological examination, and social skills and educational assessments. They then enter a structured therapeutic program which includes short-term individual and group psychotherapy, social skills training, recreational and art therapy and medication if clinically indicated. Children and adolescents also attend classes on the unit which are taught by special education teachers from the NYC Board of Education.

Children and adolescents who are inpatients at Psychiatric Institute also attend the Day Treatment Program, but are housed on other units during nights and weekends.

Contact information

Deborah Stedge, RN
212-543-6610 or 5789
fax # 212-543-5171
e-mail: stedgeD@childpsych.columbia.edu

Mara Eilenberg
212-543-5335 or 5789
e-mail: EilenbeM@childpsych.columbia.edu

Location

Children's Day Unit
Room 2500
New York State Psychiatric Institute
1051 Riverside Drive
New York, New York 10032

Staff

Laurence Greenhill, MD, Unit Chief
Lawrence Maayan, MD, Medical Director
Elba Bello, MD, Psychiatrist
Deborah Stedge, RN, Clinical Care Coordinator
Mara Eilenberg, MSW, LCSW, Senior Social Worker
William Rios, Recreational Therapist
Juana Alvarez, Unit Secretary and Therapy Aide
Arthur Glauberman, MA, New York City Board of Education Teacher
Miriam Moreno, Para Professional, New York City Board of Education

Eligibility

Presently admitting adolescents with school refusal
Ages 12-18

Financial Information

Free of Charge