How or when should I bring Bodin into a case?
A therapist might utilize the services of Bodin at any point within a therapy case. One example is when the therapist and parents are convinced that the behavior of the child has reached a dangerous point. Another example is when the child is no longer responding to outpatient treatment. Bodin is able to join the treatment team along with the therapist, parents and others involved to educate everyone on the diverse options available. Additionally, our psychologists can provide further insights by way of their diagnostic testing. These steps lay the foundation should placement become necessary. Often when a child knows that a plan is in place, the outpatient experience is enhanced.
If I refer a family to Bodin, does that mean the family needs to be committed to sending the child away?
Absolutely not. We want to assist parents in making educated and appropriate decisions regarding their child. In that respect, parents cannot be comfortable with a plan for a residential placement if they have very limited information. We want to be able to spend the time to educate the family about the types of options that may be available based on the child and the family’s particular situation. Often, parents have only the internet or the (overly positive or negative) experiences of a friend or relative to go by. We want to provide realistic, accurate information as well as address the myths about placement, and make this process a little easier for the family. It could certainly turn out that after being educated and guided, the family decides that it is not appropriate or the right time for residential placement. If they make that decision, they have made it based on good information and they can therefore be better committed to their home plan and home resources.
What does Bodin do besides offer lists of schools and programs when I refer a family to them?
Bodin is far more than a “search engine”. When a family is referred to us, we see ourselves as joining a team effort to develop an appropriate plan. While traditional local or boarding school selection can sometimes be straightforward, a successful residential treatment plan is only partly dependent on the selection of the “right” school or program. It also depends on the family’s preparation for the experience and the quality of their participation throughout. We help to coach families about what to expect, guide them in their interactions with programs and with their children in treatment, troubleshoot as situations arise, and help them to prepare for each step in order to make transitions successful. We continuously monitor the child’s and family’s progress and advocate for their treatment objectives.
Are there any other services that Bodin offers that I should know about?
Therapists have benefited from our psychological and neuropsychological testing services and report that the data generated from our assessments help them to understand the patient’s struggles. Testing evaluations include a thorough developmental review and interviews with parents, collateral contacts with important professionals including teachers, therapists, psychiatrists and other professionals involved with the client. Testing also involves an assessment of cognitive functioning including domains such as attention, intellect, academic achievement, learning and memory, auditory and visual-spatial processing, executive functioning and fine motor skills. Within the emotional and personality assessment, methods of testing include clinical interview, self-reports, parent/teacher-reports, and projective testing. Not only does testing help to clarify diagnostic questions, but it also helps families understand the dynamics of their child’s world: how they view others, how they handle their emotions, and the functions that some of the problematic behavior serves. Testing also helps us to clarify what next steps or approaches are appropriate.
Bodin also offer the “Turnaround Program” for families that realize there is a problem and are seeking early intervention through individual “coaching” with a consultant. This is nine week course that allows parents to bring real time issue surrounding boundaries and limitations and other areas that may need new strategies in the home.
