Services

Meridell Achievement Centers services are physically and programmatically distinct.

Adolescent Behavioral/Psychiatric Programs

• Boys 12-17: La Casa, 16 beds
• Girls 12-17: Bunk House, 16 beds
• Girls 12-17: Ranch House, 16 beds

We categorize patients before diagnosing them. Those whohave behavioral/psychiatric issues(manipulative, purposeful, acting out for gain)are treated in a behavioral milieu (behavioral clinical environment):

• Promotes intensive group therapy and interactions to stimulate and support a positive peer culture
• Emphasizes strong, positive role-modeling by staff
• Stimulates positive social opportunities with challenging group and individual work
• Instills self confidence and leadership by earning opportunities and respect
• Rewards positive effort and behavior

Adolescent Neurobehavioral/Neuropsychiatric Programs

• Boys 11-13: Eagles, 20 beds
• Boys 14-17: Falcons, 24 beds
• Girls 12-17: Jewels, 20 beds

Patients whohave neurobehavioral/neuropsychiatric issues(loss of control, impulsive,explosive, not acting out for gain)are treated in a neurobehavioral milieu (neurobehavioral clinical environment):

• Prevents over-stimulation: quieter, calmer, slower paced
• Decreases negative attention: redirect, pick battles – ignore minor, silly behavior
• Positive approach: behavior that is wanted vs. not wanted
• Avoids power struggles: encourage negotiation to obtain needs, earn privileges
• Identifies ways to avoid aggressive behavior: gain insight to signs of escalation; replace negative coping skills with positive coping skills
• Modifies school demands: shorter sessions, smaller groups, less distraction

Child Neurobehavioral/Neuropsychiatric Program

The Children’s Program provides a neurobehavioral milieu similar to the adolescent neurobehavioral milieu, and includes program features for young children:

• The levels system is based on a “stop light” system: green, yellow, red
• Levels are based on current behavior. Children get immediate feedback and have the opportunity to improve their level three times each day.
• The schedule includes several breaks each day for play and recreation
• Teachers in two physically distinct classrooms provide education for children in grades K-3 and 4-6.

Evaluations (as indicated)

Behavioral/psychiatric patients may have a psychological evaluation to identify thinking processes, conscious and unconscious, that may contribute to their emotional and behavioral difficulties.

Neurobehavioral patients have a neuropsychological evaluation to determine their cognitive strengths and weaknesses. These evaluations assist Meridell, parents, teachers and treating professionals to identify appropriate behavioral, emotional andacademic interventions.

Neurobehavioral patients receive a Cognitrace Study, a neurophysiological evaluation. This procedure (Quantitative EEG with Evoked Potential, or ˙QEEG˘) is reviewed by a Pediatric Neurologist, who can identify organic, neurological problems. These problems underlie behavior; they can be treated medically.

University of Texas Charter School

• Accredited by Texas Education Agency
• All faculty meet the highest level of federal and Texas requirements, and are special education-certified
• Completed courses and credits are transferred to students public and private schools throughout the USA and worldwide.
• Each group of patients is in their own dedicated classroom.