Hilltop

The Pediatric Alternative Treatment Unit (ATU) is a result of a partnership between Colorado West Regional Mental Health Center and Hilltop Community Resources, Inc. The Pediatric ATU provides a unique pediatric alternative to psychiatric hospitalization.

Located on Hilltop’s Bacon Campus, the Pediatric ATU provides residential treatment to children ages 5-11 in acute mental health crisis as an alternative to a locked facility or inpatient psychiatric hospitalization. The Pediatric ATU accepts referrals from families, schools, therapists, doctors, social services caseworkers, and other community members 24-hours a day.

Individual Treatment

The Pediatric ATU provides comprehensive mental health treatment and crisis stabilization services for an average length of stay of up to two weeks. Children participate in a highly structured therapeutic program. Treatment is individualized for each child and can include: anger management, coping skills, diagnostic assessment, medication assessment, etc. Educational, recreational, social, and skill building services are provided to all children within the context of a therapeutic home-like setting.

Unique Needs

At the ATU our staff understands every child has unique needs. Our goal is to provide exceptional comprehensive care in a safe environment. Dr. Matthew Burson, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, provides psychiatric services, nursing coverage is available 24-hours a day, and program staff provide 24-hour awake supervision of children. Each child is assigned a Case Manager who coordinates their care with family, mental health providers, medical providers, and insurance companies. Case Managers also meet with children individually and conduct family meetings as family participation is strongly encouraged.