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

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

Individual Treatment

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

Unique Needs

At the ATU our staff understands every child and youth 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. 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.