Comprehensive, Compassionate Crisis Care

Short-term inpatient psychiatric care may be necessary when a child’s mental health symptoms seriously disrupt daily functioning, present safety risks to themselves or others, or prevent success at home or in school. Our goal is to stabilize crises, restore safety, and begin the path toward lasting emotional wellness.

Personalized, Evidence-Based Treatment

Each child or teen receives an individualized plan developed by our multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, therapists, and educators. Treatment often includes:

• Comprehensive medical and psychiatric evaluation
• Individual, group, and family therapy
• Art therapy and music therapy
• Medication management and monitoring
• Psychoeducation for patients and families
• Structured therapeutic activities to build coping and emotional regulation skills

Our team uses evidence-based interventions and trauma-informed care to promote healing, enhance self-esteem, and improve emotional regulation. We tailor care to each young person’s developmental stage, cultural background, and unique needs.

Family Involvement and Support

At BryLin, we know that mental health recovery is a family journey. We encourage family participation at every stage of treatment. Parents and caregivers are invited to join in therapy sessions, educational meetings, and care planning discussions to better understand their child’s needs and support ongoing recovery.

Education and Academic Support

Our dedicated education coordinator from Learnwell works closely with each student’s home school to minimize educational disruption. Individualized tutoring and academic support align with school curricula to help students stay on track and build confidence while in treatment.

Therapeutic Enrichment: Pet Therapy

Through a partnership with Paws for Love (through the SPCA), BryLin offers pet therapy sessions that bring comfort and joy to patients. The presence of therapy dogs can help ease sadness, anxiety, and loneliness while fostering calmness, social engagement, and emotional connection.

Peer Advocacy

Our peer advocates – accessible through The Mental Health Advocates of WNY – empower and support both youth and families during hospitalization. They provide encouragement, understanding, and resources to help navigate the mental health system and recovery journey.

Discharge Planning and Aftercare

From admission, we begin planning for each child’s successful transition home. Our team collaborates with families, outpatient providers, and community resources to create a comprehensive discharge plan that includes:

• Recommendations for outpatient therapy
• Referrals to community mental health services
• Follow-up appointments with psychiatrists or therapists
• Ongoing strategies for emotional wellness and self-care

The goal is to ensure continuity of care and sustained stability after discharge. We strive to empower families with the knowledge and tools needed to maintain progress and foster resilience.

Why Choose BryLin Hospital

As the only hospital in Western New York that provides inpatient mental health treatment for children under age 12, BryLin Hospital has been a trusted provider of behavioral health care for over 70 years. Our child and adolescent program offers a safe, nurturing environment where healing begins, and hope is restored.

**See our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information on what you can expect and what to pack (and not pack) for a hospital stay.