Common questions

parents may have

What is residential treatment?

Residential treatment is a level of mental health care where your child lives on campus in a therapeutic environment and receives around-the-clock support, including individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, psychiatric care, and education. It is designed for young people whose needs exceed what outpatient therapy can address. The goal is stabilization and healing, not long-term placement.

How do I know if my child needs residential care?

Residential care may be appropriate when outpatient therapy has not been sufficient, when safety concerns are present, when your child has had recent psychiatric hospitalization, or when mental health needs are significantly affecting daily functioning across home, school, and relationships. The best way to find out is to speak with our admissions team — that conversation carries no obligation.

What ages do you serve?

RCH&R serves youth ages 11–17.

How long do youth usually stay?

Length of stay at RCH&R is determined by individual clinical progress, not by a fixed calendar. Most young people complete the program in 4 - 6 months, though some stay longer based on their treatment needs. RCH&R is a long-term program designed for the level of complexity that requires more than a few weeks to address. Our goal is not to keep your child longer than necessary. It is to ensure the gains made in treatment are stable enough to sustain after discharge.

Can families stay involved during the stay?

Yes. Family involvement is a clinical requirement, not an optional add-on. Families participate in regular family therapy sessions, receive coaching, and are included in treatment planning and discharge decisions throughout the stay. We communicate with families consistently, not just during crises.

Will my child continue their education?

Yes. Promise Academy is an accredited charter school on the RCH&R campus. Your child receives individualized education with credentialed teachers in a trauma-informed environment. Teachers and therapists collaborate daily, and transition planning back to the home school is built into the discharge process.

Do you accept insurance?

RCH&R accepts Medicaid and works with most major private insurance plans in Idaho. Our admissions team handles benefits verification directly — you do not need to navigate insurance paperwork on your own. We verify your specific coverage and give you a clear picture of likely costs before you make any decisions.

What happens after discharge?

Discharge planning begins early in the stay, not at the end. We work with your family, your child’s outpatient providers, and their school to create a transition plan that sustains the gains made during residential care. Aftercare support and resources are provided to help your family navigate the transition home.

What if I am not sure this is the right fit?

That  is exactly what the admissions conversation is for. You can call, ask  questions, describe your child’s situation, and get an honest assessment —  with no obligation to apply or move forward. If RCH&R is not the right  fit, we will tell you and help you identify what might be.

How is RCH&R different from other residential programs?

RCH&R  is Idaho’s first and only accredited long-term psychiatric residential  facility for youth. It is Joint Commission accredited, purpose-built on the  Hands of Promise campus, and includes an on-site accredited charter school  (Promise Academy) where education and treatment are integrated daily. The  program is designed for complex cases where shorter programs have not been  enough, and family involvement is built into the clinical model from day one.