In order to provide you with a clearer picture of the services and programs offered at the Excel Center, we have provided detailed answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Q. What kind of behaviors would my child exhibit to warrant treatment at the Excel Center?

A. Sometimes symptoms of serious problems can be similar enough to normal behavior that parents might not recognize the difference. Agitation, temper tantrums, fussy eating, sadness, or restless sleep patterns are not unusual behaviors in children. When coupled with actions such as withdrawing from affection and friends, purposely hurting themselves, extreme sadness that interferes with normal activities, defiance of authority, severe disruptive behaviors in school, truancy, drug use, or violent behaviors, these symptoms can indicate severe problems.

The Excel Center provides free assessments Monday through Friday. If your child exhibits suicidal or homicidal tendencies, we recommend immediate consultation with a psychiatrist or an inpatient mental health facility.

Q. What is the program at Excel Center like?

A. The Excel Center in Fort Worth is a free-standing psychiatric day treatment center for clients ages 5 to 18. We also have a substance abuse program for adolescent clients ages 12 to 18. And we offer partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs Monday through Friday at two Dallas-area locations: Fort Worth and Lewisville.

The children and adolescents are separated by ages into tracks, including elementary, pre-adolescent, adolescent and dual diagnosis (clients with both psychiatric and substance abuse issues). Each track has a licensed master's-prepared therapist who is the case manager of each treatment component. All clients have a psychiatrist who directs treatment for your child. Our program offers group therapy, life skills groups, family therapy, multi-family therapy, medication management and case management.

Q. How long will my child be in the program?

A. The program is Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Our average length of stay is two to four weeks. Discharge is dependent on your child's progress, and continuous review of criteria for level of care by the psychiatrist and the treatment team.

Q. Do I contact the insurance company concerning the fees?

A. No. Our business office contacts your insurance company at the time your child is admitted for treatment. The business office manager will inform you of your benefits, can facilitate financial arrangements for your co-pay, answer any questions concerning your benefits, and can arrange a payment plan.

Q. How do I get information on my child's progress?

A. Your child is assigned a therapist case manager upon admission. The therapist is available by phone daily, and can visit with you during family therapy and multi-family sessions to discuss your child's progress. Daily home reports are a good way to communicate daily with the therapists, nurses and teachers. Therapists and nurses are in group during the morning and check their voice mail regularly. Phone calls will be returned as soon as possible. Therapists are generally available to receive calls from 3-5 p.m.

Q. How do I address school issues during admission and throughout my child's stay at Excel?

A. If admitted you will register your child for enrollment in our Charter School during the treatment episode. The school registrar will then contact your child's home school for current course requirements. Any special concerns you have about school can be addressed by the school registrar at (817) 335-6429.

Q. How do I receive information concerning the free transportation to and from the Center?

A. We pride ourselves on being able to offer free transportation for many of our patients. Transportation arrangements are made at the time of admission. You will receive a phone call from the assigned driver to discuss pickup and drop off times and location.

Q. How am I involved in my child's progress?

A. Family participation is a key component in the treatment program via individual family therapy, multi-family group, treatment and discharge planning. It helps facilitate improved functioning within the family and home environment. Upon admission, your child is assigned a therapist/case manager, nurse and psychiatrist. The therapist and nurse are available by phone daily, and visit with you during family therapy and multi-family sessions to discuss your child's progress. Daily home reports are a good way to communicate daily with the therapists, nurses and teachers. Therapists and nurses check their voice mail regularly. Phone calls will be returned as soon as possible.