Welcome to the Child & Adolescent Acute Unit at Virginia Baptist Hospital!
Nobody likes hospitals, least of all children, but we've injected our unit with cheerful, life-affirming, bright colors and art.
Art is an invaluable aid for staff in building relationships and children's confidence, as well as positively engaging children
The designs are a conversation starter that help distract children and create positive associations.
Kids need to feel safe - our staff is always available both on the floor and at the nurses stand.
Kids need to play! Our team develops creative and instructive ways for patients to play - or learn to play - so their transition back to their families and to school is a smooth and successful one.
Self-expression is encouraged and can be a therapeutic tool.
The rooms are clean and cheerful.
Our evidence-based, family-focused and youth-centered services make a difference - these treatment rooms set the tone to address the unique needs of each and every child and adolescent we serve.
Virginia Baptist Hospital, founded in 1924, serves Central Virginia with quality health care for the whole family.
Read More
Kids get better! Centra offers the largest range of mental health services in the state for children and their parents. Call us today at 434.200.4444 or click on this picture for more details.
 

Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Unit

Centra Health

Home > Facilities > Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Unit

Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Unit

Centra's Child and Adolescent Unit provides short-term acute inpatient care for children and adolescents ages 5 through 18 in need of immediate stabilization to help with severe emotional or behavioral problems.  For more information about the treatment program, therapies, activities and other services, please click here.

To be evaluated for admission, please go to

  • the nearest emergency room
  • local mental health provider
  • community services board

  • OR call 911.

Click for a printable Visitors/Patient Guide and a Virginia Baptist Hospital Campus Map, or click on "Online Documents" in the left side column.

Unit Manager, Child & Adolescent Acute Unit

Unit Manager, Child & Adolescent Acute Unit
Unit Manager, Child & Adolescent Acute Unit

 

Brooke Stratton, BSN, RN, Unit Manager

Preparing for your stay

Preparing for your stay
Preparing for your stay

Clothing regulations:
  • Clothing, enough to last 3 or 4 days, should be free of drug, sex, alcohol, violent or morbid subject matter.
  • Shoes without laces and without socks must be worn at all times.
  • Adolescent females must wear bras.
  • Midriff/stomach area must be covered at all times.
  • Clothing that is torn above the knee may not be worn.
  • Shorts must be at mid-thigh or longer.
  • Sunglasses, hats and coats may not be worn on the unit.
  • Clothing must be drawstring-free and without belts.

Permissible Items:
  • Sleepwear
  • Robes
  • Personal hygiene products (shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, etc.)
  • Family photos (without frames, please)
  • Stuffed animals and pillows/blankets from home.
  • Items that may be kept in the nursing station for patients' use include make-up, blow dryers, curling irons/hair straighteners, hair picks, glass items, aerosol cans and sugar-free hard candy.

Non-permissible Items:
  • Any and all drugs, alcohol or tobacco products
  • Cell phones, headphones, CDs, CD players, MP3 players, iPods and other personal electronics
  • Colognes and perfumes
  • Spiral bound notebooks and journals
  • Flowers

Visiting Hours & Visitor Information

Visiting Hours & Visitor Information
Visiting Hours & Visitor Information
  • Visiting Hours: Daily 11:15am-12:30pm & 5:30pm-7:30pm
  • Only immediate family members and clergy may visit.
  • No more than four guests at a time.
  • Any family visitor under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Friends are not allowed to visit during a patient's stay.

Phone Calls

Phone Calls
Phone Calls
  • Because of a robust program schedule, parents/guardians may speak to their child by phone only during designated times. 
  • Parents/guardians can call the unit's main nurses' station 434.200.4138 for  status updates.
  • Friends are not allowed to call during a patient's stay

Referrals

Referrals
Referrals
  • Centra Child & Adolescent Acute Psychiatric Program - 24 hrs/day 7days/week call 434.200.4444 or 434-200-3033
  • To be evaluated for possible admission, please go to your local mental health provider, emergency department or community services board or call 9-1-1.