STRONG
CHILD & ADOLESCENT DAY
TREATMENT PROGRAM

STRONG is trauma-informed care for children and adolescents suffering from mental or behavioral health challenges.

STRONG provides intensive mental health services to children ages 4-18 in the safe and structured setting of The STRONG MILWAUKEE Center.

The day treatment program is designed to address the root causes of behavioral issues, such as trauma, depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. We focus on healing the brain, then equipping children and adolescents with the behavioral and coping skills they can apply when challenged in the future in other settings. We provide evidence-based treatment from a Christ-centered approach, focusing on loving and compassionate interactions to build trusting relationships.

The STRONG team also communicates each child’s progress and needs to parents and guardians, teachers, and anyone who plays a role in the child’s continued healing outside of STRONG. The goal is improved behavior, as well as long-term healing.

What issues does a day treatment program address?

• Difficulty because of stressful events such as gun violence, domestic violence, physical or sexual abuse, personal injury, or death of a loved one
• Risk of academic suspensions or expulsions
• Involvement in impulsive or risky behaviors
• Defiance, rage, outbursts, threats, or other aggressive behavior
• School truancy and behavioral issues in school
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, or lack of focus

About the STRONG program:

• Trauma-informed and culturally-sensitive therapy
• 3 hours per day of group therapy, plus individual and family therapy
• Morning and afternoon groups that run Monday through Friday
• Duration is based upon treatment plan, but is typically about 5-7 months

Current program days and times:

• STRONG Center located at 510 East Burleigh Street, Milwaukee, WI  53212
• Meets Monday-Friday, 8-11 am or 12-3 pm

What is the cost of day treatment?

We accept most major insurance plans, and many insurance networks cover the cost of day treatment.

For qualifying families, Medicaid pays the cost of medical transportation to and from the STRONG program.

How to refer:

• Children can be referred by their parents, school, or behavioral health or medical providers.
• Call 262-293-9747 to speak to a staff member.
• We will schedule a diagnostic assessment to determine if day treatment is the best fit for the child.
• Prior to a child beginning the program, a parent or legal guardian will need to meet with our staff to review program expectations. A separate meeting will also be scheduled to sign consents for treatment.

Excellent outcomes

Before-and-after treatment data for STRONG Child & Adolescent Day Treatment indicates the program’s effectiveness at reducing mental health symptoms. The Child & Adolescent Functional Assessment System (CAFAS) is the most widely used and respected scale to measure day-to-day functioning in critical areas such as moods, emotions, thinking through problems, and behavior toward others.

Mental health practitioners use the CAFAS to track outcomes and inform decisions about treatment. A lower score indicates better functioning in these areas.

The STRONG Child & Adolescent Day Treatment program has a pre-treatment CAFAS score of 100.27, and improves to 67.40 at time of discharge.

(Standard Deviation: 3.148)

If in-person treatment at STRONG is not possible, CFS offers a virtual day treatment program for adolescents ages 11-18. Visit here to learn more.