At KVC, we want every child and adult to be safe & connected to a strong family and a healthy community. We’re proud to be a leader in innovative, effective and compassionate care. See our services and programs overview.
Residential Treatment
Overview
KVC Missouri provides residential treatment for children and teens who are struggling with their mental health and need intensive and compassionate care in a therapeutic setting with 24/7 supervision. Treatment is based on each child’s unique needs and uses a combination of therapeutic services, including individual, group and family therapy, psychiatric services, and medical services in a milieu setting.
We support both youth placed with us in parental (birth and adoptive) care and those in CD guardianship within our Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTFs). Placement decisions are based on several factors, including the specific behaviors outlined in the referral and our ability to provide the necessary care for the youth. We also consider insurance approval for residential treatment, our status as an approved provider or the ability to secure a single case agreement.
Our approach to residential treatment is trauma-informed, strength-based, child- and family-focused, and stresses the importance of building healthy attachments and relationships.
Clinical Assessment
Upon admission, each child receives a thorough assessment, which gathers clinical information related to their personal history, current diagnosis, family history, current functioning and more. KVC team members then work to develop a treatment plan, including plans for discharge.
Clients may be referred for an advanced assessment with a clinician certified in the Neuroseguential Model of Therapeutics (NMT). NMT Metrics is a structured, evidence-based assessment of developmental history, history of adverse experiences, relational health, and current brain-mediated functioning. The information gathered generates a “functional brain map” that identifies areas of the brain that appear to have functional or developmental challenges. The treatment plan includes specific recommendations for an individualized intervention, enrichment and education plan that best meets the client’s unique needs.
Psychiatric Services
Thorough initial psychiatric assessments are completed and psychiatrists are available for regular consultation with parents/guardians, therapists and case managers to provide medication checks and crisis assessments.
Therapy Services
Master-level therapists provide individual, group and family therapy on a weekly basis. A client’s therapist acts as the central point of contact for their family, external stakeholders such as outpatient providers, and their KVC treatment team.
Family therapy is a critical component of treatment and is provided in person, if possible, by a therapist. Additional family engagements may also be supported via video, phone and other communication methods depending on location and family availability.
Group therapy is provided multiple times each week by master-level therapists. Individual psychotherapy is provided weekly by a master-level therapist and if required by diagnosis, a client will also receive substance use education. Additional therapeutic milieu processes and skill-building groups are provided multiple times each day.
Residential care provides 24-hour supervision by highly trained team members, state-of-the-art security and monitoring systems, crisis intervention, skills training, and structured and unstructured recreation activities. Process groups and skills training groups are facilitated regularly in the milieu and focus on emotional regulation, social skills, anger management, conflict resolution, problem-solving and self-esteem building. Outdoor experiential learning is an important part of our therapeutic services.
Education Services From KVC Academy
Depending on a client’s needs, they will either attend a KVC Academy program onsite or they will attend a public school in the community. Our KVC Academy educational services are accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) and approved by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Instruction is provided by highly qualified special education teachers trained in social skills, anger management and conflict resolution. All KVC Academy classrooms are facilitated by teachers and/or paraprofessional teams. Structured recreational and therapeutic services are provided throughout the day.
Specialized treatment programming is offered at all residential treatment centers, such as substance use education and therapy, self-injury treatment, dialectical behavior therapy, and trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy.
Meramec Adventure Ranch
As a part of residential treatment, many clients will take a trip to KVC Missouri’s Meramec Adventure Ranch. The Ranch is a therapeutic wilderness campus offering ropes courses, aquatic adventures, camping, climbing, kayaking, biking, team challenges, and more. Here campers discover their inner-courage and a renewed passion for life.
While the Ranch is a primarily outdoor space, it follows all residential treatment standards, policies, and procedures to ensure therapeutic healing with safety and security. Learn more about Meramec Adventure Ranch and how it helps children build positive connections, self-esteem and resilience.
For more information about our mental health services, contact us at 1-844-424-3577.
Two Types of Residential Treatment: The Difference Between PRTFs and QRTPs
Both Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTFs) and Qualified Residential Treatment Programs (QRTPs) serve Youth who are struggling with mental health symptoms, and haven’t experienced significant improvements with outpatient services. KVC’s residential treatment programs provide intensive, on-site clinical services and clients can practice skills for coping and emotion regulation.
Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF)
- PRTFs provide intensive treatment to help youth stabilize a mental health crisis under the care and guidance of our psychiatrist and treatment team
- Treatment has a typical length of stay of 60 to 90 days
- Clients attend school on campus at KVC Academy
Our Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTFs) offer the highest level of care for youth in need of intensive, crisis-driven mental health support. This specialized program is designed to help youth stabilize during a mental health crisis and receive the tailored treatment they require. Our goal is to equip each young person with the skills they need for long-term success, while also preparing them for a successful transition back into a less restrictive, community-based environment.
Qualified Residential Treatment Program (QRTP)
- QRTPs provide rehabilitation services for youth with severe emotional or behavioral disorders in a home–like environment, with the goal of reintegration into a less restrictive, community–based setting.
- Treatment has a typical length of stay of 90 to 180 days
- Clients may attend school either on campus at KVC Academy or in the community
Scattered Sites Apartment Living
Our Scattered Sites Apartment Living supports older youth transitioning to adulthood by helping them develop essential life skills for independence. This program provides safe apartment housing, case management, and access to employment, education, medical services and community resources. Youth work with KVC case managers to build self-sufficiency in areas like budgeting, job readiness and daily responsibilities. The program also connects participants with mentors, therapeutic services and psychiatric care as needed, empowering them to achieve independence and success.
Transitional Living Program
KVC Missouri’s Transitional Living Program provides a safe and supportive environment for youth transitioning from alternative care to independence. The program focuses on building life skills, fostering positive relationships and increasing autonomy in a structured setting. Youth receive individualized support, including case management, employment and education referrals, transportation and access to medical care. A KVC case manager can also help to facilitate and set up psychiatric services with a licensed psychiatrist as needed.
With a focus on academic achievement, job readiness, leadership and independent living skills, the Transitional Living Program prepares youth for self-sufficiency by providing them with the resources they need to thrive.
Our Locations Offering Residential Treatment
Columbia, MO (PRTF)
- 4304 S. Bearfield Rd., Columbia, MO 65201
Kansas City, MO (QRTP)
- 1911 E 23rd St, Kansas City, MO 64127
Springfield, MO (PRTF)
- 1212 W. Lombard St., Springfield, MO 65806
St. James, MO (QRTP)
- 13160 County Road 3610, Highway DD, St. James, MO 65559
Accreditation
The Joint Commission
Sponsors of this Program
Missouri Department of Social Services – Missouri Children’s Division
Missouri Department of Mental Health
Missouri Department of Social Services – Division of Youth Services
Missouri Department of Mental Health
Missouri Alliance for Children and Families
United Way of Greater St. Louis