Ruth Meiers Adolescent Treatment Center (RMAC): Grand Forks, N.D.
Mission
To provide a supervised/structured treatment program for adolescents experiencing serious mental health issues, and to assist them in developing the tools they need so they can function in a positive and productive manner within their families and communities.
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History
- Opened in 1989
- Is affiliated with the North Dakota Department of Human Services and its Northeast Human Service Center
- Licensed as a 12-bed Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility PRTF
- Typically serve about 10-11 individuals at a time
- 1 bed is for respite care
- 1 bed is designated for assessment needs
- Following the Grand Forks Flood of 1997, the facility closed for about one year and underwent significant remodeling
- The program was accredited in 2006 by the Council on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)
Philosophy
We recognize the unique and complex needs of the youth we serve and work with them to address those needs, build on their strengths and equip them with the tools they need to be successful.
We believe that all adolescents have the right to:
- Dignity and Respect
- A sense of belonging
- Have their families actively involved in the treatment process if at all possible
- Expect reunification with parent(s) if possible
- Have access to a therapeutic program focused on their individual needs
- Receive effective treatment provided by competent, qualified staff
- Have their unique abilities and strengths recognized
- Actively participate in their treatment planning
Who We Serve:
Adolescents with Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED)
Many have experienced one or more of the following challenges:
- Physical Abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Neglect
- Psychiatric hospitalization(s)
- Suicide attempts/self harm/gestures
- Multiple out-of-home placements
- Abandonment/Attachment issues
- School difficulties
- Assaultive and/or aggressive behavior
- Chemical abuse by adolescent or family member(s)
- Domestic violence
- Parental incarceration
- Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- Sexual offending
- Eating disorders
- Lack of support systems
Adolescents admitted into the program often exhibit one or more of the following characteristics over a marked period of time and to a notable degree:
- Inappropriate types of behavior or feelings under normal circumstances
- An inability to learn which cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory or health factors
- An inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships with peers and/or adults
- A general pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression
- A tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears associated with personal or school problems
Admissions:
The Admissions Team considers the following criteria regarding each adolescent:
- An Axis 1 diagnosis (a diagnosis which constitutes a serious emotional disturbance)
- North Dakota residency
- Age 12 to pre-18
- Can be expected to transition to community based educational facilities (L.D. or S.E.D)
- Has a history of multi-disciplinary, multi-agency involvement and need
- Expected to return or be discharged to a less restrictive level of care
- GAF (Global Assessment of Functioning) scale score of 50 or below
- Average or above average intelligence (full-scale 70)
In addition, it is understood that family, community agency, and local school involvement will be critical throughout and after treatment.
It is also understood that in some situations, intense family involvement may not be advisable.
Staff:
- Program Director – Bryon Novotny, BA Social Work
- Clinical Supervisor – Larry Dauksavage, LCSW
- Case Manager/Therapist – Jennifer Pantzer, MSW
- Activity Coordinator, Jessica Eliason
- Nurse, Cindy Hagen, BSN
- Cook, Jeff Lundmark,
- Receptionist/Clerical – Nancy Schumacher
- 15 Community Home Counselors (CHC’s)
- Most with BA/BS degrees or in-progress in a related field
- Therapist, Beth Hemming, LICSW
- Medical Director - Psychiatrist, Dr. Ellen Feldman
Treatment:
The Ruth Meiers Adolescent Treatment Center uses a holistic approach emphasizing behavioral and cognitive change
- Recognize needs related to family, community, school, social and therapy
Implemented through:
Reinforcement via a Level System that promotes and helps the youth develop:- Self awareness/self acceptance
- Self control
- Motivation
- New skills
Cornerstones of Treatment Approach:
- Relationships developed between adolescent and staff
- Honesty, trust, respect and choices
- Consistency, clarity of expectations
- Safety
- Knowledgeable and committed staff
Treatment Provided:
- Individual Therapy
- Family Therapy
- Group Therapy
- Anger Management
- Mood Management
- Social Skills
- Sexual Abuse group
- COA Children of Alcoholics group
- Music group
- Cooking/Nutrition group
- Weekly planning
- Community group
- Craft group
- Topic group
- Independent living course
- Bike training/trip
Milieu Interaction
Interactions within the living environment are monitored constantly and each adolescent is assigned scores on a number observable behaviors. These scores contribute to the level a resident is on (and subsequent privileges).
Additional Factors Impacting Treatment
- Family or significant other involvement
- An identified positive discharge location
- Timely availability of appropriate discharge location
- Availability of local follow-up service upon discharge
“Though residential treatment is tough work for the adolescent and staff involved, I believe RMAC has developed a reputation among families, referring workers and adolescents as a quality facility with dedicated staff working to make a positive impact in the lives of those we serve. If you are struggling with your adolescent and are exploring options, please do not hesitate to contact RMAC for additional information. We can help you explore your options and help you make the best decision possible for your child.” – Bryon Novotny, Program Director
Contact Information:
Ruth Meiers Adolescent Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (RMAC)770 S 14th Street
Grand Forks, ND 58201
Phone: (701) 795-3870
Fax: (701) 795-3899
Toll Free: 888-823-5931
TTY: (701) 795-3060
ruthmeiers@nd.gov
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