Clinical Assessment
Assessment at SandhillS.T.A.R.T.: A Short-Term
Assessment Track for Children
When a child is struggling with emotional or behavioral challenges, determining the right level of care can be difficult. At Sandhill Center, our Short-Term Assessment and Recommendations Track (S.T.A.R.T.) provides families with the clarity and direction they need to make informed decisions about next steps.
This three-month residential program offers a structured, supportive environment where children receive comprehensive evaluations, targeted interventions, and expert recommendations—helping families gain a clear understanding of their child’s strengths and challenges.
How S.T.A.R.T. Works
S.T.A.R.T. is designed as an intensive yet time-limited program that allows for thorough assessment without a long-term commitment. Over the course of three months, children engage in a blend of therapeutic support, educational stability, and behavioral observations to help determine the most effective plan moving forward.
What to Expect During the Program
Comprehensive Assessments – We conduct in-depth clinical, psychiatric, and educational evaluations to gain a full picture of your child’s needs.
Structured Therapeutic Support – Children participate in individual, group, and family therapy, allowing us to observe behaviors and responses in real time.
Collaborative Insights – Our multidisciplinary team works together to develop personalized recommendations, helping families determine whether further treatment or home-based support is best.
A Clear Path Forward – By the end of the program, families receive a detailed report and actionable plan, equipping them with the knowledge to make the best choices for their child’s future.
Who Is S.T.A.R.T. For?
This program is designed for children experiencing:
Emotional dysregulation
Behavioral difficulties at home or school
Struggles with peer relationships or authority figures
Previous treatment challenges without clear progress
Uncertainty about the next steps in care
For families unsure whether long-term residential treatment is necessary, S.T.A.R.T. provides a structured opportunity to assess, reflect, and plan for what comes next.
Our Team Approach
Throughout the program, your child will be supported by an experienced, multidisciplinary team that collaborates closely to provide holistic care and insight. This includes:
Primary Therapist – Leads therapy sessions and provides ongoing updates.
Psychiatric Provider – Evaluates mental health needs, including medication considerations.
Educator – Ensures academic engagement and structure (during the school year).
Milieu Staff – Supports children in the therapeutic environment.
S.T.A.R.T. Coordinator – Ensures seamless communication and coordination of care.
By integrating perspectives from different disciplines, we provide families with a well-rounded, deeply informed assessment of their child’s needs.
Next Steps: Contact our admissions team today to discuss whether S.T.A.R.T. is right for your child.
Families often come to Sandhill at a crossroads—unsure of what their child needs next. S.T.A.R.T. is designed to provide answers. Whether it confirms the need for extended treatment or identifies ways to successfully transition back home with the right support, this program gives families the information and confidence to move forward.