Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF)
Our Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) offers intensive, trauma-informed behavioral health care for children and adolescents who need more support than single-day treatment or short-term hospital stays can provide. Located at Cincinnati Children’s College Hill Campus, the program combines a safe, structured environment with proven therapies to help young people stabilize and build skills for success at home, school and in the community.
Treatments and Services
Our services include:
- Individualized treatment plans created by a team of mental health professionals
- Proven therapies such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Individual, group and family therapy
- 24-hour nursing care and medication management
- Educational support through Cincinnati Public Schools
- Specialized therapies like recreation, expressive arts, and animal-assisted therapy
- Family involvement and planning for a smooth return home
The average length of stay at our treatment facility is 4 to 6 months.
What is the Goal of Treatment?
The main goal is to help youth manage severe emotional and behavioral challenges, learn healthy coping strategies, and return to their families and communities with better functioning and confidence. Treatment focuses on managing emotions, improving communication skills, and making positive choices to promote long-term stability.
What is the Referral Process?
PRTF is a Medicaid service under OhioRISE for youth with the most serious behavioral health needs. To qualify, the young person must complete a CANS (Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths) assessment and enroll in OhioRISE. The Child and Family Team (CFT), custodial entities and other key partners work together to decide if PRTF is the right level of care. When appropriate, biological family members are encouraged to take part in this process.
Once the CFT recommends this level of care, the OhioRISE Care Coordinator submits a request through Aetna’s online system. Aetna reviews the request using state criteria and responds within 72 hours. A recent Certification of Need from a psychiatrist or psychologist is required. Planning for the patient’s eventual transition home starts at admission and continues throughout treatment.
Please note: Referrals do not come directly to Cincinnati Children’s from families or guardians—they must go through the OhioRISE process.
