The Specialized Treatment Facility is a psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF) that provides twenty-four (24) hour residential services to Mississippi adolescents who are at least 12 years old but have not reached their 18th birthday with the following:

 A diagnosable psychiatric disorder

 IQ of 60 or above, unless there is substantial evidence that the IQ score is suppressed due to psychiatric illness

 Need for long-term residential services as evidenced by at least one of the following:
failure to respond to less restrictive treatment in the last three (3) months; or
adequate less restrictive treatment options are not available in child’s community; or
child is in an acute care facility whose professional staff advise that residential treatment is needed 

STF does not provide services to adolescents who are in need of acute/emergency psychiatric services, have a primary diagnosis of substance abuse, or have unresolved felony charges. Referrals for admission must include:

A psychiatric or psychological evaluation performed by a licensed psychiatrist, psychologist, or psychiatric nurse practitioner with diagnosis completed no more than 60 days prior to referral; older evaluations will need an updated addendum documenting diagnosis, behaviors, symptoms, clinical summation and level of care recommendation.

A recommendation for long-term residential treatment from the referring physician.

If not included in the evaluation, a separate assessment of intellectual functioning documenting IQ completed within the last year by the appropriate licensed provider.

Additional assessments and documentation supporting the current need for long-term residential treatment due to severe behavioral, emotional, and/or family disturbances. This may include records regarding medical needs, previous psychiatric treatment, legal involvement, education, social history, etc. Focus should be on behaviors and symptoms displayed in the 3 months prior to referral.

Admissions may be voluntary upon application by a legal guardian; through involuntary commitment by a youth, chancery, family or tribal court; or upon transfer from another Mississippi Department of Mental Health program.

Contact Admissions: Phone (228) 328-6000

Fax (228) 328-4027 or (228) 328-6035

14426 James Bond Road Gulfport, MS 39503
Specialized Treatment Facility
www.stf.ms.gov