​Conroy-Merck Intensive Treatment Program

The Conroy-Merck Intensive Treatment Program is a collaborative effort between Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC and the Pittsburgh Public Schools. The program runs for 9 months covering the academic year. Students are involved in the program 30 hours per week/6 hours per day. A length of stay in the program typically ranges from 6 to 9 months.

Our Mission

The mission of the Conroy-Merck Intensive Treatment Program is to provide treatment focused on reducing or eliminating symptoms and behaviors that are inhibiting the child's ability to reach his or her fullest potential in the home and school environments.

Services

The Conroy-Merck Intensive Program is designed to provide a number of services:

• The program can serve as a higher level care for individuals who are at risk for an inpatient psychiatric admission by providing intensive treatment in the school setting.
• The program provides services to individuals who are at risk of being placed in more restrictive academic settings (such as APS placement) because of chronic or acute behavioral concerns.

Referral and Acceptance

• Acceptance into the program is determined by the following:
  children and adolescents between the ages of 5 and 21 years, dually diagnosed with developmental disabilities and psychiatric and/or behavioral disorders.
• A "best practice" evaluation prescribed by a licensed psychologist as "medically necessary"
• Medical Assistance

Discharge criteria

• The team monitors and evaluates progress daily to determine if the child or adolescent has met referral goals and is ready for discharge to a less restrictive educational classroom.
• Transition plan is developed
• Follow up care plan is developed with therapists and psychiatrist prior to discharge and on-going classroom consultation as needed.