City: Atlanta, GA

Category: Health Care

Telephone: (404) 875-4551

Address: 690 Courtenay Dr. NE

Description: Founded in 1888, Hillside is Atlanta’s oldest social service agency. Its various roles demonstrate great flexibility in responding to the changing needs of the community. Originally founded as a home for needy children, today Hillside is a licensed psychiatric hospital serving children and adolescents from ages 10 to 18. The residential program has expanded to include 13 acres, 4 dorm-style cottages, two outdoor sports grounds, and a gym. Hillside offers individualized psychotherapy as well as group and family therapy. Hillside’s licensed special education program enables youngsters to continue their schooling. Diagnostic services for severely emotionally disturbed patients are available. With both open and closed facilities, Hillside provides the appropriate setting for a wide range of needs. The hospital’s excellent programs are designed to return the whole child to a well state. Activity therapy, art therapy, horticulture therapy, and speech and language therapy, administered by members of Hillside’s 120-employee staff, contribute to a child’s progress. Twenty-four-hour nursing and an extensive aftercare program are part of Hillside’s comprehensive treatment. The hospital has created a therapeutic foster care program for children who are ready to leave Hillside but who do not have community or family resources available to them. These children can continue to receive a variety of Hillside services while living in the community with foster families.