Polaris Program | Inpatient Care for LGBTQ+

Polaris – LGBTQIA+ Adolescent Inpatient Unit

WHAT IS POLARIS

Polaris is a first-of-its-kind, inpatient psychiatric unit (19-bed) for sexual and gender minority youth (ages 12 to 17). Polaris provides a place where gender and sexual minority adolescents can receive affirming psychiatric care and help addressing identity. For centuries, people have used Polaris, commonly referred to as the North Star, to navigate long and difficult journeys. Today young people face many challenges and stressors on their journey that can lead to serious mental health difficulties. One such challenge is living as a gender or sexual minority.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Polaris views psychological and emotional distress by examining how stress from a sexual or gender minority has impacted an adolescent’s health and well being. Our clinical programming helps to target psychological stress by using a multidisciplinary team, which consists of psychiatrists, social workers, psychologists and nurses who are trained in providing affirming and culturally responsive mental health services. Polaris provides affirming, evidence-based treatments for gender and sexual minority adolescents, including individual, family and group psychotherapy.

POLARIS CAN INCLUDE:

LGBTQIA+ culturally-attuned assessments
Affirming individual and family psychotherapy
LGBTQIA+ specific group therapies
Identity specific discharge recommendations
Parent and caregiver education

CONTACT INFO

To schedule a confidential intake assessment, please call 773-265-3720. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Don’t forget to mention you are interested in the Polaris program.

“I felt comfortable on this unit and I liked how there was LGBTQ staff.”

Anonymous, Former Patient

“I liked how Polaris have groups that are for the LGBTQ community. It showed me that there are other people like me. It showed me not to be ashamed but to be proud of who I am.”

Anonymous, Former Patient

“I felt [better] than being on a male or female-only unit. No one bullied me here. Polaris culture welcomes you and everyone is greeted with respect and kindness.”

Anonymous, Former Patient

“I liked this program because it helped me come out and be proud of my sexuality and who I am.”

Anonymous, Former Patient

“Polaris was very good because I was actually able to get the help that I needed. It’s very different from how I was hospitalized before. This hospital was everything because you stay here until you’ve reached your goal and get the treatment you need.”

Anonymous, Former Patient

Take the First Step

Call 773-265-3700 if you or a loved one is experiencing a psychiatric emergency. We are available 24/7 to discuss treatment options and provide level of care, confidential assessments. You can also use our online contact form for program inquiries.

In case of a mental health crisis, call 988 or seek the nearest emergency room.