Latest Happenings at Harbor Point

Harbor Point Academy has met the rigorous Cognia (formerly AdvancED) standards for earning national education accreditation. This national accreditation is a distinctive mark of quality that demonstrates our commitment to excellence in education and is recognized across the country and around the world. Our team of professionals is dedicated to continual school improvement efforts that enhance the academic program, expand the curriculum, engage stakeholders, and measure outcomes. Accreditation by Cognia bestows the recognition and authority of the accrediting agencies NCA CASI, NWAC, and SACS CASI.

Christy Meeks recently joined the Business Development team at Harbor Point Behavioral Health Center as the Community Liaison for the Southwest Virginia region. Christy brings 20+ years of Mental Health counseling and Business Development experience to this position. She currently lives at Smith Mountain Lake with her husband, Kevin, and their two small dogs. In her free time she can be found hanging out with her 4 kids or boating on the lake. She is looking forward to meeting each referral source personally in Southwest Virginia very soon.

Harbor Point Behavioral Health Center is pleased to welcome Michael A. Murphy, M.D. to our team! Dr. Murphy will take over as our Medical Director in June, and will provide oversight to the psychiatric team. Dr. Radford will be leaving Harbor Point BHC in June to pursue other opportunities.

Dr. Murphy is Board certified in General Psychiatry as well as Child and Adolescent Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry Pre-med from Florida A & M University in Tallahassee, Florida and a Medical Degree from the University Of Florida College Of Medicine in Gainesville, Florida. He completed both his Residency in General Psychiatry and Fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at University of Virginia Health Systems in Charlottesville, Virginia. Dr. Murphy specializes in the treatment of children with Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, and Pervasive Developmental Disorders. Dr. Murphy formally served as Chief of Behavioral Health Services at Ft. Eustis, Virginia where his roles included serving as the Supervisory Psychiatrist and Clinical Consultant to the Army Substance Abuse Program and the Family Advocacy Program. He has most recently served as a Staff Psychiatrist at Newport News Behavioral Health Center providing both Acute Care and Residential Treatment.

Congratulations to Harbor Point Academy and our outstanding Education team! Based on a recent readiness review, Tracey Flemings, our Director of Education has received notification that Harbor Point Academy is a Candidate for Accreditation with AdvancED.

The AdvancED Protocol is a performance-based model that requires engagement and gathering of data. Using a set of rigorous research-based standards and evidence based criteria, AdvancED Performance Accreditation examines the whole institution – the policies, programs, practices, learning conditions and cultural context – to determine how well the parts work together to carry out the institution’s vision and meet the needs of every learner. While our expertise is grounded in more than 100 years of experience, AdvancED Performance Accreditation is not about earning a label for a one-time evaluation. Rather, it recognizes those institutions that have sustained an exemplary commitment to continuous improvement and learner outcomes.

Good luck to the Education Department as you engage in your improvement journey to obtain full Accreditation!

Harbor Point Behavioral Health Center is pleased to welcome Damaris Santiago to our team. Damaris has been named the Clinical Director of Operations and will have direct oversight of all clinical services and staff. Damaris comes to Harbor Point with extensive clinical and administrative experience in psychotherapy including individual therapy for children, adolescents and families. Damaris completed her undergraduate work in Social Work at Centenary College in Hackettstown, NJ and received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work with a concentration in Family and Children from Fordham University in New York. She is a member of the National Association of Social Work (NASW).

Harbor Point BHC is pleased to announce its certification as “No Hit Zone” in partnership with Champions for Children – Prevent Child Abuse Hampton Roads

The young ladies of the OASIS Unit recently enjoyed a PAINT NIGHT with staff. Residents were able to use a range of colors, shapes and brush strokes to provide a new alternative to expressing themselves both verbally and emotionally. With the use of painting and music, staff created a calming environment which promoted an increase in distress tolerance and mindfulness skills. This creative expression exercise was also used as a way to increase positive feelings of self-worth. Great job ladies! Kudos to Ms. Small for her great idea and for facilitating this fun event.

Assessment and Diagnostic Program Overview:

The Assessment and Diagnostic Program (A&D) offers a highly structured and secure setting for youth experiencing significant impairment in their emotional and behavioral functioning who are in need of a comprehensive, multi-systemic diagnostic evaluation to determine recommendations and options for treatment services. The A&D program is available for males and females, ages 7 – 18, with an anticipated stay of 45 – 90 days.

Diagnostic Services Provided:

• Psychological Evaluation
• Psychiatric Evaluation
• Clinical Evaluation
• Medical History and Physical Exam including Immunizations, Urine Drug Screens
• Nursing Assessment to include Vision, Dental and Hearing
• Educational Evaluation and Academic Progress
• Recreational/Physical Fitness Evaluation
• Independent Living Skills Assessment
• Nutrition Assessment

Screening and Recommended Treatment or Referral Provided for:

• Substance Abuse
• Sexualized Behaviors
• Self-Harming Behavior
• Speech and Occupational Therapy Services
• Trauma Treatment and Assessment
• Art Therapy

During the evaluation period, youth will receive the same therapeutic, clinical, educational, medical and recreational services as the other residents. A Psychiatric Evaluation will be conducted with 24 hours of admission. The Initial Treatment Plan will be developed within 24 hours and subsequent treatment team meetings will be held every 2 weeks to provide reports on behavioral and emotional observations as well clinical updates and recommendations. At the conclusion of their stay, a comprehensive report with recommendations will be presented to the parents, legal guardians and agency representatives.

We utilize evidenced based assessment and diagnostic tools and treatment protocols that are best suited to meet the individual needs.

Admissions:

For additional information or to make a referral, please contact the Admissions Staff at 1-877-227-7000.

Exclusionary criteria include youth who are actively suicidal or homicidal, actively psychotic, in need of detoxification or in need of acute medical services.