St. Cloud Hospital - Clara's House

Overview

Opened in fall 2004, Clara’s House is a facility where children and adolescents, suffering from mental health or chemical dependency, can heal in a caring, warm environment designed especially to meet their needs. Before Clara’s House, children and adolescents were transferred to the Twin Cities, Fargo, and Duluth for inpatient care and treatment. Clara’s House allows kids to stay in the community and receive timely care close to home rather than having their difficulties escalate to the point where they require hospitalization and treatment away from home.

Children and adolescents who participate in these programs also work on academics with a teacher from the St. Cloud school district. Families are involved every step of the way. Services provided build resilience in children and adolescents, and strengthen families and the communities in which they live.

Impact

Nearly 1,550 children have benefited from Clara’s House services. The number of readmissions has remained low.

Challenges/success factors

At a time when others in the state are ceasing behavioral health services because of inadequate reimbursements and a poor economy, St. Cloud Hospital is committed to the high-demand, growing need. By capitalizing on the more adequately reimbursed services in behavioral health, the hospital has remained sustainable in the continuum of care offered to patients. Having a vision has kept the project focused. It is helpful to tell patient stories – it puts a face on the important work done every day. The facility has made an impact on the stigma associated with mental illness and chemical addictions. Kids are proud to share that they have been to Clara’s House.

Future direction/sustainability

Expansion plans for Clara's House are underway. Growing the creative arts component of programming by adding space to do art and drama therapy and expanding space to enhance the occupational therapy component are in the implementation phases with construction in progress. The anticipated completion date is June 2012 at which time the programs will be able to serve more children and adolescents.

Advice to others

Community support is the key to success; Clara’s House has been built and expanded entirely through philanthropic giving. Educating the community on what services can be provided and what outcomes can be achieved is important in maintaining support as well as partnering to design a facility that keeps the needs of the patients foremost.

Contact: Andra Van Kempen
Communications Specialist
Telephone: 320-229-5199, ext. 71386
E-mail: vankempena@centracare.com