Continuum of care for Thomas

On October 18th, 2021, my son Thomas (who was 12 years old at that time) attempted to take his own life. I took him to the ER, where he stayed for a few days until a bed became available at an inpatient psychiatric facility. From the ER, he was transported to Belmont in Philadelphia, PA. This was his second admission to an inpatient psych facility (1st being 3 years ago). Thomas spent a grueling 3.5 weeks at Belmont. It was a fight everyday to ensure he was receiving the care he desperately needed. Unfortunately, it was just the opposite. He was learning other maladaptive behaviors and relying on medication to ease his anxiety. He learned about "cutting" and was getting into fights with other patients. It seemed like there was no end in sight and I knew he wasn't ready to come home right away. Because this was his second hospitalization, a short term residential facility was recommended. After doing a lot of research on residential treatment facilities nearby, I was scared out of my mind. I felt like there was nowhere to go.

I finally reached out for help on social media and was blessed to have made so many important connections through friends and family. Through a good friend, I found an Educational Consultant. For a large fee ($7500), she was able to help me find a more appropriate placement for Thomas and fought hard to get him discharged from Belmont so we could get him to a place where he can finally heal.

On November 18th, I dropped Thomas off at Trails Carolina, a therapeutic wilderness program. I knew I had to do something drastic and life altering for him to get better. I've spent years taking him to different therapies and doctors with no progress. I knew if he went to residential treatment facility nearby, he would just continue to cycle through the system, causing more trauma and mental instability. Unfortunately, this life altering experience came with a large price tag ($500/DAY), that which isn't covered by insurance. He also had a neuropsychological evaluation, which was an additional $4000.

Trails has definitely been instrumental in Thomas's road to recovery. The parent support component has taught me how to interact with my children in a more positive and constructive manner. Thomas has been at Trails for about 11 weeks now, and is due to graduate middle-end of February. He has made progress, but not enough to comfortably and safely return home. It has been recommended by the neuropsychologist and his therapists that he transition to a Therapeutic Boarding School after Trails to ensure further progress and safe transition back home. Most programs require a 12 month commitment. This recommendation comes with a $10-13,000/MONTH price-tag. Thomas's dad has helped a little with his wilderness tuition, but it has still strained me financially. I tried tapping into my home equity with no success. I was denied a loan by several companies. I am really uncomfortable asking for financial help, but my desire to get my son the best care is stronger than my discomfort.

Thomas turned 13 this past week while at Trails. I miss him more than I can express. It pains me to know that he needs more help and will be away from home longer, but this is not about me. I know this will change the trajectory of his life for the better.  This is the catalyst he so desperately needs.

I will find a way to fund this somehow, some way. The system is so broken and I don't want my child to be another victim of the dysfunction. Please help me help my child.

 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

 

With gratitude,

Kimberly Puzio