At 13 years old, Andrew has been struggling with mental illness for years and has already experience three psychiatric hospitalizations and a variety of community-based mental health services. He suffers from three disorders – disruptive mood disorder, ADHD, and oppositional defiant disorder – that severely impact his academic performance.

In the last few years, Andrew’s problems have intensified to the point that he is unable to attend public school. Dramatic mood swings, suicidal thoughts, and aggressive/assaultive behaviors toward family members and peers became so severe that he was deemed and an imminent risk to himself and others.

It’s impossible to know exactly the root cause of Andrew’s issues.  Was it because he, his sister, and his mother found themselves homeless when his parents divorced? Was it because his mother involved herself in unstable relationships with men who mistreated her and the children? Perhaps it was because – while living with his maternal grandparents – he witnessed his mother and grandmother in a physical altercation that resulted in injuries and required police intervention.  Whatever the root cause, Andrew – a child – suffered as the result of adults who were supposed to take care of him.

His problems have intensified over time where he was unable to attend public school. They include dramatic mood swings, suicidal thoughts, running away from home, aggressive/assaultive behaviors toward family members and peers.

Finally… FINALLY… Andrew was placed at Jackson-Feild where – in addition to a comprehensive array of clinical and residential services, he was able to attend classes at our on-site Gwaltney School where the student: teacher ratio is highly conducive to learning. 

Andrew flourished at Jackson-Feild! He made great strides both academically and behaviorally. He was able to confront and process his psychological trauma which allowed him to manage it in order to heal.

Today, Andrew is living at home with his sister, mother and new stepfather and life for all of them is going much more smoothly. The whole family is continuing to participate in family therapy, and Andrew continues to receive community-based mental health services, medication management, and individual therapy. He’s even holding his own at the public school in his hometown.

His parents and Andrew are grateful for the help they received at Jackson-Field. Jackson-Field has been helping hurting children since 1855.