Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP)

Proudly offering intensive, round-the-clock care for girls navigating medical and behavioral health challenges in Orange and San Bernardino Counties.

STRTP: A Chance for Recovery, Growth, and Confident Independent Living

South Coast has served vulnerable youth in Orange County for over 40 years. As part of our comprehensive suite of services for at-risk children and teens, we are proud to operate a licensed STRTP dedicated to girls with complex medical, emotional, and developmental needs.

Oftentimes, these girls haven’t found the care they need in other placements. Many are involved with the child welfare system or receiving services through a regional center. Our mission is to offer a safe, healing space where they can grow stronger and look confidently toward the future.

Who We Serve: Adolescent Girls with Co-Occurring Medical and Mental Health Needs

We care for girls ages 9–18 who are facing two or more behavioral health diagnoses in addition to a medical condition that requires ongoing support. Our program addresses their medical, emotional, and developmental needs to help them successfully transition back to a family home or move toward independent living.

Here’s How We Help:

24/7 Residential Care

We provide round-the-clock therapeutic care in a safe, home-like setting. Many of the youth we serve have experienced trauma due to medical hardship, parental abuse or neglect, or disrupted placements.

Our program includes:

Beyond clinic care, we ensure daily needs to support development, including transportation, nutritious meals, clothing assistance, and educational support.

Holistic, Recreational Approach

We believe that healing happens through connection, joy, and everyday experiences that restore a sense of normalcy. To help our girls return to their communities stronger and more prepared, we incorporate structure, creativity, and recreation into daily life. Activities include:

Our program includes:

Individualized Therapy

Each youth receives trauma-informed, one-on-one counseling tailored to her emotional and developmental needs. We treat a full range of mental health disorders, including ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, PTSD, and much more.

In addition to individual therapy, we offer family therapy, group support, and psychiatric care when needed, ensuring each girl has a strong foundation for lasting growth.

Why Families and Professionals Trust South Coast STRTP

Whether you’re a caseworker, a medical provider, or a family member navigating the child welfare system, we know how overwhelming it can be to find the right placement for a medically fragile child.

Here are a few reasons why families and professionals choose South Coast:

Trauma-Informed Care

We use proactive models and interventions rooted in trauma-informed care principles. This means recognizing the impact of trauma, personalizing treatment, and creating an environment that is predictable and nurturing.

Specialized Treatment

Our STRTP exclusively serves girls living with chronic medical conditions as well as mental health disorders. This focused model ensures they are surrounded by peers with similar experiences and receive targeted care.

LGBTQ+ Inclusive

We provide a safe, welcoming, and affirming space for girls of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Our staff are trained to support LGBTQ+ youth with respect and understanding, ensuring every girl feels seen and valued.

Sara’s Story: Overcoming Challenges and Strengthening Family Bonds

Sara is just one of many youth who have found hope and healing through South Coast’s focused care.

Afflicted with a serious degenerative disease, Sara required intensive care that her impoverished, struggling parents did not feel able to handle. They had a hard enough time as it was, living in a local motel, her mother battling a substance abuse problem, and her father a recovering alcoholic. After spending nine months at a shelter, Sara’s caregivers couldn’t find another group home that would take her – until they contacted South Coast. Now, Sara is in a loving, caring environment, and there’s the hope of her even being able to develop strong bonds with her relieved family members.

What to Expect

Step 1: Evaluation

The county, court, or regional center first determines whether a child is eligible for STRTP. Once referred, we assess whether the child meets the criteria for our specialized program.

Step 2: Transition Planning

Our care team develops a personalized plan to guide treatment. We are prepared for all situations to ensure safety, including protocols for runaways and crisis response.

Step 3: Treatment

Once admitted, the child begins individualized, trauma-informed care focused on healing and stability. The treatment plan is reviewed regularly to track progress and adjust support as needed.

Step 4: Discharge and Aftercare

When a child is ready, our care team helps them return to a family setting, permanent home, or transitional housing. A tailored aftercare plan is created to guide their continued success.

Step 5: Ongoing Support

We offer ongoing services—including outpatient mental health care—for one year post-discharge to ensure lasting progress.

FAQs

What is STRTP?

STRTP stands for short-term residential therapeutic program. It provides specialized, 24/7 care, supervision, and support for children and non-minor dependents with complex mental, behavioral, or medical needs.

Who is eligible for STRTP?

A child may be placed in a STRTP if they do not require inpatient care and the program is determined to be sufficient to meet their needs. To confirm eligibility, the child must be assessed and meet one or more of the following:

A child is considered seriously emotionally disturbed (SED) if they have a mental health disorder that causes significant challenges in areas like school, self-care, or relationships. They may be at risk of removal from home, show signs of suicide or violence, or have been identified by their school as having an emotional disturbance.

For more in-depth information, please refer to California’s official state guidelines.

Who is eligible for STRTP with South Coast?

Once a child is eligible for STRTP placement, we assess if they meet the criteria for our program: