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Inpatient Rehabilitation Program

The Frances H. McClelland Rehabilitation Program at Phoenix Children's is the only pediatric and adolescent acute inpatient rehabilitation program in Arizona. It’s the largest and most comprehensive program of its kind in the region. Our pediatric and rehabilitation experts provide specialized focused therapies using advanced equipment and a multidisciplinary approach. 

Our inpatient program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation. This designation is a measure of our team’s commitment to providing the highest quality of care to patients with conditions resulting from illness, injury or chronic disabilities. 


Phoenix Children’s inpatient rehabilitation program includes private inpatient rooms with large bathrooms, roll-in showers and sleeper sofas. Our facilities offer the latest sophisticated technologies and advanced therapy equipment. Therapists work one-to-one with children and adolescents to encourage and guide them as they meet their goals. We help them to progress toward improved function, independence and confidence.

Meeting Your Child’s Needs

Our team makes sure that your child receives highly individualized care. We encourage partnership between team members, patients and caregivers. Our goal is to serve the comprehensive needs of our patients so they can return to their home, school and community as quickly and safely as possible. 

Directed by a pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) physician, or physiatrist, our rehab team includes these and other pediatric-trained practitioners:

  • Case manager
  • Child life specialists
  • Nurses
  • Nutritionist
  • Occupational therapists
  • Physical therapists
  • Physicians
  • Psychologists
  • Social worker
  • Speech therapists

Cross-Specialty Care for Most Any Need

Surgery, injuries and medical conditions or treatments can require therapy to support kids as they recover and adjust to a variety of related challenges. Our team cares for these and other medical conditions and needs:

  • Chemotherapy  
  • Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices for sleep apnea
  • Diabetes management
  • Feeding Intolerance 
  • Isolation precautions
  • Intravenous (IV) medications 
  • Medication weaning
  • Nasogastric (NG) tubes and feeding assistance
  • Peritoneal dialysis
  • Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)/central Lines — Tubes usually inserted in arm or leg blood vessels
  • Post-transplant care
  • Radiation therapy
  • Tracheostomy (airway opening in neck) and use of mechanical ventilator 
  • Wound care
  • Wound VAC (vacuum-assisted care)

Services We Offer

Phoenix Children’s rehabilitation services include:

  • Animal-assisted therapy with our own therapy dog
  • Art therapy
  • Child life services – Including music therapy, art therapy and a dedicated room for patients in the rehabilitation unit
  • Music therapy
  • Nutrition services
  • Occupational therapy  
  • On-site teachers and school
  • Orthotics and prosthetics (corrective devices) therapies
  • Physical therapy
  • Psychology and neuropsychology
  • Recreational therapy 
  • Respiratory therapy
  • Social services
  • Speech/feeding therapy

Family-Centered Facilities and Amenities

At Phoenix Children’s we understand that family is the main caregiver and decision-maker in a child’s life. We also understand the profound impact that your child’s condition may have on the entire family. Our facility offers family-centered amenities and features. They help make your stay more comfortable and allow you to participate fully in your child’s care. 

We offer 12 private inpatient rooms for patients. They’re Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant and offer convenient features such as roll-in showers. Other family-friendly features include:

  • Cafeteria
  • Coffee shop
  • Common eating area for families
  • Family laundry machines
  • Kitchen and living space for therapy
  • Outdoor adaptive playground
  • Peace room
  • Sleeper sofa in every room for parents to stay overnight
  • The ZoneChild Life and Therapeutic Arts – Including a 3,800-square-foot therapeutic play area
  • The Emily Center – A place to find personalized, family-friendly health information, education, resources and support guided by pediatric nurses 

Community Re-entry Opportunities

Patients who meet certain clinical guidelines may be eligible to participate in community re-entry outings. These are designed to help kids apply and practice skills and learn how to navigate their community. We also provide related caregiver training.  

Examples of community re-entry locations include:

  • Butterfly Wonderland
  • Phoenix Children’s Museum
  • Ability 360
  • Arizona Science Center
  • Phoenix Zoo
  • Retail stores
  • Restaurants

Going Home

We provide the environment, support and education families need while staying with us. Our team will also ensure that you are fully supported and have the resources you need for returning home. 

Discharge planning is part of our weekly team meetings. This may include a home evaluation. We will suggest modifications and help determine the appropriate equipment for a successful transition to home.  

Next Steps

At Phoenix Children’s, our multispecialty rehabilitation team coordinates care for smooth transitions and a seamless continuum of care. You and your child will return home with a plan of care that meets individualized and changing needs. We’ll continue to guide your child’s care progress, including follow-up appointments, outpatient therapies and the transition back to school and everyday life. 


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