The Lake Academy program is a moderate-risk, 48-bed program for females between the ages of 12–19 which provides intensive mental health treatment services to youth with a DSM-IV Axis I or II mental disorder who demonstrate serious to severe symptoms of mental disorder and impairment in social, emotional, and/or adaptive functioning. The program also provides services for up to 16 of the 48 youth with borderline mental retardation and developmental disabilities. To be eligible for the borderline mental retardation services, the youth must have a formal IQ between 70 and 79, which must be documented by a psychological evaluation completed within six (6) months of admission to the program. To be eligible for the developmental disability services, the youth must have a formal IQ of less than 70, which must be documented by a psychological evaluation completed within six (6) months of admission to the program. The psychological evaluations must be conducted and signed by a psychologist licensed under Chapter 490, F.S., or Department of Education employed/certified school psychologist.
In addition, 8 of the 48 females may be classified as needing intensive medical overlay services. The ability to accept these youth is based on bed availability. The scope of medical services provided includes insulin dependent diabetics, renal disease, sickle cell anemia, HIV/AIDS, heart disease, etc. (to be approved by the Office of Health Services prior to admission). Medical services not provided are intravenous therapy, gastric tube maintenance (including feeding tubes), skilled observation treatments required more than every 2 hours, medical conditions determined to be acute and emergent in nature, stage 3 and stage 4 open wounds, and contagious infectious diseases. The anticipated average length of stay is 9 to 12 months. Uniforms and clothing are provided by the program.
Lake Academy (school number 514181) is a Type 1 program offering English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Reading and one elective course.
Education services are provided through the Pinellas County School District.