"When Home Isn’t Enough: Understanding Residential Treatment for Children’s Mental Health"

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Emily Acker, CEO of Hillside, leads one of Atlanta's most respected mental health treatment centers for children and adolescents. With over three decades of experience, Emily has committed her life to helping young people in crisis understand their worth, find their strengths, and live healthier lives. Her career began in a counseling role for troubled teen boys, where she discovered her calling to support at-risk youth. Now, as a mother and grandmother, her mission has evolved to include empowering entire families
navigating the challenges of serious mental illness.

Under Emily's leadership, Hillside has gained national recognition as the first residential facility in the U.S. to receive program certification in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) from the DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, a specialized approach that equips children with emotional regulation and coping strategies. Emily's dedication to this approach reflects her deep understanding of child neurodevelopment, helping kids build resilience during their formative years. Hillside's treatment options are comprehensive, spanning both inpatient and outpatient services, including virtual programs, to support families at various stages of need.

Beyond treatment, Emily is a tireless advocate for reducing the stigma surrounding youth mental health, encouraging parents to seek intervention early and educating communities that mental health issues are not matters of discipline but medical concerns. Her message to families is rooted in hope: with the right care and environment, children can thrive. Emily’s personal philosophy, “Every child matters,” shapes every aspect of Hillside’s work, reminding families and communities alike that each child has the potential for a bright and fulfilling future. Her vision, expertise, and compassion have positioned her and her team as a trusted authorities in children’s mental health.