An inpatient facility for adolescents depicts vodka bottles and marijuana leaves in artwork. What should the therapist do?

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Inpatient settings require strict adherence to facility policies to keep the environment safe, predictable, and legally sound. When artwork depicts substances like vodka or marijuana, the therapist’s first action is to follow and reinforce the facility’s regulations for handling such material. This ensures a consistent response, supports boundary and safety protocols, and involves the treatment team when decisions about policy-based steps (such as removal or masking) are needed. Therapeutic discussion about substances can occur, but it should be guided by policy and clinical needs rather than personal judgment or unilateral action. Removing the artwork or addressing only with staff without aligning with established procedures can undermine safety and accountability, whereas following regulations maintains a clear, team-based approach to care in the adolescent inpatient setting.