Children’s Services

Our clinicians and practitioners provide a wide variety of services for children and adolescents, ages 3-17, including Individual Psychotherapy and Family Psychotherapy. 

Play Therapy

Play is a child’s natural way of connecting with the world, expressing emotions, practicing the skills and roles needed for survival, developing problem solving skills and preparing for the adult world. In a play therapy session, a mental health clinician oversees the play environment, helping children feel safe as they explore and gain mastery over conflicts and concerns.

Play therapy builds on the natural way that children learn about themselves and their relationships in the world around them (Axline, 1947; Carmichael, 2006; Landreth, 2002). Through play therapy, children learn to communicate with others, express feelings, modify behavior, develop problem-solving skills, and learn a variety of ways of relating to others. Play provides a safe psychological distance from their problems and allows expression of thoughts and feelings appropriate to their development.  The use of play therapy can help children to:

• Become more responsible for behaviors and develop more successful strategies.

• Develop new and creative solutions to problems.

• Develop respect and acceptance of self and others.

• Learn to experience and express emotion.

• Cultivate empathy and respect for thoughts and feelings of others.

• Learn new social skills and relational skills with family.

• Develop self-efficacy and thus a better assuredness about their abilities.

Trauma-Focused CBT

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), developed by Esther Deblinger, Ph.D. (co-director of New Jersey CARES Institute), Judith Cohen M.D. (Medical Director of Center for Traumatic Stress in Children and Adolescents), and Anthony Mannarino, Ph.D. (Director of Center for Traumatic Stress in Children and Adolescents), is an evidence based treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), complicated grief, and trauma-related problems in children and adolescents ages 3-18.  It has been proven effective in reducing PTSD symptoms, externalizing behaviors, sexualized behaviors, and shame in children who have experienced trauma and abuse and has been named “Best Practice” for cases of child abuse (Medical University of South Carolina).

TF-CBT typically consists of 12-16 weekly therapy sessions, although more sessions may be needed in cases of multiple traumas.  Sessions incorporate cognitive behavioral, family, and humanistic principles.  Treatment provides psychoeducation regarding trauma and its effects, teaches effective coping skills, and provides exposure via creating a narrative of the traumatic event(s).  Children gain a sense of mastery over the trauma through repeated reading of his/her trauma narrative. Parent sessions are also a component of treatment to provide support, guidance, parenting strategies, and education regarding the effects of trauma.

Comprehensive multi-disciplinary evaluations (CMDE)

A Comprehensive Multi-Disciplinary Evaluation (CMDE) is a required assessment used for determining eligibility for Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIBDI) services. EIBDI offers medically necessary services and supports to people under the age of 21 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or related conditions.

EIDBI exists to educate, train and support parents and families of people with ASD and related conditions; promote people’s independence and participation in family, school and community life; and improve long-term outcomes and quality of life for people and their families

The CMDE process includes the provider gathering and summarizing medical or assessment information from the person's primary medical provider and other licensed professionals, as applicable (e.g., rehabilitation or habilitation therapists, licensed school personnel, mental health professionals); Reviewing or completing a diagnostic assessment to confirm the person’s diagnosis; Completing a detailed health and behavioral history; Gathering input from the person’s family members, school personnel, child care providers or other caregivers; Completing a direct observation of the person; Administering standardized tests or assessment tools; Interviewing the parent(s) or primary caregiver(s) in person or via telehealth; Documenting the preferences of the parent(s) or primary caregiver(s) for involvement in the person’s treatment; and Discussing findings and recommendations with the parent(s) or primary caregiver(s).

Each CMDE assessment includes three hours of in-person assessment and information gathering and a follow-up meeting for reviewing findings and recommendations.

For more information, to make a referral, or to schedule a CMDE assessment for a child, please call 651-644-4100.

Most types of insurance are accepted, as is private pay.  Please contact your insurance company to determine your level of coverage.

For more information, to make a referral, or to schedule an appointment, please contact our front desk at 651-644-4100.