Child Mental Health
Overview
Child Mental Health provides treatment and clinical intervention to children between the ages of 4-18 who are experiencing behavioral and/or emotional problems, and to their families. These services include assessment and evaluation, individual, family and group therapy, psychological testing, case management and psychiatric medication management. Services may be office- or community-based. Additional services provided through contact providers include Outpatient Treatment, Intensive In-home Services and Residential Treatment.
top of page
Child Assessment and Referral Team
This unit is composed of clinicians and Human Services technicians who provide screening triage, planned and emergency assessment, crisis intervention, case management and referrals. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. After hours the Wake County Human Services emergency services unit provides emergency services. To access a routine screening/evaluation or for information regarding Child Mental Health services and service access, call 919-212-8405. For emergencies, please call 919-250-3133.
top of page
Outpatient Mental Health Services
A number of therapists are available to provide individual, family or group therapy for children/adolescents ages 4 through 18 who are experiencing emotional or behavioral difficulties; parents and other family members are included in the treatment in order to more effectively bring about improvement in the child/adolescent's functioning. Child mental health providers are available at the Public Health Center, Falstaff building and Southern Regional Center, as well as limited time at the Cary and Wake Forest offices. Psychiatric evaluations for medication administration are available for children/adolescents who would benefit from this form of treatment. Psychological evaluations can be conducted to assist with diagnostic formulation or treatment planning. Case managers are available to assist with referrals for more intensive treatment options such as intensive in-home services and residential treatment, as well as ongoing monitoring and coordination of care. A number of contract providers are also available to provide child mental health treatment, and individuals contacting the intake office will be given an opportunity to choose an in house provider or a contract provider. All referrals for child mental health services should be directed to 919-212-8405.
top of page
Intensive In-Home Services Program
Intensive In-Home Services' primary goal is to prevent the out-of-home placement of children, when possible and deemed in the best interest of the child and family, while promoting change toward a healthier level of family functioning. This program provides 6-10 weeks of intensive treatment services in the family's home, for approximately 5-10 hours per week. The number of hours and the length of the program are based on the needs of the family, the level of family functioning, and the family's commitment to change.The population served includes children and adolescents ages 4-17 who are at risk for out-of-home placement. The child must demonstrate emotional and behavioral problems that cannot be addressed through traditional office based therapy. One clinician with this unit provides services to children in foster or adoptive homes to prevent disruption in placement. Call 919-212-8405.
top of page
Sexual Abuse Treatment Program
The Sexual Abuse Treatment Program provides treatment to child and adolescent victims and perpetrators of sexual abuse as well as their families. Treatment needs are comprehensively assessed and clients may be involved in individual, group and family therapy, depending upon the identified clinical issues. Staff members work very closely with the courts, protective services, foster care, group homes and other involved agency staff. Consultation and training is provided to community groups and agencies to increase their awareness of sexual abuse issues and to improve their interventions. Call 919-250-3134.
top of page
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
Human Services therapists serve deaf and hard-of-hearing children and their families in Wake County who have emotional and/or behavioral difficulties, and hearing children of deaf parents. Psycho-educational groups for mainstream deaf or hard-of-hearing children are also offered in the school setting. Also serving Johnston County with consultation, evaluation and limited direct services through the local mental health program and/or schools. More information is available on the Deaf Services page or contact Suzanne Burley, Ph.D., at suzanne.burley@wakegov.com, voice phone 919-250-3100, TTY line 919-250-3051 or video phone 919-212-7824.
top of page
Therapeutic Home Program
The Therapeutic Home Program is a community- and family-based residential program serving children between the ages of 6 and 18. Children appropriate for this program are those unable to be maintained at home or their current placements due to emotional and behavioral difficulties or who may be at risk for hospitalization or institutional care. The program offers a variety of support services to address treatment issues and encourages active involvement by the birth family. Call 919-212-8405.
top of page