Services for Children and Families

The clinic is designed for families with a wide range of parenting concerns. Some parents come to our program with questions about how to handle the daily challenges of child-rearing; others are seeking treatment for a child with severe behavioral problems. Whether your child is displaying severe aggression and violent behaviors or is simply refusing to do chores when asked, the Parenting Center and Child Conduct Clinic can help.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to complete treatment?

Generally, families are seen weekly for a period of 4-6 months. Therapists work closely with families to determine a time that meets their needs. We also offer evening hours for families who need the flexibility.

When can I expect to see changes in my child?

Families have reported visible changes in behavior as early as the first month, however enduring changes require completion of treatment. At first, upon implementing the new techniques, subtle changes in behavior will occur and changes will increase as time goes by. Naturally, the extent to which a family practices the techniques will vary in the rate of improvement and result in individual differences. For maximum benefits, the tools we provide need to be continued long after treatment ends.

I have been to therapy before and it hasn't ever helped. What kind of treatment do you offer?

One treatment approach consists of individual treatment sessions with the child who is systematically taught cognitive problem solving skills. Cognitive problem solving is designed to assist the child to slow down, stop and think, and use his/her problem solving steps to find a solution to the problem rather than acting impulsively. The program involves the practice and rehearsal of skills, as well as role-plays of problem situations. The parent is asked to participate in treatment by assisting the child in applying his/her problem solving skills at home, and is in continuous contact with the therapist to discuss progress or any problems that may arise.

In another type of treatment, the parent of the child is taught a broad range of child management skills and techniques during weekly sessions and is given opportunities to practice these techniques with the therapist as well as to participate in designing treatment programs that they will monitor at home. The parent also furnishes information about how well the child is doing at home or at school, which helps us to make changes as needed during treatment. Parents are given the opportunity to role-play problematic situations and receive feedback from the therapist. Telephone contact is arranged between sessions to help resolve on-the-spot problems that may arise.

My child does not have severe behavior problems, though I am concerned that he will get worse in the long run. How do I know if your program is right for me?

The only way to determine if our program is a suitable type of treatment for your child is to call us and ask to speak with the intake therapist who will then ask you a series of questions designed to better understand your situation. In cases where other services exist that may better suit your needs we will make referrals (local referrals only).

I'm concerned that my child will be put on medications and I don't want her taking any.

We do not prescribe medications. If you have further questions about this matter, please contact us for more information.

Are there any books or Internet sites that you could recommend where I could find more information about parenting and child behavior?

Yes. Click the "Books and Websites" tab above to view our list of recommendations.

Do you accept credit cards as a form of payment?

We will soon be accepting credit cards as a form of payment for services. Click here for terms and conditions.