Children & Youth Services
Children and adolescents don't always know how to handle problems or day-to-day challenges in appropriate ways
At this age, problems can quickly seem insurmountable. If your child has difficulty at home, school or in social settings because of emotional or behavioral problems, the Behavioral Health Network's Child and Family Program is here to help. Our compassionate team of psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, primary therapists and other dedicated staff members work together to determine the best approach to work with your family. Our therapeutic interventions encourage the development of alternative coping strategies, problem-solving skills and improving socialization skills and communication within the family.
We understand that a young person's turmoil affects the entire family. That's why we offer support for loved ones during joint therapy sessions and emphasize our expectation that parents take part in their child's treatment plan.
We can help with:
- Abuse of drugs and/or alcohol
- Inability to cope with daily problems and activities
- Changes in sleeping and/or eating habits
- Excessive complaints of physical ailments
- Defying authority or skipping school
- Stealing or damaging property
- Intense fear of gaining weight
- Long-lasting negative moods
- Frequent outbursts of anger
- Changes in school performance
- Loss of interest in friends and activities usually enjoyed
- Significant increase in time spent alone
- Excessive worrying or anxiety
- Persistent nightmares
- Persistent disobedient or aggressive behavior
- Frequent temper tantrums
- Visual or auditory hallucinations
Comprehensive Evaluation / Screening
Children are evaluated by a primary therapist at the initial visit to determine how we can help you and whether ongoing care is needed. A comprehensive evaluation looks at psychiatric, emotional, social, family and medical issues of the child, allowing for us to understand your family as a whole.
We understand that mental health and wellness is a family priority. Family therapy is an important part of our treatment. We will build on your expertise as parents and family to improve communication skills and family functioning.
Psychotherapy is offered by the primary therapist and involves the child or adolescent working with the therapist on identified goals. With young children the individual therapy may take the form of play therapy. Our therapists use a variety of evidence-based treatments specific to treat different identified goals and diagnoses.
A person is referred for group therapy by his/her primary therapist. The weekly groups provide education, support, problem solving, learning social skills, anger management and personal growth. Dialectical behavior therapy groups for adolescents are offered at both Genesee and Rochester Mental Health Center.
Children and families are seen on an urgent basis by a Children & Youth Services staff member during the hours of operation if they are experiencing symptoms that are causing significant or urgent distress.
Psychiatric Evaluation / Medication Management Services
This service is provided to children involved in therapy services in one of our clinics. The child is assessed by a Child Psychiatrist or Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with family to review presenting symptoms and diagnoses. The Doctor or Nurse Practitioner can prescribe medications if this is mutually agreed upon. If medication is indicated, it is prescribed and monitored by the psychiatrist or Nurse Practitioner until your family is ready to complete services in our program.
The Children and Youth Services Team consists of:
- Licensed Social Workers
- Licensed Mental Health Counselors
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists
- Child Psychiatrists
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
- Program Director and Program Manager
We Make It Easy
Rochester Mental Health Center
490 Ridge Rd E.
Rochester, NY 14621
Phone: (585) 922-2500
Genesee Mental Health Center
224 Alexander St.
Rochester, NY 14607
Phone: (585) 922-7770
|Rochester Mental Health Center
||Mon - Thurs: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Fri: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
|Genesee Mental Health Center
Mon - Thurs: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Fri: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Emergency Services are available 24-hours-a-day in the Emergency Department at Rochester General Hospital.
For convenience, we provide medical care and mental health services in the following Rochester City Schools:
- Dr. Martin Luther King School #9
- John James Audubon School #33
- Dr. Freddie Thomas High School
- Charlotte High School Campus
- Edison Education Campus
These school-based health clinics are sponsored in part by Rochester Primary Care Network and the New York State Department of Health.
Who is Eligible
Children up to age 18 who are experiencing problems that interfere with their daily lives and school work.
What to Expect
Click here to walk through the intake process so you know what to expect