How Do I Get an Appointment?
Call 240.487.3550 option 1 and request services for your child and family. A therapist will call you back within 2 business days to take your information and listen to your concerns. The therapist will inform you of the next steps, dependent on whether there is a wait list for services. Who is eligible for this program?
Priority is given to City of College Park resident youth and their families as well as suicidal youth. As the program receives additional funds from the state through the County Dept of Family Services/Local Management Board, Prince George’s County youth and families are eligible for services. My child is suicidal – what do I do?
If you are concerned about imminent harm of a minor, call or text 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline (or chat via 988lifeline.org/chat), call the County Crisis Center at 301.429.2185 and/or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. If you are concerned but the situation seems less imminent, we are available during the day Monday – Friday to help determine with you the next steps. What languages are services in?
Services are provided in both English and Spanish. Se habla Español. How much do services cost? Do you accept insurance or what if I don’t have insurance?
Our fees for service are based on a very reasonable, income-based sliding scale and are often less than a co-pay. During your first call you can be advised of the cost. The first session is provided at no cost so you can make an informed decision about whether we will be a good fit for your family. Although we do not accept insurance, clients are provided with the documentation needed for insurance reimbursement. Do I need a referral?
You do not need a referral. We encourage a parent or guardian to call directly. My child’s school recommended I come to you – what’s next?
Just give us a call to learn more about our services. What type of services do you provide?
We provide a wide range of counseling options for children up to 18 years of age and their families. When needed, we work with other professionals in the child’s life, such as school staff and psychologists. We can also attend IEP meetings and conduct school visits in order to provide a coordinated approach to help you and your child achieve success. Do you conduct psychological testing or evaluations?
No, but for families participating in counseling services, we can assist in identifying resources and/or work with other professionals. | Do you prescribe medication?
No. What should I expect at our first session?
Our goal is to provide a safe and comfortable space where you and your family can share what brought you to counseling. After hearing from you, we will tell you a little bit about our approach to working with families and answer any questions you may have. The first session is provided at no cost so you can make an informed decision about whether we will be a good fit for your family. What should I tell my child about coming to therapy?
It is useful to begin by letting your child(ren) know that they are loved and important to you. Then emphasize that coming to therapy helps families to get along better. You can also say that many families find College Park Youth and Family Services is a safe, supportive, fun place. We have found that it is not helpful for counseling to be described as punishment for bad behavior. Is this service confidential?
Yes. We follow all laws regarding the confidentiality of client information and do not disclose information without the client’s permission with the exception of laws requiring mandated reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect and/or danger to self or others. What approach do you use in working with a child and their family?
Our staff is well-trained and believes in the effectiveness of research-based, client-centered relationship approaches. We primarily use: child-centered play therapy for children aged 3 – 10; sand therapy; relationship enhancement and attachment-based Theraplay. “Play therapy is a method of meeting and responding to the mental health needs of children and is extensively acknowledged by experts as an effective and suitable intervention in dealing with children’s brain development. It is generally employed with children aged 3 through 11 and provides a way for them to express their experiences and feelings through a natural, self-guided, self-healing process. As children’s experiences and knowledge are often communicated through play, it becomes an important vehicle for them to know and accept themselves and others.” Our specialization is on child-focused issues. We do not do couples or individual adult counseling but can help with those resources. What are your staff’s credentials?
All professional staff hold master’s level mental health degrees and are licensed to practice psychotherapy in Maryland. Many have a number of years of experience working with families and children. Masters level graduate interns in their second year are supervised by professional staff. |