Young people can get mental health care at nearby clinics, doctors’ offices, and schools. Outpatient treatment services can include therapy, referrals, and help with medicine.
Heads Up
There are two major types of outpatient mental health for children: clinic treatment and day treatment.Clinic treatment takes place in an office staffed with healthcare providers, including psychiatrists and social workers. Most clinic sessions last about an hour and are held one or more times a week. Services include:Assessment (psychiatric, psychosocial)Treatment plansIndividual, family, and group therapyManaging medicineReferrals to doctorsDay treatment programs give children a full day of treatment, special activities, and educational services to address their mental health needs. Services include:Special education in small classesAssessment and Treatment plansManaging medicineIndividual, family, and group therapyHelp with crisesInterpersonal skill development
Eligibility
Clinic treatment is available for:
Children from birth to age 18 (not all clinics accept children under 5 years old)Children with emotional, behavioral, or mental health challengesDay treatment programs are available for:Children between the ages of 3 and 18 (there are two programs in NYC for children ages 3 - 5)Children with mental health disorders that interfere with school or social functions in a major wayChildren who have serious difficulties in a regular classroom
Required Documents
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How to Apply
For mental health clinics, contact a clinic to make an appointment. To find clinics:Call NYC Well at 888-NYC-WELL (https://my.omh.ny.gov/bi/pd/saw.dll?PortalPages) .Go to the New York State Office of Mental Health's Program Directory (https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/health-and-wellness/mental-health) .School-based mental health clinics: Find a clinic on the Department of Education website in the "Get Help at Your School" section, and contact the clinic.Day treatment program:Make a referral to the local school district. Referrals can be made by parents or sometimes children. A staff member at the school or district, a doctor, a court officer, or any agency a child may be involved with can also make referrals.For more information, contact the principal or parent coordinator of your child's school or call 888-NYC-WELL.
Online
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By Mail
Get Help
Call NYC Well at 888-NYC-WELL (https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/child-and-adolescent-mental-health-outpatient.page) any time – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This free, confidential service connects New York City residents to counselors for mental health support and for help finding mental health and substance abuse services.Visit the Outpatient Treatm (https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/child-and-adolescent-mental-health-outpatient.page) ent Services website for more information and available resources.
