Child and Adolescent Services

When childhood is troubled by behavioral health disorders, parents can rely on the help available at WPIC, which has more specialists in children’s mental health than any other behavioral health provider in the nation.

WPIC is well-known and highly regarded for its outpatient, inpatient, and community services and specialized programs, such as:

• John Merck Program for Autism and Mental Retardation Services for children, adolescents and adults.
• Residential treatment services, such as KidSTEP (Kid Success Through Empowerment and Persistence)
• School Based Services, such as Bridges for Education and Medicine
• STAR (Services for Teens at Risk)
• CABS (Child and Adolescent Bipolar Services)
• Cactis/Mobile Crisis (Child and Adolescent Crisis Team Intervention Services)
• Community-based wraparound and family-based services

Knowledge about childhood depression has been dramatically reshaped by the work of WPIC researchers. Contrary to earlier beliefs, research has established that not only can children suffer from depression, but childhood depression closely resembles its adult counterpart. Children and adolescents can also develop bipolar disorder.

Children and adolescents are also subject to anxiety disorders, particularly separation anxiety (difficulty leaving their parents or their home) and school phobia.

Other childhood disorders can be more disruptive. Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are easily distracted, impulsive, and hyperactive.

Conduct disorders develop in late childhood or early adolescence. Symptoms include truancy, lying, stealing, fighting, or refusing to accept authority figures.

Among WPIC’s most distinctive programs are those that address the needs of young people with more than one disorder. We offer family centered, community-based care for those who have autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities, and for young people with the dual diagnosis of substance abuse and a behavioral health disorder.

Whatever the challenge, diagnosis and treatment are individually geared to each child’s particular needs. Treatment may include short term therapy, teaching children problem-solving skills, relaxation techniques, and appropriate medications.

Specialists in child development are a crucial part of the assessment and treatment team and help to monitor the effects of medications, psychotherapy, and other treatments. Children who are hospitalized or in partial hospital day or after school programs are helped by these development specialists in a school-like setting that simulates the child’s everyday environment.