The Child Guidance Center of Mid-Fairfield County offers a full-range of prevention, evaluation, and treatment services to address virtually every facet of a child’s psychological, behavioral, and emotional health. Almost all our clients are families from Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk, Weston, Westport, and Wilton – with children up to age 18. We accept children throughout the state for specialized services that are not available in their own communities. The average age of the child we serve is eight, reflecting our focus on the need to identify problems for early intervention. Sometimes a parent calls for help; other times, the child is referred by a school, community organization, government agency, hospital, pediatrician, or the courts.

We provide services to everyone who needs our help without discrimination. Our facilities are accessible for people who are physically challenged. Ours is the only comprehensive mental health service for children and families in this area available in Spanish. Fees are charged on a sliding scale based on the ability to pay at a price everyone can afford.

The Center features a General Clinic as well as special clinical programs. These are our basic services:

Ø     Assessment which includes an orientation to our services, initial screening to define problems, and appropriate information and referral.

Ø     Psychiatric consultation, evaluation, and treatment provided by board eligible/certified child and adolescent psychiatrists.

Ø     Psychological and developmental testing to help clarify a child’s problems and treatment needs.

Ø     Individual, parent guidance, family therapy, case management, outreach service and group psychotherapy as appropriate for each individual.

APPLYING FOR SERVICES

Any area family with children up to age 18 may apply for mental health services by phoning the Center’s main office at 203-299-1315. The Center generally recommends assistance when:

Ø     Emotional, developmental or learning problems are exhibited

Ø     Behavioral problems such as aggressions, sleeping difficulties, changes in eating patterns, or deterioration in school performance persists

Ø     Child abuse – when physical and/or sexual abuse occurs

Ø     A family crisis such as death, divorce or hospitalization affects the child

Ø     Marital or family conflicts affect the child’s functioning

EVALUATION

When a family first comes to the Center, the staff will conduct a diagnostic evaluation to determine whether services are needed, and what those services will be.

TREATMENT

Following evaluation, a treatment plan is developed for every client, which is regularly reviewed by the client and staff. Treatment may include:

Ø     Individual counseling/therapy

Ø     Family counseling/parent guidance

Ø     Group therapy

Ø     Play therapy

Ø     Psychiatric consultation and evaluation

Ø     Psychological testing

Ø     In-home services

Ø     Outreach and case management services

 The treatment plan also may include involvement in one of the Center’s programs designed to meet special clinical needs.

ADMISSIONS POLICY

All services are available to area families without regard to race, religion, ethnic group, physical handicap or ability to pay. Outreach offices and a bilingual program make services accessible to the entire community.

FEES

Fees are established on an ability-to-pay basis, making services available to all families regardless of income.