Child and Family Clinic-Plus is an innovative program designed to improve the
emotional well-being of children. The program is funded by the New York State
Office of Mental Health and operated on the local level by Clinic Treatment Providers.
Social and emotional development colors every aspect of a child's life and sets the stage for a strong foundation for later development. Childhood mental health is important for the social,
emotional and behavioral well-being of children, including their capacity to:
Experience and express a wide range of emotions;
Form close, secure relationships with family and caregivers; and
Explore their environment and learn.
Research shows that if we intervene early and quickly with emotional needs, we are more likely to provide a positive effect on a child's emotional growth, social relationships, intellectual development, and overall well-being.
Child and Family Clinic-Plus programs work closely with families to help with early identification of their children's emotional needs by providing free, voluntary screenings in community settings including schools and health centers. Screening is available only with a parent or guardian's signed consent. In compliance with HIPAA laws, screening results and any resulting recommendations are shared only with the parent or guardian unless they grant permission for further dissemination.
If emotional difficulties are identified, the program works with family members to pinpoint a child's individual needs. In addition to providing access to cutting-edge clinic-based treatments which have been scientifically proven to work, treatment is offered in the family home to ensure that interventions work in the child's personal environment and natural surroundings. Most importantly, Child and Family Clinic-Plus services are free. No one will be turned away because they are unable to pay.
Child and Family Clinic-Plus Is:
Screening: is provided upon receipt of family consent in natural settings like schools, health centers, and other community locations to reach children early who may have emotional needs
Assessment: comprehensive and as needed to identify needs and strengths of both child and family
In-home treatment: flexible and convenient, to make sure interventions work in "real-world" settings like at the dinner table
Expanded clinic-based treatment: easier access to traditional clinic services when necessary
Evidence-based treatment: interventions that have been shown to work
Contact your local mental health department.
Information on Child and Family Clinic-Plus is also available online at the New York State Office of Mental Health's Clinic-Plus website at clinicplus.org
