Young Child Clinic

The Young Child Clinic (YCC) in the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) serves families with young children who have emotional and behavioral challenges. We treat children from birth through kindergarten.

The evidence shows that nearly 10 percent of preschoolers have a severe impairing psychiatric disorder. Psychiatric impairment interferes with caregiver-child relationship, social-emotional development, ability to participate in child care and early learning environments, family functioning, and optimal developmental trajectory.

We know that healthy, early childhood social-emotional development is essential for educational readiness, social well-being, and preventative mental health. These emerging capacities arise early from the critical, complex, and intimate interactions with others that become embedded in the developing structure of a genetically unique brain. Early childhood research continues to demonstrate the power and necessity of these interactive experiences for social-emotional wellness and many other closely linked developmental capacities.

Our multidisciplinary clinic, offered by a team of psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers, works together to provide the best possible care to support your child’s ongoing growth and development. The expert staff of the YCC offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment recommendations for children with:

  • Disruptive behavior disorders
  • Behavior problems, with or without developmental or learning delays
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Mood disorders (depression)
  • Attachment or relationship problems
  • History of early childhood neglect or disrupted placement
  • Trauma and stressor-related disorders
  • Behavioral issues related to chronic medical conditions

After multiple evaluations are complete and recommendations are shared with your family, we may offer a combination of the following services:

  • Parent-child interaction therapy: Proven treatment program that focuses on promoting positive parent-child relationships and interactions, and teaching parents effective child management skills
  • Psychiatric consultation: Multisession evaluation includes comprehensive, multi-axial assessment and formulation followed by detailed written report
  • Medication evaluation: Comprehensive evaluation and recommendations for treatment with medication
  • Play therapy: Individual assessment that includes child-directed play
  • Clinical work with parents: Parent engagement in treatment plan development and child’s ongoing care
     


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