Parents and children who are hard of hearing or deaf face the day-to-day stresses that come with living with hearing differences and may need to practice skills to make life easier. At the Center for Childhood Communication, we believe that the most important ingredient for a child’s healthy development and success is the child’s family. To support our patients and their families, we established Family Wellness Services in 2000.

Our services

Family Wellness Services offer:

• Advocacy
• Individual and family counseling
• Hearing and behavior consultations
• Referrals to other mental health professionals
• Information and resources
• Introductions to peers or adults with similar hearing differences

Care offered through the years

• Social, emotional and behavioral checkups for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. These checkups are recommended especially before major school transition points (preschool, kindergarten, mid-elementary, middle school, early high school, young adult life)
• Opportunity to learn about how hearing differences/deafness can get in the way of the child’s social, emotional and behavioral development and what families can do to help
• A place to start when family or school is concerned about how the child gets along with others, and about the child’s behavior or emotional well-being
• Transition planning to young adult life, services and resources for adults who are deaf or hard of hearing
• Child protection evaluation for children and teens with hearing differences or caregivers who are deaf or hard of hearing
• Consultation and training for families, educators, behavioral health and other human service professionals in effective assessment and intervention for children who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families

Information and resources

• Information on strategies to help children develop their emotional, behavioral and social competence skills
• Accommodations that allow children to participate in the same home, school and community activities as other children their age
• Access to state and local community services, support and resources

Referrals and introductions

• Mental health providers who work with families and children who are hard of hearing or deaf
• Families who have a child with hearing differences similar to your child's
• Adults who are hard of hearing or deaf who may be supportive to you and your child
• Professional, parent and legal advocates in your state

Are family wellness services covered by health insurance?

• Most health insurance plans cover these services.
• No referrals are required for family wellness visits.
• Pre-authorization may be required, and will be obtained by CHOP staff prior to visits.

How do I get family wellness services for my child?

Ask your child’s managing audiologist to make a referral for your child, or contact us at 1-800-551-5480.