When something doesn't seem right, getting answers can be the first step toward helping your child thrive. Through expert evaluation, personalized support, and evidence-based care, we help families move forward with confidence. Connect with the Center for Youth.
Learn more about the services that our expert can provide for your family:
| Evaluations for children and teens | Psychotherapy for families |
| Specialized services for children 0-4 | Parent coaching |
| Parent groups | Expert consultations |
The Sheppard Pratt Center for Youth is designed to answer your questions, help you better understand your child, and provide the support your child needs to thrive. Children come to the Center for Youth for a variety of reasons, including behavior concerns, anxiety, depression, school challenges, parent-child or sibling conflict, developmental delays, stress and adjustment problems, and other behavioral and mental health concerns.
How we help
We care for children aged 0 – 17 years who often present with one of more of the following concerns:
- Adjustment reactions
- Aggressive, defiant, or disruptive behavior
- Attention difficulties and hyperactivity (ADHD)
- Autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disorders
- Developmental concerns
- Difficulty with family or peer relationships
- Fears and anxiety
- Sleep and eating problems
- Learning differences
- Mood disorders, including sadness and depression
- School-related problems
- Stress associated with traumatic events
Our services include:
Evaluations for children and teens
An evaluation is the first step to a better understanding of your child and the concerns which brought you to us. It is designed to clarify concerns, identify and/or rule out diagnoses, and provide families with immediate feedback and recommendations.
Psychotherapy for children and teens
Therapy can help with anxiety, mood changes, behavior challenges, emotion regulation, relationships, and other concerns that affect daily life. Treatment is individualized and goal-oriented; parents are included as an important part of the process.
Psychotherapy for families
Therapy for families often complements individual psychotherapy. For many families, coming together to address concerns and issues is an effective path forward.
Parent coaching
Parent coaching offers practical, evidence-based strategies to help caregivers respond more effectively to challenging behavior, reduce conflict, and feel more confident at home. Coaching is available both in-person and virtually.
Parent groups
Parent groups provide structured, skills-based support for caregivers who want practical tools, validation in a safe space, and connection with others facing similar challenges.
Expert Consultation
Consultation provides a flexible option for families who want expert guidance, a second opinion, or help deciding what kind of service may be the best fit for their child. Consultations are also available for schools and other professionals.
Common reasons families seek support
Families reach out for many different reasons—and no matter why you’re looking for help, you aren’t alone.
Your child may be anxious, overwhelmed, angry, acting out at home or school, struggling socially, or having a hard time with focus, learning, or emotional regulation. You may be hearing concerns from teachers or coaches, wondering whether your child needs therapy or testing, or feeling stuck after trying different approaches without meaningful progress.
For younger children, families often seek help when tantrums, clinginess, developmental concerns, or difficulty adjusting to preschool or school disrupt daily life. For older children and teens, concerns may include anxiety, depression, school avoidance, attention problems, behavior changes, or difficulty coping with stress.
What to expect when getting started
Getting started begins with understanding your concerns and helping you find the service that best matches your child’s needs. An admissions coordinator will connect with you to learn about your situation and what you’re looking for and to guide you to the service that’s right for you.
Most families begin with an initial diagnostic evaluation or consultation to get quick clarity and direction. Others choose a more comprehensive psychological evaluation. Alternately, you may decide to begin treatment with psychotherapy, parent coaching, parent groups, or other options. Once the right service is identified, our team can guide you through next steps, what to expect, and how to prepare.
Connect with the Center for Youth
Our team can help you and your family. To learn more, please call 410-938-4151, email centerforyouth@sheppardpratt.org or complete the form.
We strive to respond the same day when you contact us during business hours. We typically respond to inquiries between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. local time from Monday through Friday.
If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, please call 911.