About School and Community Youth Services
We take pride in connecting our youth and families with a diverse array of services and programs.
When a child or family is referred to us from an outside agency or by simply calling our office, we individually meet with each child and family to assess their needs, strengths, and goals. This enables us to identify those who would most benefit from services, and serve those most at-risk. If we are unable to fully serve a family’s needs, we connect them with community resources to help them receive the help that they deserve.
Who We Serve
We serve more than 350 children and families each year through our programs at local schools. We work with children, youth, and families in various ways to build confidence, form relationships, increase resilience, and help them develop strengths to thrive at home and in the community.
Our Services
Youth and Family Counseling
We provide confidential group, family, and individual therapy. Please contact us to see if these services are provided at your child’s school.
Counseling services can include:
- Child, family, and/or group therapy
- Diagnostic evaluations and treatment planning
- Skill development and student support groups
- Referral supports to psychiatric care and/or medication management as needed
- Crisis intervention and stabilization as needed
- Classroom observations and teacher consultation
- Parent workshops and staff professional development opportunities
Tutoring
Our tutoring services cover a variety of subjects and are offered after-school and in the summer at our Gaithersburg center.
How to Access Services
We collaborate closely with the Montgomery County Public School System. Our team accepts referrals from community school social workers, school coordinators, case managers, and professional school counselors.
Once we receive a referral, we make sure that our services are an appropriate level of care for the student. If we are a good fit, we begin providing therapy and other needed services. If we are not able provide the services needed or there are additional mental health services required which are outside of our scope, we will help to find an appropriate community-based resource.
Contact
For more information about the School and Community Youth Services Program or to see if services are available in your school, contact Monica Lopez, LCSW-C, Program Director at 240-672-2381 or Monica.Lopez@sheppardpratt.org.