There’s nothing harder than watching your child struggle. And, it can be hard to know what is typical, what isn’t, and when guidance from a licensed, experienced mental health professional can make all the difference. That’s where Sheppard Pratt’s Center for Youth comes in.
If you’ve noticed more anxiety, bigger meltdowns, difficulty at school, behavior changes, moodiness or withdrawal, trouble with friends, aggression, or higher levels of stress, you know it can impact the whole family.
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 are referred 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.
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
We offer outpatient diagnostic evaluations, psychological evaluations, psychotherapy, and coaching for parents, children, teens, and families.
Some families come to us because they need quick clarity. Others are looking for deeper answers, ongoing therapy, or practical guidance they can use at home right away. Whatever your goal, we will help you move forward with a clear understanding of your child and a plan for next steps.
Our Services include:
Diagnostic evaluations
A diagnostic evaluation is the first step to a better understanding of your child and the concerns which brought you to us. During this one-session service, a child psychologist reviews your child’s history, assesses their challenges and strengths, and looks at how your child is currently functioning. It is designed to clarify concerns, identify and/or rule out diagnoses, and provide families with immediate feedback and recommendations. Learn more >
Psychological evaluations
For families seeking a deeper understanding of how their child is thinking, learning, feeling, and functioning, psychological evaluations provide comprehensive, in-depth answers. Psychological testing is a structured process during which a child psychologist administers standardized, validated assessment measures to evaluate a child’s cognitive functioning, emotional functioning, personality, behaviors, and/or neuropsychological abilities.
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. Modalities available include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT-A and DBT-C), interpersonal psychotherapy (IP T-A), trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), and integrative therapy (a theoretically-informed combination of approaches).
Psychotherapy for families
Therapy for families often complements individual psychotherapy. For many families, coming together to address concerns and issues is the most effective path towards a peaceful home and happy, successful children.
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, which is highly personalized and tailored to your family’s needs, is available both in-person and virtually. We offer coaching focused on childhood anxiety; coaching for developmental achievement; and coaching for parents of children with disruptive, defiant, and aggressive behaviors.
Parents’ 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. Families learn behavior management strategies they can use right away in a group setting.
Consultations
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. Consultations are a one-session service.
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 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of child mental health services do you offer?
Our outpatient program offers diagnostic evaluations, psychological evaluations, psychotherapy, parent coaching, parent groups, and consultations. Our services are provided by child and adolescent psychologists who specialize in working with children and their families.
How do I know whether my child needs therapy or an evaluation?
If you are not sure where to start, a diagnostic evaluation or consultation is recommended. Some children benefit from individual therapy, while others may need psychological testing, parent support, or a combination of services. When you reach out to us, our admissions coordinator will talk to you about our offerings and help determine the best fit.
Do you work with younger children and teenagers?
Yes. Services are available for children ages 0-17 years, with evaluations and treatment approaches tailored by age and developmental stage. We also offer services for families and for parents.
What concerns can you help with?
Families often seek support for anxiety, behavior challenges, mood changes, attention and executive function problems, school and learning concerns, emotional dysregulation, developmental delays, family stress, adjustment issues, and uncertainty about what kind of help their child needs.
Do I need a referral?
A pediatrician or other referral is not necessary. Parents/caregivers may self-refer their children for services.
How do I pay for services? Do you take insurance?
heppard Pratt’s Center for Youth is private pay, meaning we do not participate with insurance. Superbills are provided upon request to submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement for out-of-network services. Contact your insurance provider for information about possible reimbursement.
Where is Sheppard Pratt’s Center for Youth located?
Our program is located on Sheppard Pratt’s flagship campus in Towson, Maryland. It is just off the N. Charles Street exit on 695. We are in the Gibson building; click here for location information and directions.
Our address is:
Sheppard Pratt Gibson Building
6501 North Charles Street
Towson, MD 21204
Do you offer telehealth services?
Many services are available remotely. However, diagnostic and psychological evaluations require in-person visits to the clinic.
Get started—contact us today
If you are worried about your child and not sure what to do, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Whether you are looking for answers, therapy, parent support, or a second opinion, our team is here to help you find the right next step for your child and family. Fill out the form or call us at [phone number]. A member of our team will be in touch with you within [manage timing expectation].