Theiss Therapeutic Nursery and Preschool Program

Young children can experience intense emotions and environments that affect their mental health. Our Therapeutic Nursery and Preschool Program supports children's mental health and well-being. Our services support children ages 18 months to 6 years who are not yet eligible for kindergarten. We also serve you and your family in a variety of ways.

Your child may be at high risk for an emotional or behavioral disorder for many reasons. UPMC Western Behavioral Health’s therapy, education, and resources can help your young child and your family.

We offer western Pennsylvania’s only comprehensive early childhood mental health and trauma services. We strive to help your child build a healthy mental and emotional foundation for the future.

What Is the Therapeutic Nursery and Preschool Program? 

About 16% of children under age 6 have significant mental health problems that require care early in life. (Source: American Academy of Pediatrics)

The Therapeutic Nursery serves children ages 18 months to 2 years at high risk for emotional and behavioral disorders.

These children may:

• Have been exposed to drugs or alcohol before they were born.
• Have a parent or sibling with a serious psychiatric disorder.

The Therapeutic Preschool serves children ages 3 through 6 (who are not yet eligible for kindergarten).

The program supports children who are experiencing significant emotional and/or behavioral health problems, such as:

• Aggressive or disruptive behavior.
• Anxiety.
• Depression.
• Impulsivity.
• Trauma.

A nurturing parent-child relationship is essential to a child’s mental health. That is why parent involvement is important.

We provide services to help parents:

• Connect with social supports in the community.
• Develop healthy ways to communicate with their child.
• Identify child, family, and community factors that may increase their child’s risk of mental health problems.
• Learn safe and effective parenting skills.

NOTE: This program was formerly known as the Matilda Theiss Therapeutic Nursery and Preschool Program.

What Services Are Offered Through the Therapeutic Nursery and Preschool Program?

From the start, your child will receive a comprehensive mental health evaluation. We will use this information to better understand your child’s needs. We will create an individualized plan to address your child’s emotional, developmental, and social needs.

At the Therapeutic Nursery and Preschool program, we offer children:

• A motivating early learning, natural classroom environment for preschoolers.
• A stimulating early learning environment for toddlers.
• Behavioral health therapy.
• Guidance on services for families with infants and toddlers.
• Parent education and support.
• Resources to strengthen the parent-child relationship.
• Social-emotional therapy.

We’ll help your child learn vital skills and techniques and grow in a safe, nurturing environment. Our services help children, parents, and parent-child relationships.

We help children to:

• Address behavioral issues.
• Build resilience skills to reduce risks.
• Develop social-emotional skills.
• Progress in their language skills and cognitive growth.

We help parents to:

• Understand child development.
• Learn different approaches to parenting.

We help support parent-child relationships by:

• Acknowledging the role parents play in treating their child’s behavioral health issues.
• Creating clear communication between parents and their child.
• Strengthening the connections between parents and their child.

Who Is Eligible for Therapeutic Nursery and Preschool Services?

Our program supports children ages 18 months to 6 years (who are not yet eligible for kindergarten).

They may be eligible if they have significant:

• Emotional and behavioral issues.
• Trauma.
• A volatile or unstable home or family environment.
• Risk for emotional and behavioral issues.

Based on our comprehensive mental health evaluation, we will recommend the best program for your child’s needs. Sometimes, we may recommend a different UPMC service. Eligibility varies by program.

Children in our programs receive medical assistance. They also must meet the criteria for intensive behavioral health services.

How Can I Enroll My Child in the Therapeutic Nursery and Preschool?

Referrals can come from:

• Community agencies.
• Families themselves.
• Primary care providers.
• Service coordinators.
• School personnel.

A legal guardian must provide consent to schedule an evaluation.

What Professionals Will Be Involved With My Child’s Care?

A multidisciplinary treatment team will work with you and your child, including:

• Behavioral health therapists.
• Behavioral health workers.
• Developmental specialists.
• Family developmental specialists.
• Licensed mental health professionals.

Our professionals will assess your child and make referrals as needed. These may include speech, occupational, feeding, behavioral, physical, and other therapies.

What Are Therapeutic Nursery and Preschool Treatments?  

The Therapeutic Nursery and Preschool program uses milieu therapy. This is also called a therapeutic classroom. Milieu therapy provides your child with a safe, structured space to learn and practice new skills.

Through everyday activities and interactions, milieu therapy helps children:

• Develop social skills.
• Learn to manage their emotions.
• Make friends and discover how to have healthy relationships.

Treatment approaches include:

• Family psychotherapy.
• Family support services.
• Individualized behavior plans.
• Medication management (as needed).
• Parenting education.
• Play therapy.
• Social-emotional curriculum.
• Trauma therapy.

Age-appropriate group activities help children develop skills that help with:

• Attachment and relationship difficulties.
• Problem-solving.
• Relaxation.
• Self-regulation.
• Social interaction.
• Withdrawal or isolating behaviors.

We foster learning through:

• Art, music, and movement.
• Cooperative games.
• Organized and free play.
• Recreation.

Experienced professionals bring mental health strategies to the classroom. These methods encourage your child’s positive behaviors and reduce their challenging ones.

Small groups allow therapists and developmental specialists to spend more time with your child. They also help us support their goals and teach new skills throughout the day.

Our program limits group milieu sizes to:

• Preschool — Up to 12 clients.
• Toddler — Up to 10 clients.

The Theiss Therapeutic Nursery and Preschool at UPMC is a nurturing learning environment. We help your child build a strong foundation in mental and behavioral health. Our goal is to give them the skills and support needed for lifelong success.

Need care for yourself or someone you love? Contact Us.

For a mental health emergency, call 988.

For an appointment near you, call Western Behavioral Health’s main phone number at 1-877-624-4100 or 412-624-1000.

UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital
3811 O’Hara St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Call 412-624-1000 or toll free 1-877-624-4100.

Are you a resident of Allegheny County and in crisis?

Call our resolve Crisis Services at 1-888-796-8226. It’s free and open 24/7.

Or go to the resolve Crisis Services walk-in clinic:

333 North Braddock Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15208

If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide or self-harm:

Text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or call 800-273-8255.

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