Watching your child struggle with mental health issues is so difficult. As their parent, you want to find them help.
Behavioral health issues can happen at any age. Children and adolescents require specialized care tailored to their individual needs. Our experienced team is dedicated to supporting the emotional, psychological, and behavioral health of children and teens.
You’ll find the help you and your child need at UPMC Behavioral Health Services. We offer care for children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, behavioral disorders, pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety and depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, trauma, substance use, and early psychosis.
We can make a difference in your child’s life.
What Is UPMC Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Services?
Behavioral health issues in children and adolescents can influence their thinking. Your child may have trouble managing their feelings or acting appropriately. Our behavioral programs address these challenges in hospitals, outpatient settings, homes, and schools.
What Behavioral Health Conditions Do We Treat?
There is a broad range of behavioral health conditions that impact a child’s mental health and development. Our specialists support children dealing with the following conditions:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — Kids with ADHD may have trouble paying attention or sitting still. They may act without thinking and struggle to focus on tasks. Learning or behavioral health disorders often go hand-in-hand with ADHD.
- Autism (also known as autism spectrum disorder) — This disorder affects a child’s development and can make communication, personal connections, and social interactions difficult. Some kids may also experience mental and/or behavioral issues.
- Behavioral disorders — Behavioral issues are relatively common in children, but without treatment, some problems can escalate. Issues can include self-injury, eating disorders like anorexia, or substance use. Persistent problems can include major depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.
- Pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) — This disorder is a common and treatable medical condition. Children with OCD may have repetitive thoughts or behaviors that interfere with their daily life.
What Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Services Do We Offer?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 50% of children with mental health problems don’t get treatment. We assess your child’s needs and work with you to create a unique treatment plan for them. Our child and adolescent behavioral health programs include:
- ADHD services — ADHD can be complex and challenging. It doesn’t look the same in all children. Treatment helps your child manage challenges and thrive at home, school, and in social settings.
- Autism services — Autism is a developmental disorder that shapes how your child communicates, learns, behaves, and socializes with others. We support your child’s strengths and personalize treatment to help them manage symptoms and everyday challenges.
- Bipolar disorder services — Bipolar disorder is a mood condition that causes major shifts in mood, energy, and day-to-day functioning. Our Center for Child and Adolescent Bipolar Services (CABS) offers specialized treatment. Your child’s care may include one-on-one therapy, family therapy, group sessions, and medication, if needed.
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP) — If your child’s mental health difficulties require more intensive treatment than outpatient, an IOP offers a structured level of care. IOPs are typically three days a week, three hours per day. Treatment may include group therapy, individual therapy, family therapy, and/or medication.
- Outpatient services — Outpatient means your child goes to a clinic or office once or twice a week to receive treatment for mental or behavioral health issues. Kids may participate in group sessions, individual one-on-one therapy, and/or family therapy.
- Partial hospitalization program — This is a more intense level of treatment without an overnight hospital stay. Your child will come to the program five days a week.
- Pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) — This is a disorder where your child has recurrent, unwanted thoughts or repetitive behaviors. It’s a treatable medical condition. Your child will learn how to better manage their symptoms.
- School-based services — This program offers mental and physical health services, plus prevention activities, to all children at participating schools. Children receive evaluation and care for issues like depression, trauma, and suicidal thoughts.
- STAR and Co-STAR Center — STAR stands for Services for Teens at Risk. We offer specialized care for kids struggling with depression or anxiety, or who are at high risk of suicide. Our behavioral and/or mental health professionals will assess your child and create a personalized plan of care. Our College STAR option (Co-STAR) is for college-age students.
- Theiss Center for Child & Adolescent Trauma — Children who have experienced complex trauma or exposure to traumatic events, such as abuse and neglect, need specialized treatment. Our team cares for children and teens ages 2 to 17 who may be experiencing behavioral and emotional problems because of trauma.
- Theiss Early Childhood Behavioral Health — This program provides developmentally appropriate emotional and behavioral health care specifically for young children ages 7 and under. It is dedicated to helping children with mental health disorders and those who are at high risk of developing mental health or developmental issues.
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.
Find a Location Near You
