Child and Adolescent Protection Center Referral Guidelines
For Mental Health Intake Assessments and Forensic Medical Exams*
Children can be referred by their pediatrician, other health professionals, themselves, the police, social services or the courts. The patients’ insurance may require a referral from the pediatrician. To arrange for an intake and medical exam, please contact our appointment line at 202-476-4100.
Medical and mental health providers who refer patients should explain the reason for referral, if the child is receiving mental health services and if a report to social services/police has been made. It is important to note that referring a patient to the center does not eliminate the legal requirement of the referring professional to report their suspicion of abuse to the proper authorities.
For Therapy Services*
The Center’s mental health clinicians provide specialized mental health treatment services to children, adolescents and families who have experienced physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse/assault or other forms of victimization. Clinical social workers and psychologists offer short- or long-term individual and family therapy.
To inquire about therapy, call 202-476-4100 and ask for the on-call clinician for child protection or the call the hospital operator at 202-476-5000.
For Psychological Testing
The Center offers a range of psychological testing for children who have witnessed or survived violence and abuse. Please email our team for an intake packet.
In order to obtain a psychological evaluation through CAPC, you must complete and return an intake packet (including previous testing) before your appointment will be scheduled. Additionally, the criteria for testing is below.
Testing criteria:
- Ages 4 months through 16 years of age
- Non emergency
- Child has history of exposure to domestic violence, abuse and/or neglect
- Reason for referral is related to developmental/cognitive functioning, academic achievement (including potential learning disabilities) and/or social-emotional functioning
Should you have additional questions regarding testing, please email CAPCMH@childrensnational.org or call Hannah Snyder, PhD, ABPP at 202-476-6717.
Problematic Sexual Behavior Services Program at CAPC
The Problematic Sexual Behavior - Cognitive Behavior Therapy (PSB-CBT) is a newly available program at CAPC. PSB-CBT is a comprehensive family-based treatment model series designed to facilitate child and adolescent desistance from problematic sexual behaviors, improve youth prosocial behavior and adjustment, and reduce stress and enhance skills in parents and caregivers. Specialized treatment curricula include preschool (ages 3-6), school-age (ages 7-12) and adolescent (ages 13-18). The PSB-CBT treatment series is grounded in a cognitive-behavioral, social ecological, and family systems approach to treatment.
CAPC is beginning it’s PSB program with adolescents and their families (ages 13-18). PSB-CBT-A is currently delivered in a family treatment structure to meet the unique needs of youth and families.
The PSB-CBT-A treatment model framework is developmentally-focused and strengths-based in support of the complex phase of growth adolescents are navigating across physical, cognitive, emotional and relational domains. The PSB-CBT-A model utilizes a social ecological and family systems framework in supporting the process of youth desistance from illegal behavior, fostering youth prosocial growth and development, and healing and strengthening family relationships. PSB-CBT-A therapists create a safe, accepting and growth oriented therapeutic environment for teens and their caregivers.
If your teen is between 13-18 and engaging in problematic sexual behavior, please email our team for a referral form.
Crime Victim Compensation
*If the allegation is for physical abuse, sexual abuse or sexual assault, the cost of evaluation and treatment (including counseling) not covered by insurance can be covered by Crime Victims’ Compensation. For more information about Crime Victims' Compensation:
