Early Childhood Behavioral Health Program
The Early Childhood Behavioral Health Program at Children's National Hospital provides high-quality behavioral healthcare to young children from birth to age 6. We support early identification and intervention for behavioral and mental health needs to allow children to meet their full potential. Our program focuses on treatment services. Families interested primarily in assessment can find options on our Behavioral Health and Autism Referral Guidelines page.
Our Providers
Our pediatric specialists provide personalized care for your child’s physical, mental and emotional health needs.
Contact Information
For more information or to schedule an appointment with our program specialists, either in-person or via telehealth, please email us. If you are interested in scheduling with us, fill our our intake form.
About Our Program
Our team has expertise in treating young children who are experiencing:
- Behavior challenges
- Mood and anxiety disorders
- Trauma
- Developmental delays
- Challenges with daily living skills (e.g. potty training/toileting, sleep)
We never lose sight of the awesome responsibility that we have in helping a child with mental healthcare at the earliest stages of their lives, while supporting their families through the development of strong, trusting relationships.
Behavioral Treatment Options Tailored to the Needs of Young Children
Our team members are certified to provide a high level of care across a broad variety of assessment and treatment approaches specifically aimed at children in early childhood. We are currently using the following approaches when helping children in our care:
Therapy
- Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) - disruptive behavior problems, tantrums, noncompliance
- Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) and Preschool PTSD Treatments (PPT) - trauma exposure and support for family adjustment
- Applied Behavior Analysis-informed treatment (ABA) (RUBI) - behavioral challenges and skills deficits, toileting, developmental delay
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - family-based treatment for anxiety
Groups
- Social skills groups - small groups for preschoolers with social communication difficulties
- Parent groups - parent-only behavioral support while families are on waiting list or after getting new diagnosis of autism or for specific topic areas (e.g., toileting, trauma)
Medication
- Child psychiatry/medication management specifically for young children
Choosing Children's National for Early Childhood Behavioral Healthcare
A Longstanding History of Providing High-Level Care
Expert Clinicians
Community-Based Relationships
Collaboration with Related Care Programs
Caregiver Webinar Series
Our Division of Psychology and Behavioral Health collaborates with the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders to present an interactive webinar series for caregivers.
Locations
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