El Paso Child Guidance Center

Our prevention/intervention program provides group services (parenting/raising resilient children workshops, mental health first aid, and support groups), assistance in enrolling in programs such as food stamps and medicaid, and training and consultation for youth serving organizations in areas such as professional resiliency, wellness and trauma informed care.? Examples of these organizations include Child protective services, the juvenile probation department, and school districts. Our therapy program is staffed by licensed therapists who conduct a comprehensive assessment that includes but is not limited to child/family history and strengths, sleep and eating patterns, medical issues, an analysis of family dynamics, mental health issues such as?depression and anxiety, trauma history, and safety issues (e.g. Self-harm, thoughts of suicide). Therapists and the family co-create a treatment plan. The therapist conducts individual/family therapy using research-based treatments they have learned by studying with the foremost experts in the field. In our psychiatry program psychiatrists conduct psychiatric evaluations and medication monitoring as part of the treatment plan. As a physician, the Child psychiatrist is trained to understand the body's physical functions and the complex relationship between emotional illness and other medical illnesses. The psychiatrist prescribes medication when it is recommended, and the family agrees. ?in our client centered coordinated care program (aka targeted case management) the family is assigned a care coordinator (known as a "care coachhas the credential of a qualified mental health professional) who conducts a mental health evaluation and assessment, co-creates a treatment plan and ensures the family stays on the path to wellness and reaches their goals.? ?other members of the Child and family's "team" include a therapist and Child psychiatrist.? The care coordinator provides services?in the family's own home, school and community and teaches vital skills such as how to deal with overwhelming feelings, healthy sleep routines, and nurturing parenting practices.? ?? Stories of impact: recently, anna began receiving treatment at the El Paso Child Guidance Center to help her manage her feelings of anxiety and dissatisfaction with her job. Through the course of her treatment, anna and her therapist began to work on addressing and processing past traumatic events which had contributed to her feelings of anxiety. Anna also began to realize that it was time to consider a new career path. Over the year, anna has not only gone back to school to pursue new challenges, but she has begun to tackle her anxiety head-on - leading to feelings of satisfaction and increased confidence. Anna's mood has shifted significantly for the better, and she is in control of her anxiety and is nearing the completion of her treatment. When the covid-19 pandemic hit the El Paso community, sarah - who was already experiencing social anxiety symptoms - began to struggle emotionally. When students were forced to complete the academic year via virtual instruction, sarah's anxiety skyrocketed. Her academic performance suffered, despite her good grades being something she prided herself on. During therapy, sarah and her therapist worked to address her social anxiety. Through an individualized plan, sarah has developed the skills to manage her symptoms and addressing the thoughts that contribute to her anxiety. She now feels comfortable signing-in to most of her classes, being seen/heard during virtual therapy appointments, and her grades are back on track. Aaron was born six weeks premature and addicted to drugs. He was placed in the foster care system at the age of 4 years old after experiencing severe neglect and abuse. Four years later, he had been in 13 foster homes and felt alone and unsure of the future. The instability - combined with the past trauma he had experienced - resulted in aaron being behind academically and closed off emotionally. After being placed in his most recent foster home, his new family sought the services of the El Paso Child Guidance Center. After gaining his trust, aaron's therapist helped him learn to open up and process his feelings around his trauma, instability and past. She also worked with aaron's new foster family to help them understand how to manage his emotional setbacks and create a family culture based on trust and safety. Today, aaron is doing well - he has caught up academically, has learned to manage his emotions and is on the road to emotional wellness. He was adopted by the family in 2009, and loves to play sports and dance. "i see a healthy little boy in large part to the El Paso Child Guidance," said his adoptive mother. "we will always be grateful."