Behavioral Mental Health

CASS (Comprehensive Assessment and Stabilization Services)

Fred Finch Youth Center was awarded a contract by the County of San Diego Mental Health Services to provide services specifically aimed at saving out-of-home placements for children who are dependents of the court. The program is called CASS-Comprehensive Assessment and Stabilization Services. CASS services include assessments, triage, supportive case management, consultation, behavioral services, brief individual and family counseling, medication evaluation and education, and crisis intervention. CASS staff work closely with Social Workers to deliver services quickly, at an intensive level, and most importantly, wherever they are needed. CASS clinicians are mobile and can come to the caregiver's home, a child's school, or other community locations to provide services in the most practical manner. Criterion of eligible youth include:
1) Under the age of 18
2) Dependent of the juvenile court
3) Medi-Cal recipient
4) Living in a foster home, kin/NREFM placement, FFA home, or small group home with 6 or fewer children
5) Significant emotional or behavioral concerns and
6) At significant risk for placement disruption based on current behavior or has a history of placement instability
Only Child Welfare Services SWs can make a CASS referral. If you think this may be a service your family requires, contact your Child Welfare social worker to discuss a CASS referral as a possibility.

FACETS - Family-Centered Association of Counseling, Education, and Therapeutic Services, Inc.

FACETS provides a variety of services designed to improve and stabilize life for families and children with attachment, emotional and mental health issues that place the children at risk of, or in need of, out of home care. Fore more information call (619) 246-0040 or email to facetsca@aol.com

New Child Therapy Office in Rancho Bernardo!

Cheryll Putt, LMFT has opened a private practice office at:

16776 Bernardo Center Drive, Suite 204

San Diego, CA 92128

Cheryll has worked with abused and traumatized children since 1995 and continues to provide great support and healing to children of all ages. A few childhood issues Cheryll is competent in addressing are:

hchild victims of abuse

hchild witnesses to domestic violence

hseparation and loss

hself-esteem

hanger management

hanxiety

hbehavioral issues

hparenting

hchildren of divorce

Cheryll is available to work with toddlers and their caregivers, as well as, school age children and teens.

Cheryll has been trained in EMDR, TF-CBT, PCIT, and PCAT. She has been employed with entities such as Chadwick Center Rady Children¢s Hospital, EMQ,, and the Giarretto Institute. She has current openings, including after school hours and accepts: UBH/MediCal, Several Other Insurances, Victims of Crime, and private pay.

Please call (858) 451-9929 to schedule an appointment today!

www.therapistfinder.com/therapists/cheryllputt

The Alphabet Soup of Therapy, by Dr. S Maltzman Ph.D

The Alphabet Soup of Therapy for foster parents

by Dr. S. Maltzman, Ph.D

ADHD, BPAD, PTSD, RAD, and Depression – What do they all mean? How can a foster parent assist and support a child experiencing emotional distress? How can a foster parent obtain appropriate treatment? Click on the link to the left to view The Alphabet Soup of Therapy for foster parents.

Resource List for Help with Behavior Issues

Sara Maltzman, Ph.D. (858) 694-5220 (Sr. Staff Psychologist, HHSA, CWS)

Chadwick Center/Rady Children’s Hospital & Health: North County (760) 967-7082 or San Diego (858) 966-4011

ACL (Access and Crisis Line) (800) 479-3339

S.D. Regional Center (858) 576-2938

Hope Infant Program (760) 736-6344

North County Lifeline (760) 726-4900

Palomar Family Counseling (760) 741-2660

Building Bridges Together (619) 477-0757

YMCA Kinship Support Services: North Coastal (760) 942-9622 Ext. 1248 or North Inland (760) 473-0709

Institute on Violence, Abuse & Trauma Website www.ivatcenters.org

Building Bridges Together is a program of Mental Health Systems Community Support Services Division. They focus on the needs of children and youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental disorders, and their families. Learn more about Building Bridges Together at www.buildingbridges2gether.org You can also visit their Information and Referral Line directly, by visiting their link or by calling (888) 843-5800.

Information Regarding Psychotropic Medications

Psychiatric medications, also known as "psychotropic medications" can be an effective part of the treatment for psychiatric disorders of childhood and adolescence (i.e. medications for ADHD or depression, anticonvulsant medications, medications for sleep disorders or anxiety). However, before a foster child can be given these types of medications, a court order from a judge, also known as a JV-220 must be received. This form is obtained from the court by the child's social worker. Be sure to ask the social worker about this form before dispensing any psychotropic medication, whether or not it is prescribed by a doctor.

Parent Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT)

Parent Child Interactive Therapy is a behavior modification therapy provided for the caretaker and the child, and is done through Rady's Chadwick Center. The therapist is behind a 2 way mirror and the parent has a "bug" in their ear and will be given direction from the therapist, who is observing their interaction with the child. This treatment has shown to be successful for committed caregivers* and if you are interested and your child is over 3 years of age, contact Chadwick Center-North County at (760) 967-7082 or San Diego (858) 966-4011. You will need a referral so be sure to ask them how to go about doing that, if they feel your child would benefit from PCIT.

*Commitment is a key factor to the PCIT. Once signed up, attendance and promptness is crucial to get the full benefit of your time spent with the PCIT program.

Connected Through Kids Home Page