Unique Mental Health Clinic For Kids As Young As 2 Opens Doors

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — As childhood mental health concerns reach a crisis in the wake of a global pandemic that has isolated families and disrupted routines, the local community now has a brand new resource from a well-established Westchester organization.

The Guidance Center of Westchester (TGCW) announced the opening of its early childhood mental health clinic at 17 Anderson St. in New Rochelle. The new concept clinic specializes in the social, emotional and behavioral health of children between two and five years old and their families.

"Too often, parents are at a loss when it comes to identifying their child’s social-emotional development and assessing behaviors," TGCW CEO Amy Gelles said. "Parents aren’t sure what is typical versus what may need a little guiding and coaching. And then they don’t know where to go for help. TGCW is particularly well positioned as an important resource. Our early childhood clinic is solely focused on helping very young children and their families."

Gelles said the new clinic is especially important because early intervention in addressing any behavioral and mental challenges in children is the key.

There are a number of ways social, emotional, or behavioral issues may present in very young children, including changes in mood, behaviors, sleep patterns or eating habits. Increased tantrums, regression in toilet training or other developmental milestones can also be red flags. If a child is becoming easily frustrated, irritable, or teary, acting out, hitting, biting or becoming withdrawn, it could be time to seek help.

"Early intervention leads to better outcomes,” TGCW President Ron Colavito said. "Families have known and trusted TGCW for decades for the support they’ve needed to raise healthy children. Now, they will know where to turn when they have concerns about their child’s mental health. This is a needed and welcomed resource for the community."

The new early childhood mental health clinic in New Rochelle offers play therapy, a specialized way for a therapist to gain insights into a child’s behaviors. The therapist helps the child explore emotions and deal with unresolved trauma. Children can learn new coping skills and how to redirect inappropriate behaviors.

Family and sibling support is another key function of the clinic. The practice helps families improve communication and resolve conflicts in a healthy way. Meanwhile, postpartum support will help new moms who experience feelings of anger, sadness, irritability, guilt, lack of interest in the baby or "other trouble thoughts."

The clinic will also offer Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), an intervention model for children aged 0-5 who have experienced traumatic events or are experiencing mental health, attachment, or behavioral challenges. The therapeutic sessions include the child and a parent or primary caregiver. A central goal is to support and strengthen the caregiver-child relationship as a means of restoring and protecting the child’s mental health.

Sessions are by appointment only and available Tuesdays and Thursdays (3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.) and Saturdays (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) Services are available in English and Spanish. To schedule an appointment, call 914-613-0700 x7301 or email EarlyChildhood@TheGuidanceCenter.org.