Access Center
Services for Children
Screening and Referral Services
Services for Infants, Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers
Children, Youth and Families
Outpatient Therapy and Counseling
Psychiatric and Residential Care
Assessment and Evaluation Individualized Health Services
Kalamazoo WRAPS
School Based Prevention Services for Children & Families
Services for Persons with Substance Abuse
Services for Persons with Developmental Disabilities
Services for Adults
with Mental Illness
Customer Services
Supported Education
Eligibility and Cost
Grievance and Appeals
Recipient Rights
Housing
Family Support |
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Services for Children -
Outpatient Therapy and Counseling
This service is designed to build positive skills in the areas of home, school and peer interaction. It also has the goal of preventing further decline in the area in question. These services provided in an office setting and are divided into several types of therapy:
- Child: Primary focus is on the child
- Group: The child is in a group setting with other children experiencing similar problems. A trained therapist assists the children to practice new skills and to learn from the experience of others
- Family: This therapy includes members of the immediate family as well as step-parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles or others important in the family’s life. The focus is on how the family interacts and can best support one another
- Outpatient therapists typically work alone as solo practitioners or as part of a group of other therapists providing therapy and counseling. For assistance in finding an outpatient therapist through KCMHSAS, please call 373-6000 and ask to speak with a Children’s Intake staff person.
Other tips for finding a therapist who is right for you include:
- Asking your family doctor for a referral;
- Asking friends and family who may have seen a therapist for a recommendation; and
- As a last resort, looking in the yellow pages or calling your health insurance plan.
Additional issues to consider when choosing a therapist are:
- Is the therapist’s office convenient for you or your family?
- Are you comfortable with the person? Would you prefer to meet with a male or female therapist? Or, would you prefer to meet with someone who speaks the same language as you?
- Does the therapist have experience treating someone with the problems or concerns you are facing? If yes, how much experience?
- Is the therapist licensed and have they received any specialized training for treating your concern?
- Finally, “interview” two or three therapists to determine who will be the best fit for you and your family. Do you feel a connection with the person? For you to share personal information with this person, you need to feel safe and at ease. If you don’t click, move on to another therapist.
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