Children are learning and growing every day. Sometimes, it can be hard to keep up. Many families with small children face challenges with managing the child’s emotions and promoting their development. Aurora Mental Health & Recovery’s Early Childhood & Family Center provides mental health services to help support the child’s growth and provide hope to the family as they prepare for school and the world beyond.
For over 40 years, we have been working with children 0 – 6 years old and their families. Using evidence-based practices, we guide healthy social, emotional, and behavioral development. Relationships are essential to early mental health development. That is why we work closely with family units, whatever they look like.
Caring for the Child and the Family
Our program provides interactive family, group, individual, and in-home therapy. This helps children develop self-esteem, self-control, and coping skills for the future.
Treatment plans are created with input from the families and their therapy team. Our team of experts are trained specially to work with children ages 0 – 6. We provide therapy services for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers while supporting the family to provide a healthy environment.
Mental Health Services for Young Children in Aurora, CO
We use a variety of services to create a whole-family approach to children’s mental health. Healthy minds and futures start in childhood. Family plays a big role.
Early Childhood Therapy
We take a comprehensive approach to therapy and child behavioral health. This includes therapy models backed by research, such as:
- Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP)
- Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
- Theraplay® and other play therapy models
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Family Therapy
- Group Therapy
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
PCIT is a structured, evidence-based treatment designed for young children experiencing behavioral or emotional challenges. In PCIT, a therapist coaches parents in real time, typically through a one-way mirror or earpiece while they interact with their child. Sessions are broken into two phases: the first focuses on strengthening the parent-child relationship, and the second on building consistent, calm behavioral guidance. Research shows PCIT is highly effective for reducing tantrums, disruptive behavior, and aggression in children ages 2–7, while also reducing caregiver stress.
Parent Support
We help parents/caregivers learn to teach their child behavioral health skills. Your care team will work with you to find the best solutions for you and your child at home and in life. This also includes the evidence-based Circle of Security Parenting group.
Psychiatric Services
Child psychiatrists provide consultation and sometimes diagnosis. We also consider how behavioral situations may affect physical health. When necessary and desired, we can recommend, prescribe, and provide close management of medications for young children.
Consultation
We participate in Nurturing Connections Colorado. This state-funded program provides mental health consultation services to caregivers and early childhood professionals. Consultation teaches adults how to better support the growth of young children.
Common Reasons Families Come to Us for Child Therapy:
- Behavioral outbursts or emotional distress that make daily caregiving feel overwhelming
- Developmental delays that are affecting your child's growth or relationships
- Trauma exposure from adverse or stressful life events
- Anxiety or emotional struggles that your child is having trouble expressing
- Family transitions such as divorce, a new sibling, or a move
- Caregiver stress - including parents seeking their own therapy and support
Whatever brings you to us, you're in the right place. Together, we'll create a care plan that fits your whole family.
Get Help Now
Two ways to get help today
However you're most comfortable reaching out, we're here. Every path leads to the same compassionate care.
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Call Us
- Call (303) 617-2300 24/7 to schedule a telehealth or in-person therapy appointment.
Call, Text, or Live Chat
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Walk In
Potomac Pavilion - Get directions
- 24-Hour Crisis Services - If you are experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, please visit our 24/7 Crisis Walk-In Clinic at the North Entrance.
- Connect to Care - Asking for help can be hard, but you’re not alone. Access same-day, non-emergency services at Connect to Care (C2C), located at the West Entrance.
