Behavioral Health

Hi, I'm Jen

Behavioral Health Care Coordinator

508-324-6800 X356

We recognize that a child's emotional, behavioral, and mental health is just as important as their physical health. Children and teens may experience challenges such as anxiety, depression, attention difficulties, behavioral concerns, stress, adjustment issues, or other emotional struggles that can affect their well-being, relationships, and success at home, school, and in the community.


Our Behavioral Health Services are designed to provide compassionate, evidence-based support in a familiar pediatric setting. Working closely with families and primary care providers, we help identify concerns early, develop individualized treatment plans, and connect children and adolescents with the resources they need to thrive.


We are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment where children, teens, and families can discuss concerns openly and receive the care and guidance they deserve. Through collaboration, education, and ongoing support, we strive to promote resilience, healthy development, and positive mental health outcomes for every child we serve.


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  • Crisis
    Red emergency sign on a hospital building exterior

    If the situation is urgent and cannot wait, please call Moblie Crisis or go to your local emergency room.  They will connect your with the appropraite aervices.  


    Crisis Resources


    Child & Family Services/Mobile Crisis  

    1052 Pleasant Street     

    Fall River, MA, 02723        

    877-996-3154  


    MA Behavioral Health Helpline   

    833-773-2245  

    call or text, chat at masshelpline.com   


    Bradley Hospital Access & Crisis Intervention 

    KIDS LINK RI                          

    855-543-5465 


    National Suicide & Crisis Helpline      988 


    Parental Stress Hotline          800-632-8188

  • Counseling Specialists
    Therapist showing happy and sad face cards to a seated client in a counseling office

    Children experience many emotions, challenges, and changes as they grow. At times, children may benefit from additional support to help them understand their feelings, develop coping skills, and work through challenges. Counseling provides children with a safe, supportive environment where they can express themselves, learn new skills, and build confidence.


    Click on the link below to find a counselor near you:



    Call multiple agencies, get on multiple waitlists

                                                                                                 

    Call the 1800# on your insurance card for Behavioral Health


    Use www.psychologytoday.com or www.zencare.com to search


    You can reach our care coordinator, Jennifer, at 508-324-6800  x356 if you are still having difficulty connecting with services.  

  • Psychiatry
    Therapist speaking with a reclining client on a couch in a bright living room.

    Children and adolescents can experience emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges that may require specialized support. A child psychiatrist or psychiatric provider can help evaluate concerns, understand what may be contributing to a child’s symptoms, and develop a treatment plan to support their overall health and well-being.


    Click on the link below for Pychiatric Services available near you:


    Call multiple agencies, get on multiple waitlists. Be persistent!

                                                                                                 

    Call the 1800# on your insurance card for a list.


    Use www.psychologytoday.com to search for providers


    You can reach our Care Coordinator, Jennifer, at 508-324-6800  x356 if you are still having difficulty connecting with a provider.  

  • Neuropsychological Evaluations
    Chalk drawing of a head with arrows to positive thoughts like creativity, happiness, confidence, and empathy

    Neuropsychological testing is a detailed evaluation that looks at how a child’s brain is working in areas such as learning, attention, memory, language, problem-solving, behavior, and emotional functioning. It helps create a clearer picture of a child’s strengths and challenges so that the right supports can be put in place at home, in school, and in medical care.


    What Does Neuropsychological Testing Evaluate?


    Neuropsychological testing may assess:


    • Attention and focus (including conditions such as ADHD)
    • Learning and academic skills (reading, writing, math)
    • Memory and information processing
    • Language skills and communication
    • Executive functioning (planning, organization, impulse control)
    • Visual-spatial skills and problem-solving
    • Emotional and behavioral functioning
    • Social skills and adaptive functioning

    It is often used when there are concerns about school performance, developmental delays, behavioral challenges, or changes after medical or neurological conditions.

    Neuropsy Testing
  • Intensive Outpatient (IOP) & Partial Hospital Programs (PHP)
    Person in a black hoodie sits on a gray couch beside a black bag in a bright room.

    Sometimes children and adolescents need more mental health support than traditional outpatient counseling can provide, but they may not need to stay in a hospital. Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) provide structured, higher levels of behavioral health care while allowing children to continue living at home with their families.


    These programs are designed to help children who are experiencing significant emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges and need more frequent support.


    An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides several hours of mental health treatment each week while the child continues attending school and participating in home and community activities when appropriate.


    A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) provides a more intensive level of care, often several hours per day, multiple days per week. Children attend the program during the day and return home in the evening.

    Area Resources
  • Inpatient Programs
    Woman with red hair sitting on a couch, leaning her head on her hand and looking down thoughtfully.

    An inpatient behavioral health program provides the highest level of mental health care for children and adolescents who need 24-hour support and monitoring in a safe, structured environment. Inpatient care is designed for situations where a child’s emotional, behavioral, or psychiatric symptoms are severe enough that they cannot be safely or effectively managed through outpatient therapy, Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), or Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP).


    Inpatient programs provide short-term, intensive treatment focused on helping children stabilize, develop coping strategies, and create a plan for continued support after discharge.


    Child & Family Services of New Bedford

    Youth Community Crisis Stabilization (YCCS)

    965 Church St

    New Bedford, MA 02745

    508-984-4175

    • up to age 18 
    • takes Masshealth

    Southcoast Behavioral Health

    581 Faunce Corner Rd

    Darmouth, MA 02747

    508-207-9800

    • ages 5+
    • takes Masshealth

    Walker - ICBAT

    1968 Central Ave

    Needham, MA 02492

    781-898-8720

    • Children under the age of 13
    • Takes Masshealth

    Fransiscan Children's - McLean

    30 Warren St

    Brighton, MA 02135

    617-659-5087

    • Children age 4 - 14 years old
    • Takes Masshealth

    McLean Southeast

    23 Isaac St

    Middleboro MA 02346

    774-419-1124

    • Children 3 - 18 years old
    • Takes Masshealth

    Bradley Hospital Child & Adolescent Inpatient Program

    1011 Veterans' Memorial Parkway

    E. Providence, RI 02915

    855-543-5465

    • Chilren 2 -18 years old
    • Please call Bradley Access to start intake process
  • Autism
    Colorful puzzle pieces around “EMBRACE DIFFERENCES” on a light background

    Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, learns, processes information, and experiences the world. Autism is called a “spectrum” because it can look very different from one child to another. Some children may need significant support in daily activities, while others may have strong independence but experience challenges with social communication, sensory processing, or flexibility with change.


    A Behavioral Health Coordinator does not replace a developmental specialist or therapist but serves as a bridge between families, healthcare providers, and community services to help children receive timely, coordinated support.


    Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based therapy that uses positive reinforcement to teach children with autism essential communication, social, and daily living skills while reducing harmful behaviors. The goal is to build independence, not to force neurotypical conformity


    ABA PROVIDERS

    Click  above for local resources


    Other Resources

  • Eating Disorders
    Person eating fast food at a table with soda bottles and donuts

    Eating disorders are serious behavioral health conditions that affect a person’s relationship with food, eating, body image, and self-esteem. They are not simply about food choices or weight — they often involve emotional, psychological, and physical health concerns. Eating disorders can affect teens of any gender, body type, background, or age.


    Common eating disorders in adolescents include:


    Anorexia Nervosa


    Anorexia involves significant restriction of food intake, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of body size or shape. 


    Teens with anorexia may:


    • Eat very small amounts or skip meals
    • Avoid certain foods or food groups
    • Have strong concerns about weight or appearance
    • Exercise excessively
    • Experience changes in energy, mood, or physical health

    Bulimia Nervosa


    Bulimia involves episodes of eating large amounts of food (binge eating) followed by behaviors intended to prevent weight gain, such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or misuse of medications.


    Signs may include:


    • Feeling a loss of control around eating
    • Secretive eating behaviors
    • Frequent trips to the bathroom after meals
    • Feelings of guilt, shame, or distress related to eating

    Binge Eating Disorder


    Binge eating disorder involves repeated episodes of eating a large amount of food with a feeling of loss of control, without regular compensatory behaviors afterward.


    Teens may experience:


    • Eating when not physically hungry
    • Eating quickly or in secret
    • Feeling embarrassed, upset, or guilty afterward
    • Emotional distress related to eating patterns

    Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)


    ARFID involves avoiding or limiting food intake due to factors such as sensory sensitivities, fear of choking or vomiting, or lack of interest in eating. Unlike anorexia, ARFID is not driven by concerns about body weight or appearance.


    Helpful Websites:

  • Other
    Adult and two children play with colorful blocks at a table, one child laughing in a bright room

    Useful Links