Clinical Services Overview for Children and Families

Intake and Initial Assessment

The first step in your child’s treatment at CDCW is a comprehensive intake session. This initial meeting is designed to gather a detailed understanding of your concerns, your child’s developmental and behavioral history, and relevant family background. Our clinicians may also explore additional emotional, behavioral, or cognitive patterns to ensure a well-rounded perspective on your child’s functioning.

To supplement the intake process, you may be asked to complete standardized questionnaires that compare your child’s behaviors to normative data for their age group. These tools assist in identifying areas of concern and guide treatment planning.

Due to the complexity involved in understanding and accurately diagnosing childhood concerns, the assessment process may extend beyond the first session. Your clinician will maintain open communication throughout this process and, with your written consent, may coordinate with other involved professionals, such as physicians, therapists, or educators. In some cases, collaboration with your child’s school may be recommended to gather additional context and help support your child more effectively across settings.
If further diagnostic clarity is needed, your clinician may recommend a formal psychological or neuropsychological evaluation. These assessments are described in detail below.

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy is often a key component of treatment, even for younger children. Direct time with a trained clinician allows your child to build a trusting therapeutic relationship and to feel safe expressing their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. For younger children, sessions often include parents and caregivers to facilitate support and communication within the family system.
Our clinicians utilize a range of evidence-based approaches tailored to each child’s developmental level and clinical needs. For young children, therapy may include play-based interventions, as play is a natural and developmentally appropriate way for them to express emotions and process experiences. Art, music, and storytelling may also be integrated as therapeutic tools. Each clinician brings their own training and preferred therapeutic style, and we encourage parents to ask questions and share concerns at any time.

Family Therapy

Because family relationships play a critical role in a child’s emotional development, family therapy is often a valuable part of treatment. Family sessions provide an opportunity to strengthen positive communication, improve problem-solving, and address patterns of interaction that may be contributing to difficulties.
Through collaborative sessions, family members can work together to reinforce healthy dynamics, navigate challenges, and celebrate progress. In many cases, children who receive individual therapy also benefit from learning how to more effectively engage with their caregivers—especially during times of conflict or distress.

Group Therapy

Children spend much of their lives in peer-based environments, making group therapy a powerful and developmentally appropriate treatment modality. For children and adolescents who face challenges in social settings—such as difficulties with peer relationships, social anxiety, or communication issues—group therapy offers a supportive space to learn, practice, and improve social-emotional skills.

CDCW offers a range of group therapy options tailored to specific age groups and clinical concerns. Most groups run for 8 weeks and focus on skill-building, emotional regulation, and peer interaction. New participants are always welcome. Please visit our [Group Therapy page] or contact us directly to learn about current and upcoming group offerings.

Psychological and Neuropsychological Evaluations

Accurate assessment and diagnosis in children can be complex, as they may not yet have the cognitive or emotional vocabulary to express their inner experiences clearly. For example, children experiencing depression may not articulate sadness directly but may present as irritable, angry, or withdrawn. Similarly, distinguishing between anxiety, mood dysregulation, attention difficulties, and behavioral concerns often requires a more structured evaluation.
Our psychological and neuropsychological evaluations are comprehensive and individualized. These assessments provide in-depth insight into a child’s cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and academic functioning and are often recommended by physicians, psychiatrists, school personnel, and mental health providers. Evaluations may also be requested by parents who have specific concerns about their child’s development, learning, or behavior.

Common referral questions addressed through assessment include:

  • Academic Achievement and Learning Disabilities
  • Adaptive Behavior
  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
  • Anxiety and Mood Disorders
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Bipolar and Mood Dysregulation Disorders
  • Cognitive Functioning and IQ
  • Depression
  • Developmental Delays
  • Emotional Dysregulation
  • Executive Functioning (e.g., planning, organization, working memory)
  • Medication Management

Following the evaluation, families receive a comprehensive written report that includes diagnostic impressions and individualized treatment recommendations. These may guide therapy, inform school accommodations, or support referrals for additional services.
If you are unsure whether your child would benefit from a formal evaluation, we invite you to speak with one of our clinical psychologists or assessment specialists.

Geriatric Services at CDCW

Supporting Adults Ages 65 and Older

At CDCW, we understand that the later stages of life bring unique joys as well as distinct challenges. Many older adults experience transitions such as retirement, changes in physical health, loss of loved ones, shifting family roles, and concerns about independence or memory. These experiences can deeply affect emotional well-being, self-identity, and overall quality of life.
Our Geriatric Services are designed to provide comprehensive support for older adults and their families. We offer therapy, assessments, specialized evaluations, and medication management that address both the emotional and cognitive aspects of aging. Our clinicians bring warmth, respect, and expertise to every interaction, honoring the life experiences of our clients while helping them navigate new challenges with dignity and resilience.

Whether you or your loved one is facing issues related to mood, memory, adjustment, or family relationships, our goal is to help older adults feel supported, connected, and empowered to live with purpose and fulfillment.

Initial Intake & Assessment

The first step in working with older adults at CDCW is a comprehensive intake assessment. This initial session focuses on understanding your concerns, medical history, current life circumstances, and cognitive and emotional functioning. During the session, your clinician may use standardized tools and structured interviews to help clarify symptoms and provide context for your concerns. This process allows us to identify the nature and scope of challenges and develop an individualized plan for treatment. When appropriate, and with your written consent, our clinicians collaborate with physicians, psychiatrists, family members, or caregivers to ensure a coordinated approach. In some cases, a formal psychological or neuropsychological evaluation may be recommended to address memory, cognitive functioning, or mood-related concerns.

Individual Therapy for Older Adults

One-on-one therapy provides a supportive and confidential space for older adults to process emotions, adjust to life changes, and strengthen coping skills. Therapy can help with:

  • Managing depression, anxiety, and grief
  • Adjusting to health changes or physical limitations
  • Strengthening resilience during retirement or major transitions
  • Reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation
  • Enhancing overall quality of life Our clinicians tailor therapy to each person’s needs and preferences, using evidence-based approaches that support emotional well-being while respecting the individual’s life experiences

Family Therapy

Family relationships play an important role in the lives of older adults. Family therapy can help address challenges related to caregiving, communication, decision-making, and intergenerational dynamics. These sessions may involve adult children, spouses, or other family members. Therapy focuses on fostering empathy, understanding, and effective problem-solving while reducing conflict and stress.

Group Therapy

Group therapy provides a safe and supportive space for older adults to connect with peers who may be facing similar challenges. Whether managing grief, chronic illness, anxiety, or adjustment to retirement, group settings offer valuable support, skill-building, and shared encouragement. CDCW offers a variety of groups for older adults, typically in 8-week cycles. Please visit our Group Therapy page or contact our office for current offerings.

Psychological & Neuropsychological Evaluations

Accurately assessing mental health and cognitive functioning in older adults requires a careful, developmentally informed approach. Aging can bring changes in mood, memory, and daily functioning that may overlap with medical conditions or side effects of medication. CDCW provides comprehensive evaluations to clarify concerns, guide treatment planning, and support medical or caregiving decisions. Evaluations may include clinical interviews, cognitive testing, behavioral observations, and collateral input from caregivers or medical providers (with consent). Formal evaluations can provide valuable insight into:

  • Memory Concerns and Cognitive Changes
  • Dementia and Alzheimer’s Screening
  • Attention and Executive Functioning
  • Depression and Anxiety Disorders
  • Bipolar Disorder and Mood Regulation
  • Grief and Adjustment Concerns
  • Adaptive and Daily Living Functioning

Medication Management

For many older adults, medication can be a key part of treating mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or cognitive decline. Our geriatric providers offer specialized psychiatric medication management services that are tailored to the needs of aging individuals. We carefully consider medical history, current medications, age-related changes in metabolism, and co-occurring health conditions to ensure safe and effective treatment. Ongoing collaboration with primary care providers and specialists allows us to take a holistic, integrated approach to care.

Medication management appointments may include:

  • Psychiatric evaluations to determine whether medication is appropriate
  • Ongoing monitoring of effectiveness and side effects
  • Education about medications and treatment options
  • Support in making informed decisions about care
  • Our goal is to use medication judiciously, in combination with therapy and other supports, to improve quality of life and help clients maintain independence and emotional well-being

At CDCW, our mission is to support older adults in living meaningful, connected, and fulfilling lives. We are committed to providing compassionate, individualized care that honors each person’s experiences while promoting emotional and cognitive well-being. If you or a loved one are navigating the challenges of aging, our Geriatric Services team is here to guide, support, and empower you every step of the way.