Specialized Therapy for Resilient Kids and Happier Families
We are here to help you find solutions for the behavioral health challenges your child (under the age of 7) may be facing, offering a variety of proven therapeutic approaches to support your child on their journey toward emotional well-being.
If your child is experiencing one or more of the following, our Behavioral Health team is here to tailor a specialized approach that can help.
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Emotional or physical trauma
- Insecurity and lack of confidence
- Caregiver-child attachment challenges
- Irritability, resentment & rage
- Other behavioral challenges
Mary’s Center Locations that offer Early Childhood Behavioral Health:
DC: Adams Morgan | Fort Totten
Maryland: Silver Spring
For additional questions about where services are provided, please use the following numbers:
Attachment and BioBehavioral Catchup (0-24 months)
Through a 10-session virtual coaching program, parents and caregivers of babies ages 6 months to 2 years learn nurturing responses to distress and joyful engagement in calm moments.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)(2-6 years)
This therapy treats children ages 0-6 with disruptive behavior through real-time observation of interaction and coaching. It fosters warmth in your relationship by teaching skills that help them feel calm, secure, confident, and able to manage their behavior.
Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP)(0-5 years)
Through addressing generational trauma, this treatment is for children ages 0-5 who have experienced trauma or family violence. The goal is to restore your child’s sense of safety and trust within the parent-child relationship.
Theraplay
This technique enhances attachment, self-esteem, trust, and joy in parent-child relationships, for children ages 0-18, through games and nurturing activities. It promotes your child’s sense of security, develops positive self-perception, and establishes healthy relationship dynamics.
When individual therapy is recommended for your child, we use the following approaches:
Expressive Therapy
Through creating artwork, children ages 4-15 can explore their emotions, boost self-esteem and overall well-being, relieve stress, cope with illness or disability, and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT)
Through play and symbols, this therapy supports children ages 3-10 facing social, emotional, and behavioral challenges to process their feelings, reduce symptomatic behaviors, and enhance overall well-being. CCPT aims to unlock your child’s potential.
Sand Tray Therapy
Through sandbox and toys, this technique helps children 6 and older to create a miniature world that helps them express their thoughts and feelings when words are not enough.
Playful Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Playful CBT)
Through games, worksheets, and drawing, this method helps children ages 7 and older identify their feelings and manage their worries and anger.
Steps for enrollment into the Early Childhood Program (0-6 years old)
- The caregiver or Provider will first complete the required referral form.
- Choose a date/time to attend an Open Access Intake Group. A referring provider can help you do this.
The times below are subject to change. Plan to arrive at least one hour before the end of the screening window. You may be asked to come back if we have already hit capacity for the day.
Virtual evaluations by Zoom (video required)
- Mondays, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
- Wednesdays, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Fridays, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Join all virtual evaluations during the times above at https://maryscenter.zoom.us/j/81659090556 (ID: 816 5909 0556)
There may be a wait to join the virtual meeting room. You will be admitted in the order you arrive. If you have any questions or concerns, please call (202) 847-4277.
PLEASE NOTE: If your child is age 7+, they can still access some of these services through the open intake Behavioral Health.
For any questions or concerns, please contact Georgette Saad at gsaad@maryscenter.org or call (202) 847-4277.
