Erikson Institute announces in-person clinic services in Little Village

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, December 2, 2021 — Today, the Erikson Institute announced the reopening of its Center for Children and Families (CCF)/Centro para Niños y Familias in the Little Village neighborhood. The clinic located at 3948 W. 26th Street had a grand opening in 2019, due to the pandemic it has not been open to in-person visits until now and is accepting referrals. The mental health clinic is the first of its kind and has bilingual staff and clinicians who are experts in working with children prenatal to eight-years-old and offers a variety of direct services.

“We’re focused on restorative justice for the children and with the help of community leaders and its residents, we can give parents access to better resources for their child’s early development.” said, Dr. Mariana Souto-Manning, President of Erikson. “The clinicians treat the whole child and not just symptoms and the goal is to improve the family’s well-being.”

Direct services include crisis intervention, clinical assessments, parent/child therapy, parent support, developmental guidance, and trauma treatment; offered both on-site and through home visits. Mental health clinicians also provide consultation to early care and education providers, pediatricians, and other service providers in the community.

“Having a mental health clinic for infants and toddlers is unique to Chicago and it’s just as important as their physical health.” said, Alderman Michael Rodriguez, 22nd Ward, “It’s so important to have this clinic and we’re proud to support Erikson’s mission to create community wellness in Little Village.”

Community partners are essential to so many areas of Erikson’s work and those relationships with elected officials, community leaders, and Early Intervention Program Managers are so important for the community and provide them with services such as medical diagnostic evaluations.

“As one of the largest community organizations in Little Village, Enlace has struggled to find appropriate mental health services for very young children, and we are thrilled for the services this center will provide,” said Katya Nuques, Executive Director of Enlace Chicago, “As a mother, I understand how important it is for us to support families on their journey to provide the best opportunities they can for their children to thrive and succeed, and Erikson can play a role in that trajectory. We look forward to the work of the center!”

Erikson is dedicated to the children, families, and communities to provide positive ways to support children’s struggles and intervene early when a child has a potential developmental difference. The clinic and its team know the significant and positive impact on that child’s success in school and life.

Erikson’s CCF provides mental health services for infants, young children, and their families, including those exposed to trauma, through clinics across the city. In addition to the Little Village clinic, CCF operates clinics in River North, Austin/Oak Park, and Humboldt Park through a partnership with the Department of Family and Support Services and The Puerto Rican Agenda of Chicago.

To reach the Center for Children and Families/Centro para Niños y Familias in Little Village or to make appointments, please call 773-820-9488. The center accepts most major insurance carriers, Medicaid, and services can also be rendered on a sliding-scale or pro-bono basis.

Erikson Institute educates, inspires, and promotes leadership to serve the needs of children and families. We have the premier graduate school dedicated to child development. We provide direct services to our community’s children and families. We are leaders in influencing early childhood policy. We work tirelessly every day so that all children can achieve optimal educational, social, emotional, and physical well-being. At Erikson Institute, we know that investing in the early years of children will last a lifetime.

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