Erikson Institute announces virtual mental health services in English and Spanish for parents and caregivers of young children regardless of ability to pay

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CHICAGO, April 20, 2020 — As we adapt to these unexpected and challenging times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Erikson’s Center for Children and Families is pleased to offer high-quality, virtual therapy services to parents and caregivers of children 0-5 regardless of their ability to pay. Through our HIPAA compliant video conferencing platform, we’re also extending our services to meet the immediate needs surrounding the COVID19 pandemic by offering crisis counseling and consultations to support caregivers, first responders, and early childcare providers of children 0-8. Most major insurances are accepted, and services can also be provided on a sliding scale or pro-bono basis. Parents and caregivers can reach out to set up an appointment through our intake line at 312-709-0508 (English) or 312-934-6446 (Spanish), or by visiting www.Erikson.edu/ccf

For more than 10 years, Erikson’s Center for Children and Families has provided evidence-based assessment and treatment services for families with young children who are struggling with a wide variety of developmental and environmental challenges.

Our infant and early childhood mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic include:

• Virtual parent/child therapy for children 0-5 exhibiting emotional or behavioral issues
• Individual crisis counseling for parents, caregivers, or teachers working with children 0-8
• Consultations to childcare settings, preschools, and early education providers focused on supporting staff and parents, and developing social emotional lesson planning.
• Hosting and facilitating group consultations, forums, and trainings for early education staff and parents
• Our neurodevelopmental diagnostic team, which conducts assessments to determine if a child has a brain-related condition such as autism, is not offering services at this time, but is currently scheduling evaluations to begin in the coming months.

Another critical resource for parents with young children is Erikson’s Fussy Baby Network. If you are struggling to care for a baby under age 1 who is crying excessively, or having difficulties sleeping or feeding, consider utilizing this service. There are no fees for Fussy Baby services during “shelter in place” orders. Our team of infant specialists are available Monday – Friday (9-5 p.m.) to support parents, and can be reached at 888-431- 2229 or at [email protected].

To interview an Erikson expert in early childhood development, infant/early childhood mental health, or early education, please contact Kamaria Morris at [email protected] or call 773-454-3590.

For more information, please visit www.Erikson.edu/coronavirus which serves as a central point for Erikson information and updates throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

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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