Early Childhood Mental Health

Children ages 0-5 have unique mental health needs, and Ohel has the expertise and tools to treat them. “Children are very receptive to treatment, and starting early avoids ingraining problematic behaviors,” said Raizel Keilson, Clinical Director.

Our experienced therapists are warm and culturally diverse. Therapy work is primarily done through play and art in our beautiful, well-equipped play therapy rooms. Therapists work in close partnership with parents and are deeply invested in supporting the parent-child relationship. They recognize that parents are the experts on their own children and families and that asking for outside help takes courage.

The Importance of Early Intervention

We believe early intervention in any emerging behavioral or mental health concern can dramatically affect a child’s path. Typical early childhood behaviors like bedtime anxiety, fear of darkness, or difficulty separating can become a cause for concern when the family’s functioning is affected.

Early childhood mental health treatment can benefit children who suffer from PTSD, exhibit anxiety, or have extreme difficulty separating from a parent. Many circumstances might lead parents to seek help—even having an invasive medical procedure can create trauma in young children. Treatment can prevent these behaviors from growing into significant issues.

Supporting Families in All Situations

Families come together in diverse ways, and Ohel works with all, including foster families and families of divorce. We can be helpful in cases of divorce reaction—when children have trouble adjusting to the stresses of different homes and differing parenting styles, Ohel’s therapists work hard to engage both parents and support them in their co-parenting efforts.

Referrals to Ohel’s early childhood mental health program are accepted only from parents, although a school may suggest that parents seek help.

The early childhood practice also treats pregnant women for perinatal/postpartum mood disorders, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and intrusive thoughts. Our therapists are trained in cutting-edge treatment for women who experience trauma while pregnant, including those who struggle to bond with a new pregnancy following a loss.

Is your child facing mental health challenges? Start early with Ohel’s expert, play-based therapy.  Contact us today!