Mental health and autism services for children and families
Merakey offers a range of services for children, adolescents and their families in areas of mental health and autism. We provide services in both the community and at Merakey locations, offering treatment and support that focuses on resiliency. Children and Family Services supports children, adolescents, and their families to be successful in their futures.
We Help With
- Behavioral Health
- Autism
- Emotional Support
Available In
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Texas
Kenya's Story
Kenya is excelling in school and making her teachers proud!
When her classes in Merakey’s Autism School were moved online, Kenya adapted to the new normal and stayed focused, exceeding expectations and winning praise for her attitude.
Programs Offered
Autism and Education Centers
Merakey Autism and Education Centers partner with families, school districts, and community organizations to provide a safe and fun learning environment. We help students gain the skills they need to be successful in their home school district, on the job, and at home.
Outpatient Therapy and Psychiatry
Children and adolescents under the age of 21 who are experiencing behavioral health challenges can receive specialized services at a Merakey clinic.
Diversion Programs and After School Services
The Merakey Center for Hope is a youth drop-in center for young people ages 11-21 who live in the city of Newburgh, NY. This program is available after school and offers many workshops, including ceramics, music, dance, photography, creative writing, and more.
Family Based Mental Health Services (FBMH)
Merakey’s Family Based Mental Health (FBMH) program is for children and adolescents who are at risk of being hospitalized or referred to an out-of-home placement because of mental health issues or family challenges. A team provides in-home therapy for both the family and the young person.
Parents and Children Together (PACT)
The PACT Therapeutic Pre-School program is designed to meet the emotional, behavioral, and educational needs of children between the ages of 3 – 5 who are struggling in traditional pre-school settings.
Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a treatment for young children with emotional and behavioral disorders, such as not listening to adults, throws temper tantrums, has difficulty socializing with others, and more. The focus of the treatment is to improve the parent-child relationship.
Community and School Based Behavioral Health
Our Community and School Based Behavioral Health services include 1:1 and family counseling, training for students and families on how to change negative behaviors into positive behaviors, and tools for dealing with crises.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
This is program is for children and adolescents who need intensive psychiatric services for emotional or behavioral challenges. The team focuses on helping children and adolescents improve their self-esteem by building on the things they are good at and enjoy.
Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS)
Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) support children, adolescents, and young adults with mental, emotional, and behavioral health needs. IBHS offers a variety of services in homes, schools, and communities.
Transition Services
Merakey Gateway Transition Services feature a Group Skills program, Independence Coaching programs, and Summer Group Skills programs that help young adults with autism develop fundamental social, pre-vocational, and life skills needed to live, work, and thrive in the community. Learn more at www.gatewayink.org.
Student Assistance Program (SAP)
The School Assistance Program (SAP) is a school-based program that supports students with mental health challenges. Services include an initial evaluation, support groups, individual and group counseling, and help with crises.
ABA and Specialized Therapies
ABA is an important part of all of Merakey’s autism programs. Trained ABAs help individuals improve basic skills like looking, listening, and imitating, and more complex skills like reading, conversing, and understanding another person’s perspective.
In-District Specialized Classrooms
Merakey’s In-District Specialized Classrooms provide special programming and support for students with autism and cognitive and emotional challenges within their home school environment.
TIP Model
Merakey is a provider trained on the TIP Model® designed to help Cambria County youth and young persons, ages 16 - 26 with serious emotional/behavioral challenges identify and achieve their desired goals.
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