Children's Outpatient Services
Supporting children, teens, and families through compassionate, evidence-based behavioral health care
Helping Kids Grow, Heal, and Thrive
Our Children's Outpatient Services program provides comprehensive evaluation, counseling, and psychiatric care for children and adolescents facing mental health and behavioral challenges. We understand that children express emotional distress differently than adults—sometimes through changes in mood, sleep, school performance, or social behavior.
Our team takes time to understand each child's unique story and tailor treatment to their developmental stage, family environment, and goals for growth.
Who We Serve
Southern Highlands Community Mental Health Center (SHCMHC) accepts referrals for children and adolescents between 4 and 21 years of age. Our therapists provide individualized, developmentally appropriate mental health services tailored to each child or youth's emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs.
Therapeutic Approaches We Commonly Use
Our clinicians utilize evidence-based and developmentally responsive modalities, including:
Supportive Counseling
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
In addition, therapists may integrate therapeutic sub-models and targeted interventions such as:
- Mindfulness-Based Strategies
- Life Skills Training (Social, Coping, and Executive Functioning Skills)
- Trauma-Informed Therapy
- Crisis Intervention and Stabilization
How Therapy Is Adapted by Age
We recognize that children and youth require different therapeutic approaches depending on their developmental stage
Younger Children
(Ages 4–8)
Therapy is often play-based and activity-focused, helping children learn emotional identification, self-regulation, and problem-solving skills in an engaging and developmentally appropriate manner.
Caregiver involvement is strongly encouraged to reinforce skills across home and school settings.
School-Age & Preadolescent
(Ages 9–15)
Therapists may continue to use activity-based interventions while incorporating more structured conversation and independent skill-building.
Caregiver consultation remains important but becomes more balanced with the youth's growing need for autonomy and privacy.
Adolescents & Transition-Age
(Ages 16–21)
Therapy becomes more self-directed and future-oriented. Clinicians support identity development, emotional regulation, and executive functioning.
Focus on reinforcing independence, autonomy, and preparation for adulthood (e.g., goal setting, problem-solving, and planning skills).
Specialized Care for Youth
Our Children's Outpatient Services
Evidence-based treatment delivered by specialists who understand child development
Quick Answer: We provide specialized mental health services for children and teens including individual counseling, family therapy, psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and school collaboration. We treat ADHD, anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges, autism spectrum concerns, trauma, and life transitions. Services are available at our clinics and in schools across Southern West Virginia. Parents are actively involved in treatment planning and progress.
Psychiatric Evaluation
Board-certified psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners specialized in children and teens. Family-centered approach with collaboration between parents, pediatricians, and schools.
Ages: Children, adolescents, and teens
Individual Counseling
Therapists provide one-on-one counseling using developmentally appropriate approaches like CBT to help children understand emotions and build coping skills.
For: Anxiety, depression, trauma, behavior issues
Family Therapy
Families play a vital role in recovery. We include parents and caregivers in treatment, strengthen communication, and provide practical strategies for managing behavior at home.
Goal: Supportive home environment
School Collaboration
We partner with local schools, pediatricians, and community agencies for coordinated care. Share insights with teachers and counselors to support academic success.
With: Parental consent required
Case Management
Our case managers help families navigate the system, connecting you with community resources like housing, food, transportation, and educational advocacy.
Removes: Barriers to care
Group Therapy
Safe, structured setting for children and teens to build social-emotional skills while learning they're not alone. Age-tailored groups focus on confidence, friendship, and coping.
Builds: Empathy and resilience
Comprehensive Support
Conditions We Treat
Compassionate, evidence-based treatment for a wide range of childhood mental health challenges
Anxiety & Stress Disorders
Many children experience anxiety that interferes with daily life—fear of school, separation worry, or constant 'what-if' thoughts that impact their happiness and functioning.
Treatment Options:
CBT, relaxation training, parent coaching
Depression & Mood Disorders
Depression in children often shows up as irritability, withdrawal, or loss of interest rather than sadness. We help identify and treat these mood changes early.
Treatment Options:
Individual therapy, family support, medication when appropriate
ADHD
ADHD can make it difficult for children to focus, sit still, or manage impulses. We provide comprehensive assessment, behavior strategies, and medication management.
Treatment Options:
Diagnostic assessment, behavior modification, school coordination, medication monitoring
Trauma & PTSD
Exposure to trauma can affect a child's sense of safety and ability to trust others. Our trauma-informed therapists help children process difficult experiences.
Treatment Options:
Trauma-informed therapy, family involvement
Behavioral Challenges
Sometimes difficult behavior is a child's way of communicating distress. We help identify underlying causes and develop positive coping strategies.
Treatment Options:
Parent training, behavior plans, individual therapy, family sessions
Autism & Development
We provide support for children on the autism spectrum and those with developmental challenges, focusing on social skills, communication, and emotional regulation.
Treatment Options:
Social skills groups, family support, behavioral strategies, care coordination
Life Transitions
Moving, divorce, grief, or major life changes can be overwhelming for children. We help them adjust, express feelings safely, and build resilience.
Treatment Options:
Short-term counseling, coping strategies, family therapy
And More
Whatever challenges your child is facing, our team is here to help. We provide comprehensive care tailored to each child's unique needs and developmental stage.
Contact Us:
Call +1-304-425-9541 to discuss your child's needs
Modalities & Interventions
Evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to each child's needs
Supportive Counseling
Supportive Counseling focuses on strengthening emotional regulation, coping skills, and social functioning in a developmentally appropriate way.
Interventions may include:
- Identifying and expressing feelings
- Developing coping and calming strategies
- Building communication and problem-solving skills
- Reinforcing positive behaviors and routines
- Supporting adjustment to life stressors
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps children and youth understand how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected and how patterns can be changed to improve emotional well-being.
Interventions may include:
- Recognizing emotions and related thoughts
- Identifying unhelpful thinking patterns
- Developing coping and self-regulation strategies
- Practicing flexible thinking and problem-solving
- Building confidence and positive behavior patterns
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Motivational Interviewing helps youth explore their goals, strengthen internal motivation, and work through ambivalence about change.
Interventions may include:
- Identifying personal goals and values
- Exploring barriers to change
- Strengthening confidence and decision-making skills
- Increasing personal accountability
- Building commitment toward positive behavioral changes
Mindfulness-Based Strategies
Supports emotional awareness and present-moment focus.
- • Breathing and grounding exercises
- • Identifying physical signs of stress
- • Practicing attention and focus skills
- • Building calm responses to challenges
Life Skills Training
Practical skill development for emotional and functional independence.
- • Age-appropriate social skills
- • Organizational and time-management
- • Problem-solving and decision-making
- • Communication and conflict resolution
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Recognizes impact of adverse experiences, prioritizes safety and trust.
- • Establishing emotional safety
- • Identifying trauma triggers
- • Developing coping and grounding techniques
- • Safety planning and crisis support
Early Childhood & Systems-Focused Support
Specialized support for young children (Ages 4–6) with complex needs
We frequently receive referrals for younger children (ages 4–6), particularly those who are:
- Discharging from West Virginia Birth to Three
- Involved in the West Virginia Foster Care System
- Participating in West Virginia CASE services
- Pursuing the IDD Waiver
- Pursuing the CSED Waiver
- Receiving or seeking Special Education Services
- Exhibiting complex emotional and/or behavioral needs
Our Approach
This is a developmentally complex age range. SHCMHC provides supportive and systems-focused interventions, including:
- Care Coordination
- Targeted Case Management
- Supportive Counseling
- Expanded School-Based Mental Health Services
Rural Service Considerations
As a rural provider, SHCMHC serves communities with limited access to highly specialized early childhood therapeutic resources, such as:
- Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)
- Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs)
- Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
SHCMHC plays a critical role in behavioral stabilization, caregiver education, cross-system collaboration, and monitoring developmental progress while specialized or higher levels of care are pursued when needed.
First Visit Guide
What to expect and what to bring for intake.
Family Support
Caregiver guidance and next steps if a child is struggling.
Insurance & Payment
Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, and payment options.
Looking for ADHD support?
Start here: ADHD Treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child needs therapy?
Do you offer help for ADHD and school concerns?
Can parents or caregivers be involved?
Do you accept Medicaid and insurance?
Questions? Call Us At +1-304-425-9541
How To Get Started
Your child's path to better mental health begins with a simple phone call
Call To Schedule
Contact us at +1-304-425-9541 to discuss your child's needs. Walk-ins are also welcomed during office hours.
Initial Evaluation
Meet with our child and adolescent specialist who will assess your child's needs and create a personalized treatment plan.
Begin Treatment
Start therapy with a counselor who specializes in children and teens, using age-appropriate approaches.
Family Support
Regular sessions, family involvement, care coordination, and ongoing support for your child's continued growth.
Counties Served
Clinic Locations & Available Services
Serving Mercer, McDowell, and Wyoming Counties
Mercer County - Main Clinic
(Referrals for any age, service, or location may be routed here)
Address: 200 12th Street Extension, Princeton, WV 24740
Phone: (304) 425-9541
Director: Brooke Paskowski
Mercer County - Child & Adolescent Clinic
Address: 153 Springhaven Drive, Princeton, WV 24740
Phone: (304) 818-2222
Director: Kiersten Coleman
Services Available:
- Care Coordination
- Targeted Case Management
- Expanded School-Based Mental Health
- Supportive Counseling
- Motivational Interviewing
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
McDowell County - Welch Clinic
Services Available:
- Care Coordination
- Targeted Case Management
- Expanded School-Based Mental Health
- Supportive Counseling
- Motivational Interviewing
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Wyoming County - Mullens Clinic
Services Available:
- Care Coordination
- Targeted Case Management
- Expanded School-Based Mental Health
- Supportive Counseling
- Motivational Interviewing
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Wyoming County - Rockview Clinic
Address: 4725 Appalachian Highway, Rockview, WV 24880
Phone: (304) 732-6043
Director: Jennifer Walls
Services Available:
- Care Coordination
- Targeted Case Management
- Expanded School-Based Mental Health
- Supportive Counseling
- Motivational Interviewing
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Need More Information?
If you would like more information about our Child and Adolescent services, please contact one of our clinics. Our team is happy to assist with referrals, service questions, or treatment inquiries.
Call +1-304-425-9541Creating Hope for Every Child
Every child deserves the opportunity to grow, heal, and reach their full potential. Our team is here to support your family every step of the way.