Adolescent Behavioral Health Program

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Appointments: 1.800.543.7362

Established in 2013, behavioral health services in The Potocsnak Family Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine meet the diverse needs of child and adolescent patients by providing diagnostic assessment and psychotherapy in select subspecialty services and programs. All Adolescent Medicine Behavioral Health Providers are offering diagnostic assessments and therapeutic services via telemedicine.

The Lurie Children's Difference

In addition to expertise delivering evidence-based interventions for general psychiatric conditions, behavioral health providers in the Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine specialize in the following areas:

  • Adolescent sexuality
  • Gender identity development and exploration
  • Substance use and prevention counseling
  • Support for adolescents and young adults living with HIV/AIDS
  • Transgender health

Our behavioral health providers closely collaborate with specialists in General PediatricsEndocrinologyUrologySurgery and Infectious Diseases.

Watch the below video to learn more about our approach to adolescent, teen, and young adult health.

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What to Expect

The behavioral health services offered through the Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine include general outpatient services, and those specific to our specialty programs.

As a growing division our behavioral health services will continue to expand to meet the needs of the young people that we serve.

General Outpatient Diagnostic & Psychotherapy Services

Patients referred for behavioral health support for issues may benefit from the services outlined below.

  • Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment – This assessment occurs across two to three sessions lasting 60 minutes each. In each of these sessions, the patient and their family will meet with one of our behavioral health providers who will conduct a comprehensive assessment on matters related to the child/adolescent’s psychological, behavioral and social well-being. The family will receive recommendations for treatment on the final session of the assessment period.
  • Individual and Family Psychotherapy – When indicated, families who have completed a Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment may continue to meet for evidence-based psychotherapy with one of our behavioral health providers. The behavioral health provider will meet with the patient, their parents and/or families (including siblings, when indicated) at a frequency that is guided by the focus of treatment. When necessary, the provider will consult with the patient’s primary care or prescribing physicians.
  • Group Psychotherapy – When indicated, families who have completed a Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment and/or families already in individual/family psychotherapy may continue to meet for group psychotherapy. Group psychotherapy is conducted periodically by our  behavioral health providers, and groups may involve patients only, parents and/or siblings.

Our Specialists

Make an Appointment

To learn more about our General Outpatient Services or to request an appointment, contact 1.800.543.7362 (1.800.KIDS DOC) or visit our Appointments page for more information.

To learn more about our Gender Development Program, call 1.800.543.7362 (1.800.KIDS DOC). You will be scheduled for a time to talk with our program’s social worker to get more information.

Related Specialties