Information for Children, Teens and Their Families
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A child or teen's emotional health can affect how prepared they will be for school, their ability to connect with friends and family, and their ability to bounce back when faced with life's setbacks. Supporting emotional development and emotional well-being is important, just as important as their yearly physical exam or treatment of sore throats, ankle sprains or physical illnesses with your family doctor.
Sometimes it is hard to know if your child's emotional development is on track. In New York State, we offer a range of services to help you to identify emotional health needs early and to provide any needed treatment or support. The earlier you know that your child has an emotional health need, the sooner you can take action. We know from experience and science that children can and do recover from even the most serious emotional disturbances. This website is designed to keep you engaged with services, supports and information.
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Division of Children and Families 2010 Strategic Priorities
Each year the Division identifies 5-6 overarching priorities to guide our everyday work.
Building Strength of Heart and Peace of Mind: Improving the Lives of New York’s Children
Children and Family Medicaid Redesign Team (MRT) Working Team
Meeting #1 - Children's Working Group Medicaid Redesign Team - Behavioral Health Organization (PDF)
Powerpoint Presentation: Overview (PDF)
Children's Team Invitees (PDF)
Children's Team Callin (PDF)
Children's Single Point of Access (CSPOA) (PDF)
General Guidelines for the Referral Process (PDF)
Global Assessment Functioning (PDF)
Juvenile Inventory for Functioning 
(PDF)
Outcomes Management (PDF)
SPOA Chart (PDF)
Utilizing a Care Management Entity (CME) (PDF)
We are learning more and more everyday about the treatment of emotional disturbance in children. This area of our website will provide you with the latest treatment advisories issued in collaboration with the OMH Medical Director.
Evidence Based Treatment Dissemination Center
The mission of the EBTDC is to enhance the quality of life for children and families by significantly reducing the length of time between the identification of effective mental health treatments and the availability of these treatments in service settings.
Publications, Brochures, Toolkits
OMH has published many brochures and toolkits that address issues involving children such as school violence, pandemic flu, suicide prevention, crisis counseling and more.
Mental Health Treatment & Support Services in NYS
Community Support Services
Family Support Services
New York Consultation and Telepsychiatry (NYCaT)
Treatment Services
Need Help to Find a Program in Your Area? Use our online search.
New York State county contact
information is also available.
Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street, and the New York State Office of Mental Health have partnered over the years to produce materials for children and their families to help them cope with whatever life might throw their way.