Children’s Behavioral Healthcare
NOTE: Effective 9/8/21, walk-ins available for intake only (Same Day Access) on Wednesdays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. ONLY. For non-walk-in options, Intakes are scheduled Monday (10 – 2), Wednesday (3 – 6) and Friday (10 – 2). Intake, therapy, and case management sessions are being conducted in-person and virtually using Telehealth. Call 703-228-1560 for questions and to schedule an appointment for intake.
Anyone ages 21 and under experiencing an urgent mental health need is encouraged to contact CR2 (844-627-4747) and anyone experiencing a psychiatric emergency is encouraged to contact Emergency Services (703-228-5160). We will provide an intake assessment to children who are returning to the community from acute psychiatric hospitalization — please call to coordinate.
Find virtual workshops and tools for parenting support and self-care for parents and youth at apcyf.arlingtonva.us: Community Support.
What We Do
- We promote the emotional and psychological well-being of Arlington County youth and families.
- We provide services to children, teens and their families to prevent mental health and substance abuse problems from developing or becoming more serious.
- We help your child/teen overcome problem thoughts, feelings or behaviors that interfere with daily life, and assist them in developing skills for healthy living.
- Learn more: (English / Español)
Arlington County Behavioral Healthcare Services for Children
As with physical health, our mental health develops and changes as we get older, and is important at every stage of life. Everyone has mental health; it can range from being good sometimes to not so good (or poor) at other times. It’s at these times that our services help.
Services we offer:
- Same Day Access intake assessments (HoursL Mon. 10 a.m.-2 p.m./Tues. 8 a.m.-2 p.m./Wed. 10 a.m.-6 p.m./Fri. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.) Same Day Access FAQs: (English / Español), or call 703-228-1560. (SEE NOTE ABOVE)
- Screening, assessment and outpatient treatment
- Care coordination (“case management” for linkage and coordination of needs and services a youth may receive from various agencies or providers)
- Specialized case management for transition-age teens with mental illness
- Short-term intensive care coordination to stabilize acute, high-risk behaviors to prevent out-of-home placement or transition youth back to the community from hospital or residential care
- Detention-based assessment and intervention for youth in the Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center
- Court liaison services at the juvenile court to identify youth with behavioral health concerns, divert them from court involvement and link them to appropriate services in the community
- Psycho-education for youth with substance use or abuse
- Mental health promotion and substance abuse prevention services in schools and in the community
- Therapeutic recreation for certain age groups on a limited basis
- NEW: Parent-Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT)
- Behavioral Intervention Services (BIS) provides consultations to parents, guardians, and teachers experiencing challenging behavior in children. Learn more: About BIS / Español. Application / en Español
For further information about our services, call 703-228-1560.(SEE NOTE ABOVE)
Learn about Diversion First, a program for youth made possible through an agreement with Virginia Hospital Center. The program began operation in 2019.