Behavioral Health Services
Therapy Approaches
Behavioral Health Services at Home Start provides individual and family therapy services to children under 18 years of age across San Diego County. Services may be provided in the child’s home, school, or via telehealth video as well as at one of our two Home Start locations (Mission Valley or El Cajon). These services are free of charge to child survivors of abuse, crime, or other traumatic events. Services in English and Spanish are available. Home Start therapists are trained in providing Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Play Therapy.
PCIT is an early intervention evidence-based treatment model supported by more than 30 years of research. This modality is targeted to improve the relationship of a child (1-6 years old) with their caregivers, as well as to improve the child’s emotional regulations and language development. PCIT is demonstrated to decrease defiance and physical aggression, as well as to address several other caregiver behavioral concerns. This treatment involves weekly, one to two-hour sessions for a period of 12-26 weeks, in which the therapist coaches the caregiver, via an earpiece/mic, as the caregiver & child interact through play. For more information on PCIT, please visit the PCIT International Website.
TF-CBT is an evidence-based treatment designed to help children (5-18 years old) heal from the impact of trauma. The interventions used in this treatment model teach children effective ways to respond to their thoughts and emotions related to the trauma and reduce or eliminate the potential for long-term effects. Providing parents with education regarding effects of trauma on children is an important part of treatment. Child Trauma Treatment Services
Play therapy is a therapy modality that is primarily used for children because children often are not able to process or verbally articulate their own feelings, trauma, or needs to the adults in their lives. Through trauma-informed play, the therapist can help the child explore emotions, process trauma, and learn new coping mechanisms.
Please contact our intake line at 619-692-0727 ext. 118 for additional information or to request services.
Please note: The intake line is not a live line, but is a voicemail. Leave your name, contact number, best times to contact you, the type of service in which you are interested, and if you are comfortable with a voicemail being left if you are unavailable.
If you are a community provider looking to make a referral to our Behavioral Health Services program, please download this Referral Form and fax the completed document to (619) 692-0785.
Home Start also provides counseling services to the community and specific resources for adult survivors of child abuse. Learn more here.
You can make a difference in the life of an at-risk child!
Give or get involved to support Home Start's mission to strengthen families and protect children.