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Youth Mental Health Services

If your child or adolescent is acting out or behaving in an unusual manner, it can be difficult for you, as a parent/guardian, to determine whether the behavior is “just a phase” or an indication of a more serious situation. That’s where Parkview Behavioral Health Institute’s Child and Adolescent Youth Services can help.

Individualized care

Our skilled mental health teams work directly with you and your child to develop an individualized care plan that encourages healing and recovery. Through the Child and Adolescent Youth Services program, your child can:

  • Receive one-on-one support and education
  • Become more aware of, and learn to appropriately express, their emotions and needs
  • Build self-esteem and interpersonal skills
  • Learn problem-solving skills
  • Participate in art and recreational therapy, exercise and other movement activities

We also offer family therapy and parent education sessions, as family members most often facilitate positive change in children and adolescents. Parents and other caregivers are encouraged to be active participants in their child’s personalized care plan.

Warning signs

We can help you when you become concerned if your child is struggling with one or more of these problems:

  • Attention/concentration difficulties
  • Changing groups of friends
  • Social withdrawal
  • Lack of interest in favorite activities
  • Poor school performance
  • Family conflicts
  • Significant changes in eating and sleep patterns
  • Increased periods of depression or agitation
  • Noticeable personality changes/extreme mood swings
  • Suspected alcohol or drug use
  • Running away from home
  • Suicidal thoughts or gestures

Inpatient services

We are northeast Indiana’s only provider of inpatient mental health services for children and adolescents experiencing emotional and behavioral problems. Our inpatient program provides treatment for children, ages 5 to 11, and adolescents, ages 12 to 18. Each age group is treated in a supportive, structured environment in separate, dedicated areas of the Beacon Street facility in Fort Wayne. In addition to clinical services, an outdoor recreation area enables children and adolescents to participate in healthy and appropriate activities.

Our highly regarded mental health team has specialized training in, and extensive experience, working with children and adolescents. Our team includes:

  • Psychiatrists
  • Certified psychiatric nurses
  • Certified therapeutic recreational therapists
  • Licensed, master’s-level therapists
  • Mental health technicians
See our inpatient service location

Outpatient services

Mental health for children means reaching developmental and emotional milestones. Park Center offers age-appropriate, behavioral health services to assist families and caregivers to support a child’s growth and well-being, while also addressing serious mental health needs that may be present during this time.

Services include:

  • Office-based services
    • Fort Wayne Outpatient Program
    • Adolescent Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Program
    • Eating Disorder Program
  • Community-based services
    • Three Wishes
  • Home-based services
  • In-School Skills Program
  • Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
    • Adolescent Mental Health
    • Adolescent Addiction
  • Telehealth services
  • Wrap-around services

See our outpatient locations


Let us help

For an initial screening, call the HelpLine at 260-471-9440 or 800-284-8439, anytime 24 hours a day. Experienced specialists are available to guide you to the appropriate level of care or resources.