Programs & Services

Child Guidance Center provides a comprehensive array of programs and services designed to meet the individual needs of the children and families who seek our care.

Outpatient Mental Health Services
Extended Day Treatment Program
Sexual Misconduct Treatment Program
Residential Treatment Program
In-School Program

Community-Based Services
•Choices
•Parenting Wisely
•Comprehensive Child & Adolescent Assessment
•Youth-In-Crisis
•Youth Assessment Center

Outpatient Mental Health Services

Child Guidance Center is the largest provider of children’s outpatient mental health services in Lincoln. Over 20 master’s level outpatient therapists and psychologists provide assessment and counseling services to youth ages 1-19 and their families.

Outpatient services are available to any child with mental, emotional, or behavioral issues—large or small. Services range from brief, solution-oriented counseling to intensive long-term psychotherapy.

Treatment planning may include:
• Individual therapy- Private one-on-one 50 minute therapy sessions.
• Family therapy- 50 minute sessions include parents and siblings, intending to assist the youth by promoting positive family functioning.
• Group therapy- Clients participate in a learning process with other youth who are dealing with similar issues. Groups are available to at-risk pre-adolescent and adolescent girls, as well as adolescent boys who have acted out sexually.
• Play and art therapy- Sessions designed to allow children to express emotions and resolve trauma through interactive play and creation of art.

Therapists are assigned to clients based on area of expertise. Therapy sessions are scheduled once-per-week or as necessary.

Although the primary identified client is the child, intervention is most effective when the parents are actively involved in the process. Family therapy is a critical component of successful treatment. Individual therapy is available to parents of youth when adult issues are negatively affecting the child.

The outpatient facility employs a clinical staff fluent in Spanish and Vietnamese, as well as a clinician trained to work with deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to meet the needs of Lincoln’s richly diverse community. Interpreter services may be arranged to accommodate other ethnic groups. Back to Top

Extended Day Treatment Program

The Extended Day Treatment Program is designed for children ages 5-11 with serious emotional and/or behavioral challenges who are at risk for out-of-home placement or hospitalization. The program operates daily after school and during the summer to provide children with treatment for trauma and attachment disorders to improve coping skills, social skills, and community functioning. Each child is assigned a therapist and is involved in individual, group, and family therapy. Parental involvement is required. Meals are provided and transportation can be arranged.

Back to Top

Sexual Misconduct Treatment Program

The Sexual Misconduct Treatment Program is designed for youth ages 12-18 who demonstrate sexually abusive behaviors. The program offers assessment and outpatient services, including group, individual, and family therapy to assist youth in developing alternatives to acting out sexually and address the underlying issues that may have contributed to their misconduct. The treatment process is tailored to youths’ developmental level and relies heavily on the involvement of parents. Back to Top

Residential Treatment Program

The Residential Treatment Program is available to males ages 13-17, who have acted out in a sexual manner and require an intensive level of care in a safe and nurturing environment. Located in a residential neighborhood, this 24-hour facility offers youth comprehensive, sex-offense specific treatment in a staff-secure setting. The program focuses on preventing further victimization, while allowing youth to learn and practice pro-social coping and interpersonal skills. Residents are involved in a structured routine of individual, group, and family therapy to address their treatment needs and goals. Recreational activities are also provided to facilitate the therapeutic process.

A Day Treatment alternative is available to youth who are in need of a partial services level of care based on the risk of the individual and community safety. Back to Top

Intake Packet For Residential Treatment (For Caseworkers)

In-School Program

Child Guidance Center provides counseling services in ten of Lincoln’s public elementary and middle schools for students who are in need of therapy, but whose parents find it difficult to seek services outside of the school setting. This community outreach program provides youth with individual therapy during the school day generally once-per-week and involves consultation with school personnel regarding behavioral issues. Participation of parents is encouraged. Back to Top

Choices

A substance abuse program for high school students identified as having an issue related to drugs and/or alcohol-- either for themselves, their peers, or their parents. Group and individual therapy focus on making healthy decisions and is provided in all public high schools. Back to Top

Parenting Wisely

A parenting skills program for adults designed to reduce family conflict and foster healthy relationships. This nine-week course is taught on-site at the agency each quarter. Back to Top

Comprehensive Child & Adolescent Assessment (CCAA)

A program that provides non-residential psychological evaluations to youth in the Juvenile Justice System. Back to Top

Youth-In-Crisis

A program that provides suicide assessments and transitional counseling services to youth detained in the Lancaster County Youth Services Center. Back to Top

Youth Assessment Center

Child Guidance Center therapists provide mental health and substance abuse assessments to youth in the community and Juvenile Justice System at the Youth Assessment Center, located at the Lancaster County Youth Services Center. Back to Top

Helping kids find hope and healing.