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Behavioral Health

The goal of our behavioral health programs is to help children, youth and families achieve and maintain appropriate and positive functioning, which will transfer to community, home, and school environments. Children, youth, and families gain necessary skills through a wide range of therapeutic, structured activities that are provided in a stable, consistent, and interconnected service setting.

  • Early Intervention (EI)

    Northern’s EI Program is intended to meet the needs of middle and high-school aged youth who are at-risk for drug and alcohol use and abuse.

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    Curriculum-based group psycho-ed and counseling sessions are provided. The program operates in schools, after-school programs, and residential and community-based settings.

    For more information, please call Ketsia Cherubin, Early Intervention Specialist, at 215-482-1423 ext. 1007 or kcherubin@northernchildren.org.

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  • Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS)

    IBHS is a school- and community-based behavioral health program that helps students with emotional or behavioral needs achieve academic success and thrive in their daily lives.

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    Through individual counseling, group skill-building, classroom support, behavior coaching, and family/caregiver support and consultation, our caring IBHS staff help children, youth, and families gain the skills they need to function successfully without ongoing behavioral health support. All care is individualized and based on a clinical assessment.

    Click to View Northern's IBHS Brochure - 2025

    Northern currently provides IBHS in 16 elementary and middle schools in the School District of Philadelphia, including charter schools:

    1. AMY Northwest Middle School
    2. Charles W. Henry School
    3. Cook-Wissahickon School
    4. Dr. Ethel Allen Promise Academy
    5. Dr. Tanner G. Duckrey Public School
    6. E. Washington Rhodes Elementary School
    7. Eleanor C. Emlen School
    8. Green Woods Charter School
    9. Henry H. Houston School
    10. James Dobson School
    11. Jenks Academy for Arts and Sciences
    12. KIPP North Philadelphia Academy
    13. KIPP Philadelphia Preparatory Academy
    14. Richard R. Wright Elementary School
    15. Shawmont School
    16. Thomas M. Peirce School

    For more information, please contact John Cappo, IBHS Assistant Administrative Director, at 215-482-1423 ext. 1283 or jcappo@northernchildren.org.

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  • Outpatient

    We serve children and youth up to age 21 with emotional and behavioral symptoms including, but not limited to, depression, impulsivity, hyperactivity, trauma, anxiety, and disruptive behaviors.

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    A multidisciplinary team of child and adolescent psychiatrists and therapists provide individualized emotional, behavioral, and psychiatric support in a safe, caring, and healthy environment using multiple, effective ​

    This program addresses the needs of children, youth, and families who are experiencing difficulties such as traumatic, academic, emotional, or social stress.

    The outpatient program offers individual, family, and group therapy depending on the needs of the child and youth. Participants will work together with a therapist to work towards overall well-being.

    For more information, please call Listaree Brickey, Assistant Director of Outpatient, at 215-482-1423 ext. 1292 or lbrickey@northernchildren.org.

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  • Wellness & Resiliency Program

    The Wellness is a therapeutic afterschool and all-day summer program for children 5 to 14 years old with behavioral and emotional symptoms including, but not limited to, depression, impulsivity, hyperactivity, anxiety, and disruptive behaviors.

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    Notice: Beginning Spring 2026, the Wellness & Resiliency Program will be shifting to serve children ages 5-8 years old only.

    The Wellness & Resiliency Program (Wellness) offers therapeutic services on-site on our beautiful six-acre campus, in the child’s home, and during program-sponsored therapeutic community outings. ​

    Most students referred for participation in the afterschool and summer youth programs typically display behavioral challenges that manifest as multiple school suspensions, poor academic performance, impulsivity, and difficulty responding appropriately to school structure and authority figures. One of the primary objectives of Wellness is to decrease behaviors that interfere with classroom learning and problem-solving and, in doing so, improve educational outcomes.

    Wellness offers group and individual therapy, social skills development, homework help, tutoring, meals, and snacks.

    For more information, please call Edith Cruz, Assistant Director of Wellness, at 215-482-1423 ext. 1320 or ecruz@northernchildren.org.

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