How to Get Started
Thank you for taking one of the most courageous steps in your journey for you or your child. Below are just some resources that may help you get started. Please know that your child’s school counselor is an extremely valuable resource. That may be the best place to start! We understand that some families may be reluctant to go through the school avenue for a variety of personal reasons. We do not want that to deter you from getting necessary help. Therefore, we are also providing you information within your community. As we continue to gather more information, we will update this useful guide!
Tips for Getting Help
What is Therapy? Taking Your Child to a Therapist
KidsHealth from Nemours is a comprehensive resource for children and parents.
Here is a link to their very detailed description about what therapy is.
Therapist match up
Therapy can be extremely beneficial and that is why the therapeutic relationship is soooooo important! Please research providers to find the one you think is best for you. If you work with one provider and do not feel that your child is benefiting from the service, talk with your provider about how things can go differently. If you feel you can no longer work with that therapist, don’t give up on therapy! Ask for a referral (or research other options on your own) and keep trying until you find the right match and you will!
What’s in a title
You probably will see so many acronyms and letters in your search, here is what they mean…
LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker
LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
LPC – Licensed Professional Counselor
Psy.D. / Ph.D. – Doctor of Psychology
Psychologist – inherent in the title Psychologist is that the individual is licensed in your state
Psychiatrist – Medical Doctor who can prescribe psychotropic medications, if needed
How will I pay for it, it is so expensive
Making an investment in your mental health may have the best return on investment.
Getting help is easier than ever!
- Insurance
Got insurance? Great, you can call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask them to send you a list of providers based on your needs. You can also log on to your insurance provider’s website and search yourself.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
You can contact your employer’s Human Resources Department and ask if they offer EAP services. Get the name and the number. Then, call the EAP. They will explain your benefits. Usually these can include anywhere from 3-6 free sessions with a licensed provider. This amount of treatment works well for many people. If you desire more, most times, the provider that you have established a connection with will be able to continue to see you. You can ask them if they accept your insurance as that would then kick in after the free EAP sessions (if your provider is in-network).
- Out of network
You do not have to go to providers who accept your insurance. These are known as out of network providers (aka fee for service). Rates vary. These providers will provide you a “superbill” or receipt after sessions so that you can submit it to your insurance company in case you want to try to get it reimbursed (your insurance company may or may not reimburse out of network providers). You can often use your Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for these services.
- Sliding scale
Many providers will work with you to make therapy accessible and possible. If you think you will have difficulty paying for services. Just ask the possible provider if they offer a sliding scale.
Community Resources
Owen J. Roberts School District Resources
Each school has a school counselor who is trained in assisting children. Many families are interested in getting as much information as possible and here is another place to go.
Mental Health Supports within OJRSD
This page on the OJRSD website explains the variety of mental health supports within OJR.
OJRSD Parent Resource Guide for Local Individual Assistance
A list of local physicians and therapists
OJRSD Parent Resource Guide for National Organizations and Crisis Hotlines
Resource guide broken out by:
Alcohol and Drugs, Bullying and Cyberbullying, Depression, Eating Disorders, Grief and Loss, Homelessness and Runaways, Mental Health, Rape, Sexual Violence and Domestic Violence, School Violence, Sexuality and Sexual Health, Stress and Anxiety, Suicide, Teen Parenting, and Teen Pregnancy
Mental Health Resources for COVID Virtual Learning
Additional helpful links and supports, including tips during COVID
General County and State Assistance
Chester County Crisis Services at Valley Creek Crisis Center
Helpful information on all kinds of mental health issues.
PA Department of Health Mental Health and Well-Being Resources
North Coventry Township Police Form for First Responders
Premise Alert Request Form - Person Specific Information for First Responders so they are aware of an individual’s special needs or illnesses.
Local Organizations Providing Services
Individual Therapist, Physician & Group Services
A local nonprofit located in Exton, PA which is a “one stop resource” for all things Mental Health. Great information as well as a comprehensive list of mental health providers including Social Workers, Licensed Professional Counselors, Psychologists, and Psychiatrists as well as Support Groups.
A family grief center located in Exton, PA providing family and individual sessions as well as family support groups.
The Children's Home of Reading's Acute Partial Hospitalization Program
The Children’s Home of Reading’s Acute Partial Hospitalization Program (APHP) provides intensive psychiatric treatment similar to that available on an inpatient unit, in a less restrictive community based setting.
Bridge to Connection
Works with parents, teachers and professionals to help them understand the impact of stress and trauma on children, in order to build compassionate relationships.
Find a therapist that works with your financial situation
LGBTQ Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services at Mirmont Treatment Center
A safe recovery space and mental health support for the LGBTQ community.
Mazzoni Center - An LGBTQ-Focused Environment
Providing quality comprehensive health and wellness services in an LGBTQ-focused environment, while preserving the dignity and improving the quality of life of the individuals we serve.
Online resources for grief
Christian Based Counseling
Anxiety & OCD Center of Malvern
Evidence-based, compassionate, and effective treatment for anxiety and related disorders.
THRIVE - Online Community for Neurodiverse Families
THRIVE is an warm supportive online community for neurodiverse families, created by parents, for parents
Creative Health Services provides quality behavioral healthcare designed to empower and promote wellness for individuals, families and communities in many locations throughout the area.
Tower Health System Behavioral Health and Addiction
Complete mental health services for people of all agesalth services for people of all ages, delivered with respect anal healthervice
CHOP (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) - Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
General information about services provided with links to all of the services and programs at CHOP.
Below is a list of programs and services that CHOP offers that are dedicated to specific mental health concerns.
Phone: 215-590-7555
- Anxiety Behaviors Clinic (ABC)
- Autism Integrated Care Program
- Behavioral Health Integrated Program
- Center for Management of ADHD
- Center for Pediatric Traumatic Stress
- Child and Adolescent Mood Program (CHAMP)
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
- Children's Intensive Emotional and Behavioral Services
- Eating Disorder Assessment and Treatment Program
- Family Stress and Illness Program
- Gender and Sexuality Development Program
- Healthy Minds, Healthy Kids: Integrated Care Program
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders Consultation Clinic
- Neuropsychology and Assessment Service
- Pennsylvania Telephonic Psychiatric Consultation Service Program (TiPS)
- Psychology Services
- Young Child Clinic
- Youth Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Research Center
From your phone or any other device, help is right at your fingertips! You can input your zip code to find providers in your area. You can also filter your search based on your specific interest (e.g., age, gender, issues, insurance, etc).
The Sixth Edition of The Help Book contains information about health and human services agencies, programs, and other services available to people of the Greater Phoenixville, Spring City, The Vincents, The Coventrys, The Pikelands, The Providences, Royersford, Collegeville/Trappe, Charleston, Schuylkill, Lower Pottsgrove, and Limerick areas.
General Mental Health Information
MHA’s programs and initiatives fulfill its mission of promoting mental health and preventing mental illness through advocacy, education, research and services.
Suicide Prevention Information
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Nemours - Information for Parents on Teen Suicide
About Teen Suicide
Resources from Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
Hotlines and websites for Youth Mental Health Issues
Comprehensive, vetted resource on all sorts of topics
NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
This website has a wealth of information about Mental Illness including the warning signs, treatments, mental health conditions, research and all sorts of great resources.
NAMI: Warning Signs and Symptoms
Helpful information on understanding the warning signs and symptoms of mental illness.
NEDA (National Eating Disorders Association)
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. NEDA supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders, and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures and access to quality care.
McLean Hospital - Mental Health Treatment, Research & Education
McLean Hospital is located in Massachusetts and is a leader in psychiatric care, research and education. It is the largest psychiatric teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. Great information to check out as an additional mental health resource.
Main Line Health “Well Ahead” Blog Article
Specialized LGBTQ substance abuse treatment a new way 'out'
Crisis and Suicide Prevention Resources
Crisis and Suicide Hotlines etc.
Talking to Kids About Suicide by A Haven
How to talk to your kids about suicide
Brings youth, educators and parents together for open, honest conversations about tough topics that lead to guidance, support and stronger relationships.
Minding Your Mind is dedicated to ending stigma and destructive behaviors associated with mental health issues, moving away from a crisis-based response to prevention through education.
Music and Songs for Troubled Times
Music has been clinically proven to have a positive impact on mental health. This site has songs that help through troubled times.
Books
The Child Mind Institute and the National Alliance on Mental Illness have done a thorough job of pulling together books for many mental health issues. Take a look and see if any of these might help your family get through challenging times.
Website with 44 Children’s Books About Mental Health
Webpage with Mental Health Books for Children and Teens and Their Parents
A Kids Book About - Website with a great collection of books on depression and anxiety