The Child and Family Center offers assessment, diagnosis, referral, and intervention services for children ranging from age 2 through 17 years. The center is directed by Dr. Thomas Dishion, Professor of Psychology and School Psychology, University of Oregon.
During the 2007–08 academic year, we are offering a practicum to doctoral students in the second to fourth years of training in counseling psychology and school psychology. This practicum will provide students with experience in implementing science-based interventions and assessments with children and families.
Our low-cost services are appropriate for parents concerned with children and teenagers experiencing difficulties at school, home, or both. The approach is family centered, with special attention given to supporting parents as they learn to address the multiple needs of their children.
A range of assessment and intervention options is provided, and parents actively select the services that best fit their family’s needs. Both brief, problem-focused interventions and longer term interventions are available.
Intake and Referral
Services depend on family needs determined through the Family Check-Up and can include individual therapy, family therapy, parent management training, comprehensive child assessments, or a variety of other intervention options.
The Family Check-Up
The Family Check-Up is a comprehensive family assessment that typically includes a home visit, observations of family interactions, interviews with family members, and a school assessment.
All information is kept strictly confidential.
Following the family assessment, one or two additional meetings are held that focus on providing the family with feedback. The goal of the feedback session is to collaborate with parents to evaluate their family’s needs with respect to service options. A menu of intervention options is provided to parents, including services in the practicum.
Family Therapy and Support
Family therapy and support is a collaborative process that focuses on needs identified by parents and family members. Typically, families meet weekly with a therapist, and together they concentrate on supporting existing strengths and family management practices.
Individual Interventions with Children
and Adolescents
Direct interventions with children and adolescents, including counseling, therapy, or advocacy within a mental health delivery system, may be part of individual interventions with children and adolescents. Individual work with these youth is typically combined with family therapy or parenting groups.
Comprehensive Child Assessments
We can offer psychological and neuropsychological testing for children and adolescents if indicated as an area of concern during the Family Check-Up. We work closely with families, teachers, and other individuals involved in children’s lives to develop an in-depth understanding of children’s competencies, areas of concern, and overall adaptation. Our child assessment services are appropriate for parents who are considering issues such as neuropsychological difficulties or behavioral and emotional disorders.
Parent Skills and Support Groups
Parent groups can be provided for all ages and can include specific skill development (e.g., behavioral management skills), as well as a focus on the parent–child relationship, developmental issues, and parent involvement at school. Groups may be offered in school settings, community centers, or at the Child and Family Center. Parent group curricula are based on research and have proven helpful to parents interested in making family change.
Child-Centered Skill Enhancement Groups For younger children, we can also facilitate groups that focus on social skill development, anger management, and self-control.
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