Frequently Asked Questions - Child and Family Specialty Clinics (CFSC) at EMU

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Our FAQ page has answers to many of the common topics families ask about. We're here to help every step of the way.

Individual Child/Family Services

  • Who are these services meant for? Expand dropdown

    These services are designed for families of children who are having any kind of behavioral, emotional, or developmental problem or concern. This may include excessive tantrums, fear and worry, behavior problems, trauma, or any other concerns you may have about how your child is developing, feeling, or behaving.

    Additionally, these services could benefit families who are having family-related issues that are impacting their child, such as excessive stress, parental conflict or divorce, parent-child relationship problems, or any other family issue that is affecting your child’s development.

  • What will these services include? Expand dropdown

    These services will typically include two phases: the assessment phase and the treatment phase. The assessment phase will include a 90-minute intake interview, where the therapist will ask you questions about your child’s developmental history and about your concerns; a classroom observation of your child in their classroom; and a parent-child play observation session.

    Then, your therapist will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan in order to best help your child. Treatment may include having the therapist work directly with your child to address symptoms, working with you on parenting strategies, or working with you and your child together in parent-child joint sessions (or likely some combination of these).

    Since parents play a key role in their child’s development, parents will be involved to some degree throughout treatment. Additional assessment may be recommended in certain cases.

  • How many sessions will I have? Expand dropdown
    The number of sessions will vary for each family, based on what issues your child is having and what is determined in your individualized treatment plan. Most often, you and/or your child will meet with your therapist once a week for about an hour. Treatment can range anywhere from 3-12 months.
  • Where will sessions take place? Expand dropdown
    Sessions take place either on site at the learning center/community location, or at the EMU Community Behavioral Health Clinic. Additionally, sessions may be completed virtually through a confidential zoom platform.
  • When can I schedule my appointments? Expand dropdown

    We offer appointments in the building and online, and your therapist will work with you to schedule appointments that are convenient, such as appointments close to pick-up or drop-off time, when you and your child are already at the center.

    Virtual appointments are available during EMU Community Behavioral Health Clinic hours of operation.

  • How much does this cost? Expand dropdown

    Our services are free of charge to families who attend our associated centers (Perry Early Learning Center, Beatty Early Learning Center, Ford Early Learning Center, EMU Children’s Institute, YMCA Ypsilanti Child Development Center, SafeHouse Center). Costs are covered by generous grants from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, the Flinn Foundation, and the EMU Foundation.

    Families who are not associated with one of our centers are charged $10 per session.

  • How do I sign up, and how long until we can be seen? Expand dropdown

    When you complete the online questionnaire, your name will be added to our waitlist. When a therapist has an opening, they will contact you to set up an intake appointment. Depending on demand, this may be anywhere from a few days to a few months after completing the form. We do our best to schedule intake appointments within a few weeks of referral, but we cannot guarantee that time frame.

    There is typically more availability in the fall and early winter and less availability (thus longer wait times) in the late winter, spring, and summer.

Mom Power

  • Who is this group for? Expand dropdown
    This group is for any moms who are pregnant or have children ages 0–6 and feel they would benefit from support. It can help moms better understand their child’s signals, take care of themselves, connect with other moms, and navigate big feelings with their child.
  • Where is the group? Expand dropdown
    The group meets either online (typically during the winter and summer semesters) or in person at the EMU Community Behavioral Health Clinic (1075 N Huron River Dr, Ypsilanti, MI 48197) during the fall semester.
  • When is the group? Expand dropdown

    The in-person fall group usually starts in late September and meets once a week for 10 weeks. Sessions are typically held in the evening, include a shared meal or snack, and last about 2.5 hours.

    The virtual groups usually start in late January and early May and also meet once a week for 10 weeks. Session times are based on participant availability, and each session lasts about an hour and a half.

  • Is there childcare for in-person groups? Expand dropdown
    Yes! We provide therapeutic, one-on-one childcare during Mom Power sessions for children aged 10 and under. This is an integral part of the program, and we encourage you to bring your children with you!
  • What is Child Team? Expand dropdown
    The Child Team is a therapeutic children’s group that runs alongside the Mom Power program. Its goal is to create a nonjudgmental, respectful, and attentive environment where children and parents can safely explore and reflect on their feelings. The Child Team is specially trained to recognize and respond to children’s behavioral cues and stress signals, and to support children as they work through challenges with emotional regulation.
  • What do you learn in a group? Expand dropdown
    In the Mom Power group, participants will learn key concepts in parenting and child development, observe video interactions and apply what they’ve learned, and engage in activities designed to develop and practice new skills, such as self-care and mindfulness. They will also reflect on their interactions with their children. The program emphasizes creating safe, predictable routines, and participants are encouraged to “try something new” and then anticipate, observe, and reflect on these experiences.

SMART Skills

  • Who is this group for? Expand dropdown
    This group is for children ages 5–8 whose parents or caregivers think they would benefit from extra support with emotion regulation, attention, and coping skills. 
  • Where is the group? Expand dropdown
    The group typically meets in person at the EMU Community Behavioral Health Clinic (1075 N Huron River Dr, Ypsilanti, MI 48197) during the summer.
  • When is the group? Expand dropdown
    The in-person summer group usually starts in late June and meets twice a week for 6 weeks. Sessions are typically held in the evening and last about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  • What skills will my child learn in SMART Skills? Expand dropdown
    Children will learn age-appropriate strategies for managing big emotions, improving attention and focus, practicing calming techniques, and using coping skills. Activities are engaging and playful to help kids practice these skills in a fun and supportive environment.
  • Can parents attend the group? Expand dropdown
    Parents do not typically attend the children’s group sessions, but facilitators do touch base with parents at the end of each session to review the skills learned that day, as well as what strategies will be practiced that week!
  • Is there homework? Expand dropdown
    Each week, there is a practice activity that we highly encourage parents and children to do together. This “homework” includes fun activities introduced in the group sessions, giving children a chance to practice and apply the skills at home!

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