GROWING UP STRONG
Growing Up Strong is a therapy based program that works with families with children (ages birth to 18) who are experiencing emotional, behavioral, or social challenges at home or at school, or who have experienced trauma as the result of family or community violence.
Is your child overly emotional or having problems in relationships? Are they high-spirited or having behavioral problems? Are they acting out and you don’t know what to do?
“[Our Therapist] came into our lives and helped change the things that needed to be changed. He was so helpful to us all, and always with a smile!”
What are some signs?
Infants and Toddlers:
- Difficult to soothe or comfort
- Little or no interest in people
- Reacts strongly to environment
- Sleeping or eating problems
Preschool Children:
- Absence of language or communication
- Destructive or aggressive behavior
- Extremely active
- Inappropriate social behaviors
Older Children:
- Self-harming behaviors
- Poor impulse control
- Lack of friends or isolation
- Problems with moods: crying, hopeless, fearful
- School problems
“[Our Therapist] is an excellent listener and has many insightful comments and suggestions. He is so personable and genuinely cares. “
What services are available to us?
You may be eligible to receive individual therapy for your child and family therapy to assist your whole family. Your family could also be eligible to receive additional services focused on the child – at no cost to you. You will have a plan tailored to address your child’s challenges, as well as yours, if you are having difficulty meeting his or her needs.
How do we receive services?
Therapeutic services from the Growing Up Strong Program at Family Support Services are contracted through Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services and are funded by Medi-Cal.
If you would like to refer a child, whether it is yours or another child, you may call the GUS program line at 510 834-2443 and talk about your needs.
Eligibility Requirements: In order for children to be eligible for services, they must be “Full Scope Medi-Cal”. To find out if the child you are referring is eligible, call the program line and someone will help to determine eligibility. The child’s name, birthdate and Medi-Cal number or Social Security number will be required to determine eligibility.
For more information, contact: 510-834-2443
“The staff didn’t treat us like clients; they treated us like we were their favorite family members”