The Behavioral Health Services comprehensive approach to care is provided by a multidisciplinary team – which may include a psychiatrist, developmental-behavioral pediatrician, nurse practitioner, psychologist, clinical social worker, and clinical counselor – to determine the best treatment options for each child and adolescent.

The Alcohol and Drug Program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital provides assessment, education and outpatient treatment for children, adolescents, and their families when there is concern regarding possible substance use/abuse problems.

A comprehensive substance abuse and mental health assessment is completed to determine the appropriate intervention and level of care. The assessment can include gathering of data from family, school, physicians, juvenile justice system, previous treatment records and urine drug screening. The program also provides counseling services for children who have family members struggling with substance use/abuse problems. Outpatient treatment is provided through individual, family and group therapy modalities.