Family Support Program

The Family Support Program (FSP) offers counseling for children and adolescents who have been sexually or physically abused or who have been exposed to family violence. All of our clinicians have been trained in treatment methods that are proven to be effective in reducing trauma and improving functioning. We offer outpatient treatment with counseling at the Center, as well as community based treatment in family homes.

Treatment models include the following options that are used by our clinicians:

Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): This treatment model works with children who have experienced a trauma and involves participation with their non-offending caregivers. Through TF-CBT, children and families learn to understand their experiences, manage anxieties and fears, cope with stress, improve self-esteem, develop strategies to maintain safety in their environments and form healthy relationships with others, and most importantly how to heal from the hurt.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): This office-based intervention is used to treat symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and trauma reactions. EMDR has been shown to speed up the healing process without using traditional talk therapy methods. Therapists are trained and certified in the use of EMDR and have practical experience in providing this intervention to families.

Group Treatment: This is a 10 week group therapy program for child-victims of sexual abuse and their non-offending caregivers. Groups are offered for children and adolescents ages 3-18. For every child and adolescent group, we offer a group for their caregiver that meets at the same time. Our group treatment provides psycho-education on symptoms or behaviors related to sexual abuse as well as healthy coping skills. From treatment, families decrease isolation, increase their support system, gain a better understanding of healthy sexuality and learn safety skills.

Parent Child Interaction Training: Offered both in the office setting and in the family home, this evidence-based strategy focuses on coaching parents to produce desired behaviors in their children. It relies on praising and attending to the child as well as disciplining the child. It is particularly effective in working with children with disruptive behavior problems and with battered parents and their children who have witnessed the family violence.

Psychological Evaluation: We offer comprehensive and standardized psychological evaluations for children and adolescents who are receiving counseling services with FSP.

Psychiatric Assessment and Treatment: This on-site clinical service is available for children and adolescents who may need medication management to help them work through their reactions to the abuse. It is only available to individuals who receive their counseling services with FSP.

Common Questions About Counseling

Download Informational Brochure for Medical Professionals and Families

How to Reach Us:

To learn more about the Family Support Program, or make a referral, contact:
The Family Support Program at the Center for Family Safety and Healing
Nationwide Children’s Hospital
655 East Livingston Avenue
Columbus, OH 43205
Phone: (614) 722- 8212

Nationwide Children's Hospital
700 Children's Drive Columbus, Ohio 43205 614.722.2000