Specialized Services
for Youth (SSY)

A program designed for families with a child or adolescent, ages 0-21, suffering from emotional, behavioral, or psychological stress.

Stressors can include:

  • Depression

  • Behavior problems at home, school, or in the community

  • Trouble getting along with peers, including bullying or being bullied

  • Difficulty concentrating and/or hyperactivity, including ADHD

  • Worry and anxiety

  • Reactions to trauma

  • Abuse or neglect

  • Family violence

  • Difficulty attaching to caregivers

  • Lack of stable support systems

  • Substance use

  • Suicidal thoughts/actions

Services

  • ndividual Therapy: A master’s level therapist provides counseling, focusing on the youth and their strengths.

    Family Therapy: Works to improve communication, develop skills, and support caregivers in parenting youth with multiple needs.

    Group Therapy: Groups for youth and/or families on specific topics, such as parenting, substance use, trauma, and skill-building.

  • A psychiatrist and/or physician’s assistant provides psychiatric evaluations and medication reviews.

  • For eligible youth, weekly intensive services are provided in the home or community.

  • Home and community visits are provided to eligible pregnant women and families with infants or young children. Learn More

  • Caregivers receive support and enhance their parenting skills from a parent who has raised a child with emotional and/or behavioral needs.

  • Adolescents receive support and learn new skills from a young adult who has experience with emotional and/or behavioral issues.

  • Assists families with education, housing, financial, or social needs and links them with appropriate resources.

  • An evidence-informed approach to ensuring comprehensive coordination and holistic planning for youth and their families.

Additional Services Provided by Partner Agencies

  • A trained staff member provides short-term support to a parent or caregiver.

  • A trained worker assists youth with building skills in the home or community.

Getting Started

Because services are funded through Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) for eligible youth with Medicaid, an initial non-emergency screening must be completed through OCHN's Access department.

For an initial screening, call 248.464.6363

In case of a mental health emergency, contact the Mobile Crisis Unit: 877.800.1650

Learn More

Fill out the form below to learn more from an Oakland Family Services representative.