The Mental Health Unit of Family and Children's Services strives to provide the opportunity to maximize quality of life for children between the ages of zero to five years old and their families in Contra Costa County by providing training on child abuse, parent support and advocacy, anger management, facilitation, and preschool consultation. Among other services offered are:

• Mental Health Assessment
• Play Therapy
• Family Therapy
• Staff training on mainstreaming and social integration techniques

While appropriate identification and referral are conducted within the program, the primary focus is prevention and treatment. For a mental health referral, please contact Alberto Orellana.

Our mental health team works in collaboration with Contra Costa County Health Services Department, Mental Health Division. As part of mental health services, a paid internship program is available in a variety of preschool sites throughout Contra Costa County. The internship program provides clinical supervision and specialized training in child development, play therapy, sand play Therapy, prevention and ongoing treatment.

A one year commitment to Family and Children's Services as a Mental Health Intern is required. Weekly group and individual supervision is offered by Clinical Supervisors with specialties in Child Therapy and Preschool Base Interventions with children and families.

Throughout the term of the internship, the Mental Health Intern shall maintain professional liability. Upon completion of one year, a stipend of $500.00. is granted.

 Child Abuse Prevention Workshop by Alberto Orellana