| A guide to Therapy Groups in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area. |
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| Childrens Groups |
Abrams & Associates, LLCGo Directly to Detailed Listings
Alvord Baker & Associates, LLC Group Therapy Center
The Behavior Therapy Center of Greater Washington
The Center for Anxiety and Behavioral Change
Falls Church Parent-Child Center
JSSA (Jewish Social Service Agency)
McLean Psychotherapy Practices
National Family Resiliency Center
Laura Rubinoff and Associates, Speech/Language Pathologists
Allison Sibley & Associates, PLLC
Social skills, coed, ages 5-6, 7-9, 10-12 for children with social shyness/anxiety, Aspergers/PDD, ADHD/LD, anxiety, SIDS and/or ODD. Children learn to conquer their fears and practice social skills in a small group setting. The group is run by a licensed psychologist with evidence-based interventions and is both didactic and experiential. Homework is assigned to both children and parents for building mastery and generalizing skills to home and school. Groups run weekly for one hour through the school year. Parents are informed of goals and progress identified by the psychologist running the group. Social skills groups work to promote confidence and resilience by offering skill development in how to make a friend and join a group, social-self awareness and perspective taking, coping with disappointment and frustration, identifying feelings and communicating needs, learning give and take, encouraging empathy, listening skills and assertiveness. We are a family-friendly group practice offering assessment and psychotherapy for children, teens and adults.Kay Abrams, PhD, Clinical Psychologist
Child Psychologists: Dr. Tamara Michaelidis, Dr. Ranon Cortell and Dr. Laurie Perlis
3841 Farragut Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895
301-949-2098
www.abramsandassociates.com
Alvord Baker & Associates, LLC Group Therapy Center
Alvord, Baker & Associates, LLC has been providing social competence groups for children and adolescents since 1992. The groups focus on enhancing resilience, which we view as the ability to adapt well to life and its challenges. Children’s social competence can be impacted greatly by one or several of the following factors: ability to regulate their behavior and emotions; anxiety; ADHD; learning disabilities; low self-esteem; organizational challenges; and/or transition difficulties. Our groups help children identify what they do well, and to build on their strengths. We use the Resilience Builder Program® which utilizes a Cognitive Behavioral framework (how one thinks impacts how one feels and subsequently, how one behaves with others) and empirically supported strategies. We also offer specialized groups for children diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), Aspergers and High Functioning Autism. All groups are led by experienced licensed psychologists and clinical social workers. Didactic, process, and experiential activities, discussions and relaxation/self-control techniques are utilized. Boys, girls, and co-ed groups from pre-school through elementary grades.Psychologists: Mary Alvord, PhD;; Lynn F. Bufka, PhD; Karan Lamb, PsyD; Kelly O'Brien, PhD; Kim Painter, PhD.; Veronica Raggi, PhD; Michael Reiter, PhD; Monica Robb, PhD; Jessica Samson, PsyD; Lisa Sanchez, PhD; Erik Scott, PhD; Edward Spector, PsyD; Bonnie Zucker, PsyD
Clinical Social Workers: Patricia Baker, DSW, LCSW-C; Erica Berger, LCSW-C; Betsy Carmichael, LCSW; Dorothy Moore, LCSW-C; Thomas Verratti, LCSW-C
Group Coordinator: 301-593-6554 x23
email: groups@alvordbaker.comGroup Coordinator: 301-593-6554 x23
email: groups@alvordbaker.com3200 Tower Oaks Boulevard, Suite 200, Rockville, MD 20852
301- 593-6554 ext. 2311161 New Hampshire Avenue, Suite 307, Silver Spring, MD 20904
301- 593-6554 ext. 23Assessment Associates
Process and activity oriented groups geared towards facilitating the development of problem solving and conflict resolution skills, increasing self-esteem and self-efficacy, and improving one's ability to read nonverbal forms of communication. Groups available for children ages 7 through 18 with socialization delays secondary to ADHD, sensory integrations challenges, speech and language delays, learning disabilities, "nonverbal LD's", PDD and Asperger's Disorder, and other developmental or adjustment related issues.Joel Adler, PsyD
7013-A Brookeville Road, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
301-951-5666
www.assessmentassociates.us.com
www.joeladler.comThe Behavior Therapy Center of Greater Washington
We offer a specialized evidence-based group for teens and children with social anxiety. These groups are designed to address common social skills deficits found in children with Social Anxiety Disorder including initiating conversations, maintaining conversations, inviting peers to join in activities, joining groups, phone skills, using appropriate assertiveness, and recognizing social cues. Each group consists of didactic instruction, modeling, behavioral rehearsals (role-plays), and corrective feedback from group leader and peers. We also provide “generalization sessions” in which prior “graduates” of the group return to serve as unfamiliar peers for the current group members when the group engages in typical age-appropriate activities that allow the current group members to practice their newly acquired skills in a more natural setting. The group meets weekly for 90 minutes for 15 weeks. BTC also offers occasional groups for children and teens who engage in problematic skin-picking and hair pulling.Staff: Charles Mansueto, PhD, Clinic Director; Rina Pesce, PhD, Director of Group Treatment Program; Lisa Levine, PsyD; Elspeth Neiman Bell, PhD; Courtney B. Ferrell, PhD; Ruth G. Golomb, MEd, LCPC; Brad S. Hufford, LCSW-C.; Jennifer H. Kessler, PhD; David J. Keuler, PhD; Özge Gürel Kırgız, PhD; Sherrie M. Vavrichek, LCSW-C; Noah Weintraub, PsyD; Kristin Bianchi, MA; T. Monroe Rayburn, PhD; Claire Dean-Sinclair, PsyD
11227 Lockwood Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20901
301-593-4040Center for Anxiety and Behavioral Change
We offer a specialized evidence-based group for teens and children with social anxiety. These groups are designed to address common social skills deficits found in children with Social Anxiety Disorder including initiating conversations, maintaining conversations, inviting peers to join in activities, joining groups, phone skills, using appropriate assertiveness, and recognizing social cues. Each group consists of didactic instruction, modeling, behavioral rehearsals (role-plays), and corrective feedback from group leader and peers. We also provide “generalization sessions” in which prior “graduates” of the group return to serve as unfamiliar peers for the current group members when the group engages in typical age-appropriate activities that allow the current group members to practice their newly acquired skills in a more natural setting.Jonathan Dalton, Ph.D., Director
414 Hungerford Drive, Suite 210, Rockville, MD 20850
301-610-7850
email: drjdalton@gmail.com
The Chrysalis Group Inc.
In addition to providing therapy for children, adolescents, adults and couples, we conduct groups for Children with siblings who have developmental, health, or mental health challenges. Supportive environment in which to develop coping skills for challenges such as guilt or jealousy, loss and loneliness, anger or embarrassment, or increased responsibility and pressure to achieve. We also conduct a group for Youth with allergies which are age-appropriate groups that address living with allergies. Supportive and productive environment to address allergy-related challenges such as social isolation, peer relations, self-esteem, anxiety, and management and coping strategies.Staff: Joanne Irving, PhD; Jude Setian Marston, LCSW; Judy Liss, LCSW-C; Jessie Vinik, LGPC
4405 East West Highway, Suite 301, Bethesda, MD 20814
301-652-1582
email: chrysalisgroup@verizon.net
www.the-chrysalis-group.comExpressive Therapy Center
Offering a variety of support groups for children ages 3-13. Our groups offer a combination of process-oriented and social skills-building strategies and incorporate art, play, movement, and traditional "talk" techniques. For over a decade, our team of psychologists, clinical social workers, professional counselors, and expressive therapists (art and movement), have been helping children improve their self-esteem, confidence, self-regulation, effective communication, and more. These competencies may be effected by ADHD, Apergers/Autism, Anxiety, Depression, Eating Disorders, learning challenges, anger control, and general relationship deficits. Children are carefully assessed for group placement based on age, gender, need, and developmental level.Director: Stephanie Natter, MA, ATR, CGP
Staff: J. Mark Gallagher PsyD.; Heather Norden, PhD.;Gerald Oster, PhD.; Susan Rail, LCSW-C; Nanci Brown, LCSW-C; Natalie Selzer, LCPC; Jacy Perkins, APRN PMH; Diana Sabados ATR-BC, LCPC; Andree Schillesci, M.A., BC-DMT; Laura Hamelin, LGPC; Daniel Wagner, Psy.D.
14808 Physicians Lane, Suite 111, Rockville, MD 20850
301-869-1017 ext 1
5910 Goldsboro Road, Bethesda, MD 20817
301-869-1017 ext 11320 Vincent Place, McLean, VA 22101
www.expressivetherapycenter.com
Falls Church Parent-Child Center
Social skills groups- Our children’s groups are for children and youth ages 18 months -20 years. These groups are beneficial for children and youth in the autism spectrum; who have attachment issues; trauma related conditions; and/or developmental issues that impact communication, confidence in social situations, self-regulation, and behavior/socialization issues. Groups focus on promoting pragmatic language, social interest and interaction, and the executive functions of planning, organizing, and problem solving. The primary tools of change are dialogue/conversation, goal setting, and experiential opportunities to practice coping, adapting, and relationship building. For younger children, there are opportunities for interactive play. Children are placed in groups based on age and developmental ability. The group program offers a monthly parent group and strives to work collaboratively with parents in the assessment and intervention process.
Cheryl Wietz, LCSW, BCD
101 Rowell Court, Suite 300, Falls Church, VA 22046
703-533-1996
www.improvingoutcomes.comDonna Firer, LCSW-C
"Shy Girls/Quiet Girls" is a supportive, gentle group for middle school girls who struggle with anxiety, feel unsure of themselves, and may overlook or miss social cues. This group provides an excellent opportunity to grow in self-knowledge and self-confidence. Through a range of activities - including expressive arts, cognitive behavioral concepts and techniques, and role playing - girls will learn how to build satisfying relationships with peers and adults and gain specific strategies for managing stress and worries. This group meets weekly during the school year.Donna Firer, LCSW-C
8811 Colesville Road, Suite 102, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (walk to Silver Spring Metro Red Line)
4405 East-West Highway, Suite 210, Bethesda, MD 20814 (walk to Bethesda Metro)
301-585-8828
email: donnafirer@earthlink.net
www.donnafirer.netIn Step, PC
Stepping Stones, is a nationally recognized social skills group therapy program for children, ages 3 1/2-12 and their parents. For more than fifteen years, our team of psychologists, clinical social workers, and professional counselors has been guiding children and their families towards more effective social relationships. Our dynamic mental health professionals partner with you to develop a continuum of care plan, in order to ensure that the skills learned with us create long-lasting change. Some of our areas of specialty beside social development are Anxiety and Depressive Disorders, Asperger's and Autism Issues, Anger Management, Preschool Services, and ADD/ADHD Issues.Cathi Cohen, LCSW, Director
In Step, PC
8320 Professional Hill Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031
703-876-8480 ext. 10In Step, PC West
6 Pidgeon Hill Drive, Suite 200, Sterling, VA 20165
703-433-5771email: instep_pc@yahoo.com
www.insteppc.comJSSA (Jewish Social Service Agency)
Psychotherapy and social skills therapy groups for children, including those with ADHD, social-behavioral disorders, Asperger's Syndrome and other PDD's. Social skills groups focus on taking turns, friendly behaviors, reading social cues, self-control, handling teasing, working cooperatively, social conversation, building self-esteem and solving problems. Other groups include anger management, siblings with disabilities, and coping with divorce. JSSA also provides a BFF Camp (Building and Fostering Friendships), a summer social skills camp program. Boys, girls, elementary and middle school. Non-sectarian.
Rockville: Wendy Baber, LCSW-C; Alison Dorsky, LCSW-C; Laurence Fabre-Welmond, LCSW-C; Stanley Fagen, PhD; Jennifer Firestone, LCSW-C; Sarah Hillegass, LGSW; Laura Langmore Baer, LCPC; Zach Lehman, LCSW-C; Ju Liu, LGSW; Caron Starobin, LCSW-C; Jamell White, LCSW-C
Fairfax: Larisa Perez deGraffenreid, LCSW; Sarah Ince, LCSW; Ravleen Kandhari, LCSW; Andrew McGahan, LCSW; Elliott Schwartz, LCSWHeadquarters:
200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville, MD 20850
301-838-4200
3018 Javier Road, Fairfax, VA 22031
703-204-9100
www.jssa.orgMcLean Psychotherapy Practices
The clinicians at McLean Psychotherapy Practices offer numerous ongoing social skills groups for children of varying ages and developmental levels. Each group is specifically tailored to address the challenges faced by the group members. We use a variety of therapeutic interventions, including expressive, art and play techniques. Groups typically run from September to June, with additional summer groups offered as well. In addition, we work collaboratively with parents, schools, and other treatment providers to ensure positive treatment outcomes. The primary goals of our preschool groups are to assist with school preparation, encourage collaborative play, help children label and identify feelings, establish boundaries, develop and maintain friendships, read social cues, and improve imaginary play skills. These play oriented groups incorporate a variety of therapeutic approaches including the Floortime or DIR method, expressive play therapy techniques, and behavioral approaches. The primary goals for school age groups are to help your child develop and maintain friendships, learn to read social cues, identify and process feelings, build confidence, establish better boundaries, strengthen outdoor play skills, and explore feelings about social inclusion and exclusion. These groups also incorporate a variety of therapeutic approaches including the Floortime or DIR method, expressive play therapy techniques, and behavioral approaches. Additionally, we offer a Sibling Support Group for school age children with a silbing diagnosed with a spectrum disorder.
Clinicians: Anne Fleury, LCSW 703-282-5937;Lisa Elkin, PsyD 571-238-6524; Cynthia Mathis, LMFT 703-401-5394
1487 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 300, McLean, VA 22101
www.mcleanpsychotherapy.comNational Family Resiliency Center
Four different age specific group programs are offered twice yearly for children pre school through grade 8. Groups run from 8 to 12 weeks; 90 minutes per group session. Children learn techniques for identifying concerns, labeling and expressing feelings, problem solving and effective communication around family transition and divorce related issues. Parents are closely involved through individual and multiple family sessions.Risa J. Garon, LCSW-C, BCD, CFLE; Susan Bilchik, NBCC, Julieta Macias, PhD.’, LCSW-C, Ellen Levin, LGSW, Elaine Drewyer, LCSW- C, Hilary Campodonico, LCSW-C, Barry Frieman, LCSW-C, Carolyn Wohnsigl, MEd; Thomas Vassil, PhD, LCSW-C
451 Hungerford Drive, Suite 225, Rockville, MD 20850
301-384-0079
10632 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 121 Columbia, MD 21044
410-740-9553
14350 Solomons Island Road, Suite 202B, Solomons, MD 20688
410-474-8500
www.nfrchelp.org
Laura Rubinoff and Associates, Speech/Language Pathologists
Interactions with Pals! A Whole Mind and Body Experience! (PAL Program). These groups are designed to improve social thinking , social problem solving and pragmatic language functions. Our leaders (speech pathologists teamed with actors of improvisation) use performing arts, improvisation, video modeling and authentic conversational exchanges to improve social cognition. We introduce Michelle Garcia Winner strategies for recognizing your own and others' social minds, learning behaviors that make others feel good and internalizing how behaviors and words affect emotions across different social networks. The groups meet weekly for 90 minutes for 16 weeks. Co-ed and exclusively boys and girls groups, ages 5-10, grouped by age and skills level.6505 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda, MD 20817
301 493-4695
laurarubinoff@gmail.comAllison Sibley & Associates, PLLC
Activity-based groups for children offer an arena in which to practice personal and relational skills related to making and keeping friends. Groups provide opportunities for social skill building and processing experiences in an educational and engaging setting. Emphasis is on playing out and talking through friendship experiences, which may be influenced by a variety of issues including adjustment issues, self-esteem, ADHD, and emotional factors. Current co-ed [k-1st], boys [3rd-4th], and girls [4th-5th, 6th-7th, and 7th-8th] groups for school-aged children and middle school girls group are available.
Allison Sibley, PhD, Clinical Social Worker; Samantha Dubit, LPC, Professional Counselor; Amanda Good, MSW, Social Worker; Kate Kelly, MSW, Clinical Social Worker; Molly Mattison, MSW, Clinical Social Worker; Tracy Samuel, MSW, Clinical Social Worker; Edith Schatz, MSW, Clinical Social Worker5236 44th Street NW #4, Washington DC 20015
202-237-1196 (office)
202-744-1086 (cell)Lisa M. Snipper, LCSW
Lisa Snipper and Associates PLLC is a group practice in Reston Va, that provides, individual group and family counseling to children through adults. The social skills groups at Snipper and Associates LLC provide the opportunity, in a small structured setting, for children to develop, practice, and enhance their interpersonal skills. Groups are kept small (5 at most) to maximize opportunities for the children to develop/practice the necessary skills that are needed to make and keep friends, as well as increase self esteem, and enhance emotional regulation. Groups are structured to provide opportunities for children in a play based setting. 2011-2012 groups offered:Social Skills group for 2/3rd grade boys group. Children of Separation and Divorce: This co-ed group is designed for children (6-8) and (9-11) whose parents are separating or divorced.
11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 6, Reston, VA 20191
571-230-2349TLC - The Treatment and Learning Centers
Saturday Sensory Integration Groups are designed for children ages 4 ½ to 6 years who are experiencing sensory processing and motor planning difficulties. An occupational therapist and assistants lead this series of fun-filled, small group sessions. Participants work on self-regulation and sensory problems, play skills, motor planning, abstract thinking, sequencing, and socialization.The Kiwanis Clubs of Montgomery County Interaction Groups are designed for children ages 2 ½ to 6 years. Utilizing strategies and techniques from the DIR® Floortime Model™, the Interaction Groups are lead by a licensed and certified OT and SLP, a licensed psychologist, and assistants. Materials, toys, and equipment are chosen based on each child’s individual sensory and learning preferences. Facilitated play is used to foster children’s engagement, communication, and problem solving.
The Pencil Pals handwriting program is a small group experience to enhance handwriting skills, using a sensory-integrative approach to fine motor skill development.
Outdoor Adventures is a series of fun-filled, small group summer activities held outdoors at area parks. The activities are designed for children experiencing difficulty in the areas of sensory processing, motor planning, communication, and interaction.
TLC also provides individual speech and occupational therapy services, audiology services, psycho-educational testing and academic tutoring, and summer camp programs for children with speech and occupational therapy needs, as well as parent education and support groups.
Director of Outpatient Services: Janet Graves-Wright, MM, MSEd, CCC-SLP
Director of Administrative Services: Julie Bobrow2092 Gaither Road, Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850
301-424-5200Daniel Turetsky, PsyD, Psychologist
Activity based groups focus on the development of social skills within an enjoyable, engaging, supportive and therapeutic environment. Goals include improving children's self-esteem and regulation, social interest and confidence, and awareness of self and others to facilitate more successful interactions and positive relationships with both peers and adults.
4809 Saint Elmo Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814
301-913-5947
email: danisaact@aol.com
The Wake Kendall Group PLLC
The Wake Kendall Group offers groups for older children and adolescents working through challenges relating to emotion regulation, family, peers, romantic interests, identity development, and school demands. Group for Girls Transitioning into Adolescence: We are forming a group for 5th through 7th grade girls that will be led by Lenni Snyder, LCPC. This group follows a process group format, offering a warm and accepting peer group environment in which we facilitate understanding consequences of actions, learning to take different points of view, and developing problem-solving skills. A variety of coping skills are introduced in the context of issues being discussed in the group. Please contact our Group Intake Coordinator, Adair Fox, MA, LCSW, at 202-686-7699 x 68 to provide preliminary information to determine whether this is an appropriate group for the youth. If there is availability in a group, Adair Fox will refer you to a group leader for an intake meeting to further determine whether the group is a good fit.
Group Coodinator: Adair Fox, MA, LCSW5247 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Suite 4, Washington, DC 20015
202-686-7699 x 68
email: AFox@WakeKendall.com