Social distancing and pandemic safety measures have had a huge impact on everyone’s mental health.

For children of all ages and developmental levels, a year off from in-person social interactions is a big break in skill-practicing.

Child Guidance Resource Centers, headquartered in Havertown, is working to counter the pandemic impact with its CREATE program, Creating Relationships and Emotional Adaptability in a Therapeutic Environment.

CREATE offers children and adolescents with autism a safe, innovative place for them to learn critical life skills and have a space for engaging, safe, in-person interactions.

CREATE is a year-round, outpatient service offered to individuals from early childhood through age 21 that provides the experience to develop, practice, and shine their social emotional skills in a group setting.

Learning how to engage in group settings requires unique interventions and a place to practice skills in a space created with their unique needs in mind.

 “Often times, families who have a child with a diagnosis of autism are extremely anxious about having their child join groups due to the lack of understanding of the diagnosis and negative experience as a result,”   Vice President of Clinical Services, Brianna Matey, says.

CREATE lets individuals feel safe learning and practicing socialization in an accepting and supportive therapeutic environment.

“With a goal of helping individuals flourish socially, CREATE allows for a healthy foundation as they launch into the social world,” Matey says.

The program is open to individuals ages 5 to 21 who are diagnosed with autism. Caregivers will participate in regular family therapy. 

There are two locations where you can participate in CREATE–2000 West Chester Pike in Havertown; and 2901 Island Ave. in Southwest Philadelphia.

Right now, there are immediate openings at the Southwest Philadelphia location. 

There is a short wait list for the Havertown location.

To get started call your county access number: Delaware County-(484)454-8720, Philadelphia-(267) 713-4132, or visit the Child Guidance website.

Anyone connected to a child may make a referral: parent, caregiver, therapist, teacher, provider or the client themselves.

Child Guidance Resource Centers has been a staple in Southeastern Pennsylvania for providing mental health services to children and families.

Child Guidance Resource Centers (CGRC) is a private, nonprofit community-focused organization that provides life-changing mental health services to children and families.

Each year over 9,600 children and families turn to CGRC for help.

Children on the autism spectrum, children struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and children who have experienced trauma in their lives turn to Child Guidance for help.

The CREATE program is just one of many programs available to help you and your family. Visit Child Guidance Resource Centers to find out more.

Check out Taylor’s story from 2016, a teenager who received help from Child Guidance Resource Centers.