Early Intervention Services
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Why early intervention matters
The first years of a child's life are critical for behavioral, social and emotional development. Environmental factors, such as where children live, play and learn, significantly influence how they experience and adapt to the world. Identifying developmental and social-emotional risks early, such as trauma or family stressors, allows children to get timely support to help them reach their potential.
At UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, EIS provides consultations, interventions, case management and family support services for infants and children, from birth to age 6. Our experienced staff of developmental and mental health specialists, as well as family partners, work together to put your family's needs first. We help each family strengthen child-caregiver relationships.
Our early childhood intervention programs in Oakland
We offer a range of programs that support children and caregivers in their homes and communities. This includes multi-family groups that can provide peer support. Services are provided in English, Spanish and Arabic. Interpreter services are also available to help guide patients in any language. We provide inclusive care, tailored to each family's racial and cultural background.
We offer a wide range of evidence-informed assessments and programs, including:
Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-Up. In-home visits help caregivers build strong, nurturing relationships with their children and help children manage stress and emotions.
Child-Parent Psychotherapy. Children and parents work together to heal from stressful events using trauma-informed therapy methods.
Circle of Security Parenting. Caregivers have the opportunity to better understand their child's needs so they can offer comfort and support.
Fussy Baby Program. Our staff helps families manage infant feeding, sleeping and crying challenges to relieve stress.
Infant-Parent Program. Our developmental specialists provide home- and center-based services for families and children (up to age 3), including support groups and family counseling.
Early childhood mental health treatment programs. We provide assessment and treatment for children who have mental, developmental or behavioral health challenges, and provide support for caregivers.
Call 510-428-3408 to learn more about our services in Oakland.
Our child trauma program in Mission Bay
We also offer a child trauma program at the Nancy Pritzker Psychiatry Building in Mission Bay for children age 5 and younger. Our team uses evidence-based approaches to help children heal, including child-parent psychotherapy and group interventions. These services are designed for children who have experienced traumatic events, such as abuse, violence, loss or accidents. Call 628-206-5311 to learn more.
Additional developmental medicine services are also available in Mission Bay. We offer evaluation and care for children (age 12 and younger) with challenges related to development, behavior and learning.
Why early intervention matters
The first years of a child's life are critical for behavioral, social and emotional development. Environmental factors, such as where children live, play and learn, significantly influence how they experience and adapt to the world. Identifying developmental and social-emotional risks early, such as trauma or family stressors, allows children to get timely support to help them reach their potential.
At UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, EIS provides consultations, interventions, case management and family support services for infants and children, from birth to age 6. Our experienced staff of developmental and mental health specialists, as well as family partners, work together to put your family's needs first. We help each family strengthen child-caregiver relationships.
Our early childhood intervention programs in Oakland
We offer a range of programs that support children and caregivers in their homes and communities. This includes multi-family groups that can provide peer support. Services are provided in English, Spanish and Arabic. Interpreter services are also available to help guide patients in any language. We provide inclusive care, tailored to each family's racial and cultural background.
We offer a wide range of evidence-informed assessments and programs, including:
Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-Up. In-home visits help caregivers build strong, nurturing relationships with their children and help children manage stress and emotions.
Child-Parent Psychotherapy. Children and parents work together to heal from stressful events using trauma-informed therapy methods.
Circle of Security Parenting. Caregivers have the opportunity to better understand their child's needs so they can offer comfort and support.
Fussy Baby Program. Our staff helps families manage infant feeding, sleeping and crying challenges to relieve stress.
Infant-Parent Program. Our developmental specialists provide home- and center-based services for families and children (up to age 3), including support groups and family counseling.
Early childhood mental health treatment programs. We provide assessment and treatment for children who have mental, developmental or behavioral health challenges, and provide support for caregivers.
Call 510-428-3408 to learn more about our services in Oakland.
Our child trauma program in Mission Bay
We also offer a child trauma program at the Nancy Pritzker Psychiatry Building in Mission Bay for children age 5 and younger. Our team uses evidence-based approaches to help children heal, including child-parent psychotherapy and group interventions. These services are designed for children who have experienced traumatic events, such as abuse, violence, loss or accidents. Call 628-206-5311 to learn more.
Additional developmental medicine services are also available in Mission Bay. We offer evaluation and care for children (age 12 and younger) with challenges related to development, behavior and learning.
Providers
Sarah Cantrell, PsyD
Psychology (Child and Adolescent Psychology)
Marlene Maria Crespo, PsyD
Psychology (Child and Adolescent Psychology)Marybeth Finch, PT
Physical Therapy • Physical Therapy (Pediatric)
Awards & achievements
One of the nation's best for behavioral health
Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties
Related conditions & treatments
Conditions
- Behavior Disorders in Children
- Developmental Regression
- Mental Health Disorders
Treatments
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Developmental Assessment
- Parenting Group Therapy
- Parenting Skills Counseling
- Psychotherapy
Research initiatives
UCSF Department of Psychiatry ResearchOpens in a new window
The department conducts basic, clinical and translational research across many sites, studying the biological, psychological and social factors behind mental illness to develop better treatments.
Support services
Child Life
Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.
Family Amenities
Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.
Social Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.
Activity Rooms
Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.
Pediatric Art Therapy Program
Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.
Pediatric Music Therapy Program
Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.
School Program for Hospitalized Children
Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.
School Re-Entry Program
We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.
Individual Playtime & Instruction
If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.
Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.
Parent Support Program
Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.
Patient Relations at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.
Spiritual Care at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.
International Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.