Pediatric DBT & CBT for Self-Harm, Anxiety & Depression (Wavefront Program)

Mental health care for children and adolescents

The Wavefront Program at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals offers comprehensive care for children and adolescents dealing with mental health concerns, such as suicidal thoughts, risky behaviors, depression and anxiety. Our team helps children process emotional pain and trauma by providing coping strategies and family-centered support.

We use the most effective, proven approaches for healing, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). We offer individual, group and family therapy tailored to each person's needs.

Child and adolescent psychologists provide expert, comprehensive evaluations to determine the best type of therapy for your child. We continue assessing their progress throughout treatment and provide ongoing support.

In addition to caring for patients, our specialists are actively involved in research to better understand and treat mental health concerns in children. Providers in our program also work with organizations across the Bay Area to improve access to behavioral health care for youths in crisis.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT is a highly effective mental health treatment for young people with depression and anxiety. It helps children understand how thoughts, feelings and actions are connected. CBT also teaches coping skills to help change harmful thought patterns and behaviors.

We offer individual and group CBT sessions, including targeted groups for:

• Teenagers

• Children ages 9 to 12 with anxiety

• Patients with social anxiety

• Patients experiencing self-harm or suicidal thoughts

Parents often play a key role in treatment. The work is collaborative, and patients have "homework" to practice applying skills learned in therapy to their daily lives.

Our program offers:

• Education about mental health disorders and treatments

• Shared goal-setting

• Single-session workshops for parents and young adults

• Strategies for relapse prevention and symptom management

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

We offer DBT for high-risk adolescents and young adults, many of whom have more than one mental health concern. Our team specializes in treating depression that involves risky behaviors, such as:

• Eating disorders

• Physical fighting

• Self-harm

• Substance use

• Suicidal thoughts or behavior

• Unsafe sexual behavior

Our approach is also effective for adolescents with self-harming behavior who have both depression and some traits of borderline personality disorder.

Experts at our Wavefront Program help young people deal with emotional and behavioral challenges, including:

• Difficulties with self-identity

• Emotional instability

• Impulsivity

• Social and family relationship challenges

We offer:

• Weekly multi-family skills group (24 weeks). Children and families learn techniques for coping with harmful behaviors, such as self-injury or purging.

• Weekly individual therapy. Patients gain insight into their behaviors and learn strategies to manage stressors and make healthier decisions.

• Family therapy. We provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for children and families to build trust and develop stronger relationships.

• Coaching by phone. Therapists and group leaders are available to provide support and guidance whenever children or parents face challenges.

If you or your child is experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.