Children's Behavioral Health Center - Mercy Medical Group - Sacramento, CA

Behavioral health focuses on how your behaviors, thoughts and emotions influence your overall well-being. While the terms “behavioral health” and “mental health” are often used interchangeably, “behavioral health” is broader. It includes mental health conditions as well as substance use disorders and patterns of behavior that affect physical health.

The pediatric behavioral health team at the Children’s Behavioral Health Center in Sacramento cares for a range of mental and physical challenges in children and adolescents, including:

• Anxiety disorders

• Bipolar disorder

• Delusions

• Depression

• Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits

• Feelings of extreme highs and lows

• Growing inability to cope with daily problems and activities

• Hallucinations

• Obesity

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder

• Panic disorder

• Post-traumatic stress disorder

• Skin and hair disorders

• Social withdrawal

• Strong feelings of anger

• Suicidal thoughts

We provide a variety of behavioral health services for children, adolescents and their families at Children’s Behavioral Health Center in Sacramento, including:

• Community support

• Crisis intervention

• Family advocacy

• Individual, family and group counseling

• Medication evaluation and monitoring

• Specialized treatment groups

• Support groups

• Youth mentoring

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with expertise in mental health disorders. They may provide therapy and counseling, but they typically focus on medication management. They can diagnose conditions, manage treatment plans and prescribe medication.

Psychologists hold a doctoral degree in psychology. They typically offer talk therapy and behavioral strategies. They can diagnose mental health conditions, provide psychological testing and assessments and offer therapy and counseling.

Pediatric behavioral health services can benefit children, adolescents and families who need physical and mental health support. If your child is experiencing problems such as lasting sadness, anxiety, mood changes, difficulty coping or relationship challenges, speaking with a behavioral health professional may help.

Your behavioral health specialist will start their assessment with a detailed review of your child’s physical and mental health concerns and history. They will also discuss treatment goals and recommend a care plan. You can expect to review and discuss:

• Any physical or mental health concerns for your child

• Your child’s medical and mental health history

• Your child’s treatment goals

• Care plan options

If your child is eligible for Medi-Cal and is 0 to 21 years old, contact the Children’s Behavioral Health Center to request services and verify eligibility. We have one other area location in Rancho Cordova. Call the clinic location closest to you.

Your child can also receive a referral through the Sacramento County Children's ACCESS team by calling (916) 875-1055 or completing a mental health service request. If speaking to Sacramento County ACCESS personnel, request services through one of our two clinics.

The Children’s Behavioral Health Center in Sacramento accepts most major insurance plans. To make sure you have access to the care you need, we recommend confirming your insurance coverage, eligibility and benefits before your visit.

If you have questions about the health insurance plans we accept, please call our office at (530) 668-2600. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have.