Children’s Therapeutic Services & Supports (CTSS)
CTSS is a skills-based mental health service for youth under 21 who experience emotional or behavioral challenges that interfere with daily functioning.
Services focus on teaching and practicing practical skills in real-life settings such as the home, school, and community.
CTSS is primarily skills-based (not talk therapy) and focuses on practicing skills that improve day-to-day functioning.
CTSS helps youth learn the skills they need to manage emotions, cope with stress, follow routines, communicate effectively, and function more successfully day to day.
CTSS is
- Rehabilitative and skills-focused (goal-directed, measurable)
- Designed to improve daily functioning and independence
- Focused on repetition, practice, and real-world application
- Family-involved to support skill use outside of sessions
CTSS is for
CTSS may be appropriate for youth with a mental health diagnosis whose symptoms create meaningful challenges in functioning at home, school, or in the community.
- Emotional dysregulation, meltdowns, aggression
- Anxiety affecting routines or school attendance
- Depression and withdrawal
- Impulse control or behavioral difficulties
- Family conflict requiring skill coaching and consistency
What families can expect
- Services are typically scheduled weekly based on need and authorization.
- Caregiver participation is encouraged and often included to support skill use at home.
- Goals are measurable and reviewed regularly to guide progress and updates.
Our CTSS Process
CTSS begins with assessment and planning and then moves into structured skills work guided by measurable goals.
A licensed clinician completes or reviews a diagnostic assessment to clarify diagnosis, needs, and recommended services.
Standardized tools are used as clinically indicated to establish baseline functioning and guide treatment planning (for example, CASII/ECSII when applicable).
A clinician develops a treatment plan with measurable goals, objectives, service frequency, and assigned providers. Caregivers participate whenever appropriate.
Skills are taught and practiced in real-life settings, with coaching to help families support progress between sessions.
Progress is reviewed regularly and treatment plans are updated to ensure services remain appropriate and effective.
Children (approx. ages 4–10)
- Identifying emotions and body cues
- Calm-down routines and coping skills
- Visual schedules and transitions
- Caregiver coaching and modeling
Adolescents / teens (approx. ages 11–20)
- Coping and distress tolerance strategies
- Impulse control and decision-making skills
- Communication and problem-solving
- Skill generalization across settings
Family Involvement
- Caregivers are encouraged to participate in services
- Families learn how to prompt and reinforce skills
- Practice between sessions supports progress
- Ongoing feedback helps tailor services
Client locations vary based on referrals; most travel is within a reasonable driving radius and scheduled to minimize unnecessary travel time.
CTSS FAQs
How is CTSS different from therapy?
CTSS is primarily skills-based and focused on daily functioning. Sessions are structured around teaching and practicing coping, emotional regulation, communication, routines, and problem-solving skills in real-life settings. Some youth may also receive therapy as part of their overall care plan when clinically indicated.
Where do CTSS sessions happen?
Locations vary based on the youth’s needs and the treatment plan. Many sessions occur in the home or community so skills can be practiced where they are needed most. We schedule to minimize unnecessary travel and keep services consistent.
How often will my child be seen, and how long does CTSS last?
Frequency and duration depend on clinical need and authorization requirements. Many youth are seen weekly at the start. Goals are measurable and reviewed regularly, and services continue as long as they remain medically necessary and helpful for skill development and functioning.