Director: Cynthia Jackson, M.D.

The Johns Hopkins Children’s Mental Health Center (CMHC) specializes in the treatment of children and adolescents with behavioral, emotional and psychiatric difficulties. Our patients have the opportunity to participate in individual and/or family-oriented treatment, as well as child/adolescent and parent groups. We offer complete psychiatric and psychosocial evaluations and also assist parents, schools, agencies and other medical specialists in understanding patient needs.

Expert Team

Our team of licensed clinical counselors and psychiatrists are highly trained to evaluate and treat a wide variety of psychiatric and behavioral difficulties children may experience. These include but are not limited to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), adjustment disorder, anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), traumatic events, disruptive behaviors and school-related concerns. We provide a wide variety of treatment modalities, such as individual therapy, family therapy, parent management training, play therapy, trauma focused therapy, cognitive and behavioral interventions, and medication management. We strive to involve every aspect of the child’s environment and work closely with family members and schools, as well as collaborate regularly with other professionals to coordinate care and effect real and lasting positive change. All of our services are provided in a caring, professional atmosphere and are confidential in nature. 

Evidence-Based Therapies

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills Training
  Individual and family therapy focusing on adolescents who engage in self-defeating behaviors. Multi-family group therapy comprised of adolescents and their caregivers participate in group therapy together to learn and practice DBT skills.

• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT)
  Treatment for preschool-age through adolescents who have experienced traumatic events. The caregiver and child work collaboratively to recover from trauma.

• Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress (SPARCS)
  Trauma-focused group therapy treatment for adolescents ages 12 to 18, which builds on strength and resilience to “show that a little bit of light can drive away a lot of darkness.”

• Social Skills Group Intervention (S.S. GRIN)
  Group therapy for elementary-aged children (kindergarten through fifth grade) to learn and practice basic social skills and develop more appropriate techniques to get along with others and manage stressful social experiences.

Patient Information

Referrals
CMHC services are available to preschool-age children up through the age of 18, who reside in the Baltimore Metropolitan area.Referrals may be made by: Parents, Physicians, Educators, Social agencies, Courts, Clergy. For new referrals call 410-955-5335 during business hours and ask for the Intake Coordinator.

Payment
The Johns Hopkins Hospital participates with various insurances including Medical Assistance and Johns Hopkins EHP. Our Patient Service Coordinators (PSCs) can assist you in determining your coverage and whether Johns Hopkins participates with your mental/behavioral health plan. Please contact us prior to your visit to ensure that you understand what your plans will cover. 

Frequently Asked Questions
To learn more, from your first appointment to treatment options, please refer to this resource page of frequently asked questions.

Contact Us

For new patients and to make an appointment call 410 955-5335:
Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
We can only take a limited number of new patients, so appointments are given on a first come, first served basis.

(For current patients, phone 410-955-3599)

Children's Mental Health Center
401 North Caroline Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21231
The center is located on the corner of North Caroline Street and Orleans Street, across the street from Dunbar High School.
It is located at the top floor of the building with the blue awning. 

Parking: McElderry Garage (outpatient center visitor parking) is located at McElderry and North Caroline Streets. Meter parking is available on North Caroline Street and surrounding streets. There is limited, free on-site parking.

Google Maps Directions to Children's Mental Health Center
(top floor of the building with the blue awning) »

Emergencies 

For acute psychiatric emergencies during evenings or weekends, seek treatment at the nearest emergency room or call 911.