Early Childhood Department


Our specialized mental health program is dedicated to families with children from birth to 6 years old. We understand that early childhood can bring unique emotional, behavioral, and developmental concerns, and we're here to provide compassionate, expert support when you need it most.

Who we are:

We offer a range of services to meet the needs of every client. Have something else in mind? We'd be happy to work with you to create a custom quote.

We serve families in Miami-Dade County with a child between birth and six years old. Many caregivers reach out to us when they notice:

· Changes in their child's emotions - more meltdowns than usual, seeming worried or sad often, or big feelings that are hard to handle

· Behaviors that are concerning - hitting, biting, not listening, or when your child seems to be struggling more than other kids their age

· Tough times your family has been through - scary events, loss of a loved one, or experiences that have shaken your family

· Feeling disconnected from your child - when bonding feels difficult, or you and your child seem to be clashing more often

· Big changes happening at home - welcoming a new baby, parents separating, moving to a new place, or other life transitions that feel overwhelming

· We are proud agency members of the Florida Association for Infant Mental Health

Our Programs & Services

Our experienced team of psychologists and therapists specialize exclusively in working with infants, toddlers, young children and their families. We offer evidence-based, trauma-informed care that focuses on strengthening relationships and promoting healthy development:

  • Child Parent Psychotherapy is an evidence-based treatment designed to help young children (birth to 5 years) and their caregivers heal from trauma by focusing on strengthening the caregiver-child relationship. CPP helps families dealing with various challenges including domestic violence exposure, abuse, neglect, separation trauma, difficult life transitions, or attachment difficulties. It's particularly effective because it treats both the child's symptoms and strengthens the parent-child bond that promotes long-term healing. The goal is to help you and your child feel safer, more connected, and better equipped to handle life's challenges together. CPP recognizes that when the caregiver-child relationship is strong and secure, children naturally develop resilience and emotional health.

  • An evidence-based program for children 2-6 which addresses behavioral and defiance issues by teaching parents skills to reduce conflict and stress. The brief intervention consists of an average of 10- 20 in-office sessions working closely with the child and parent to improve behavior and compliance. Sessions are available in English or Spanish at our Doral office and at our Maternal and Child Health Center in Hialeah. The PCIT program is funded by The Children's Trust.

  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based treatment designed to help children (ages 3-8) and their caregivers overcome the effects of trauma together. TF-CBT helps families dealing with various traumatic experiences including physical abuse, witnessing violence, accidents, natural disasters, or sudden loss. The treatment combines individual sessions for both child and caregiver with joint sessions, using age-appropriate techniques to help children process their trauma while teaching coping skills. Caregivers learn how to support their child's healing and manage their own responses to their child's trauma. The goal is to reduce trauma symptoms like nightmares, anxiety, or behavioral problems while strengthening the parent-child relationship. TF-CBT typically lasts 12-20 sessions and recognizes that when caregivers are equipped with the right tools and understanding, they become powerful agents in their child's recovery and long-term emotional well-being.

  • A county-wide program that provides screening follow-up, individualized support, and early intervention to children ages zero to five who are participating in the School Readiness Program and need developmental screening follow-up and individualized support, consultation, and referral assistance. The goal is to ensure children are identified early, receive the supports they need, and are ready to learn upon entering kindergarten. A limited number of private (non- School Readiness Program) slots are also available.

  • The CEADS program provides comprehensive autism evaluations for children (birth to 8 years) to determine if a child meets criteria for autism spectrum disorder and to identify their unique strengths and needs. CEADS helps families who have concerns about their child's development, including differences in social communication, repetitive behaviors, sensory sensitivities, or developmental milestones. The evaluation involves multiple professionals and includes observation of the child, standardized testing, developmental history gathering, and input from caregivers about the child's behavior across different settings. Caregivers play a crucial role by providing detailed information about their child's development and daily functioning. The goal is to provide families with clear answers, a comprehensive understanding of their child's profile, and specific recommendations for supports and interventions that can help their child thrive. Early and accurate diagnosis through CEADS recognizes that when families understand their child's needs and have access to appropriate resources, children with autism can reach their full potential and develop meaningful relationships and skills.

  • Circle of Security Parenting Groups is a supportive parent group program designed to help caregivers understand their child's emotional needs and strengthen the parent-child relationship through secure attachment. COS-P brings together parents dealing with various challenges including behavioral difficulties, emotional regulation struggles, separation anxiety, or general parenting concerns across all ages. The program provides a welcoming group environment where caregivers learn alongside other parents to recognize their child's attachment cues and respond in ways that promote security and emotional development. Parents explore their own experiences and patterns while learning practical strategies and gaining support from others facing similar challenges. The goal is to help caregivers become a secure base for their child while feeling less isolated and more confident in their parenting journey. Our groups typically run for 8 sessions and recognize that when caregivers understand their child's emotional world and feel supported by other parents, children develop the security and resilience needed to navigate life's challenges successfully.

Flexible Care Options

We understand that life with young children can be unpredictable. When barriers prevent office visits, we offer virtual services to ensure your family receives the support you need.

Getting Started

Ready to take the first step? We're here to answer your questions and help you schedule your family's initial appointment.

Phone: (305) 424-3043 Email: ECDReferral@citrushealth.com

Our Location: 8200 NW 33rd St, Suite 102 Doral, FL 33122

Your family's well-being is our priority. Contact us today to learn how we can support you and your child's journey together.