Children’s
Mental Health Services

we’re here to help

Through our Outpatient Services Division, Directions for Living delivers integrated behavioral health services for children with acute, chronic, and persistent mental health and substance misuse conditions. Our multidisciplinary team provides comprehensive clinical assessments, therapy, psychiatric evaluation, and case management services to help children achieve stability, strengthen functioning, and improve overall health.

(727) 524-4464

If you’re unsure where to start, our team can help guide you.

Counseling & Therapy

Children’s Counseling and Therapy provides confidential, evidence-based or research-supported treatment for children and adolescents experiencing mental health conditions or the effects of trauma. We support children navigating anxiety, depression, grief and loss, abuse histories, and co-occurring substance use concerns. Our care providers, including licensed clinicians, use research-supported interventions tailored to your child’s unique needs, helping them strengthen coping skills, process difficult experiences, and improve overall emotional wellbeing and quality of life. These services can be provided in clinic or via telehealth, which will be a decision made in partnership with your care team.

Eligibility Requirements: Ages 2-17

How to get started

psychiatry & Medication management

Children’s Psychiatry provides comprehensive evaluation and medication management for children and adolescents experiencing mild to severe or chronic mental health conditions. Our psychiatric providers conduct thorough assessments and offer treatment and ongoing monitoring when appropriate. We work collaboratively with you and your child to ensure care is coordinated, personalized, and focused on improving their overall wellbeing. These services can be provided in clinic or via telehealth, which will be a decision made in partnership with your care team.

Eligibility Requirements: Ages 6-17

how to get started

Case management

Children’s Behavioral Health Case Management supports children and adolescents with behavioral health needs by helping them and their families connect to essential services, resources, and supports. Our team works alongside caregivers to coordinate care across systems, including medical and behavioral health services, school supports, and community-based resources that promote stability, safety, and healthy development. Services may also include assistance with accessing healthcare coverage, educational supports, and other family-centered resources.

Services are provided in the home, school, and throughout the community to ensure support is accessible, practical, and tailored to each child and family’s unique needs.

Eligibility Requirements: Ages 5-17

how to get started

Group Therapy

Facilitated by Recovery Peer Specialists or Counselors, our groups for early adolescents and teens allow individuals to share and relate to each other while learning new coping skills, life skills training, addiction supports, and more. Group therapy is offered to individuals who are current clients of Directions for Living.

Eligibility Requirements: Ages 10-17

To learn more about group therapy sessions offered, call (727) 524-4464.

Psychological Testing

Psychological testing is available for children to evaluate a variety of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral concerns. Assessments may include intellectual functioning (IQ), autism spectrum disorder, emotional functioning, and other psychological or developmental needs. These evaluations help provide clarity, diagnosis when appropriate, and recommendations for care and support.

Psychological testing may be covered by your insurance plan. If you do not have coverage, self-pay options are available.

Eligibility Requirements: Ages 4+

To inquire about this service or to make an appointment, call (727) 524-4464.

get immediate help

Crisis Support

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 for immediate support. You can also contact Eleos Wellness & Support at (727) 791-3131, for local no-cost crisis stabilization resources.

your child’s journey can begin today

how to get started

At Directions for Living, we understand that seeking mental health support can feel overwhelming. That’s why our Same Day Access is designed to remove barriers and get your family connected with care immediately.

No long waits. No complicated scheduling.

how to begin care

Help starts the moment you’re ready.

Click here to learn more
where to find us

Conveniently located in Clearwater.

Address & Hours of Operation
contact us now

Have more questions about our care?

Call (727) 524-4464

Insurance & Payment Options

We accept most Medicaid and Medicare plans, along with select commercial insurance options. If you have questions about your coverage, click here to email our Customer Service team.

If your insurance includes a copay, it will be due at the time of your appointment. If this ever feels like a barrier, please let us know—we’re here to work with you.

If you don’t have insurance, we offer a sliding fee scale based on income to help make care more accessible. We’ll work with you to find an option that fits your situation, because everyone deserves support—no matter their ability to pay.

FAQs

Answers to common questions about Behavioral Health Services

Mental health and behavioral health are closely related, and people often use the terms interchangeably. However, there is a small difference in what they refer to. Mental health focuses specifically on a person’s emotional, psychological, and cognitive well-being. It includes conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other mental health diagnoses.

Behavioral health is a broader term. It includes mental health, but also looks at how behaviors affect overall health and well-being. This can include things like coping skills, substance use, stress management, sleep habits, and how people respond to life challenges.

It’s completely normal to feel nervous or unsure about reaching out for help—you’re not alone in that. The truth is, everyone has mental health, and at some point, everyone goes through challenges that can feel overwhelming. Reaching out for support isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a brave and important step toward taking care of your child.

Our team is here to create a safe, welcoming, and judgment-free space where your child can feel comfortable being themself. Your child can go at their own pace, and we’ll meet them where they are—listening, supporting, and working alongside your family to understand your needs and goals.

The terms therapy and counseling are often used interchangeably, and both involve talking with a trained professional to improve mental health and well-being. The main difference is usually in the scope and depth of support.

Counseling is provided by Master’s-prepared professionals and typically focuses on specific challenges or life situations. It is often shorter-term and may help people work through things like stress, relationship issues, grief, parenting concerns, or major life changes.

Therapy is provided by a licensed professional and often goes deeper and may be longer-term. It can help individuals understand patterns in their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and is commonly used to treat mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or other ongoing concerns.

Getting started is simple. Directions for Living offers Same Day Access, allowing new clients to connect with services the moment they’re ready. During this process, our team will talk with you and your child about your needs, answer questions, and help determine the services that may be right for your family.

Click here to learn more about Same Day Access.

No referral is needed. You can reach out directly to begin services.

That depends on your child’s needs and goals. Some individuals benefit from short-term support, while others may engage in ongoing care.

We accept most Medicaid and Medicare plans, along with select commercial insurance options. If you have questions about your coverage, click here to email our Customer Service team.

If you don’t have insurance, we offer a sliding fee scale based on income to help make care more accessible. We’ll work with you to find an option that fits your situation, because everyone deserves support—no matter their ability to pay.

During your child’s first visit, you’ll meet with a member of our team for an initial conversation to get to know your child. We’ll talk about what’s been going on, what brought you in, and what kind of support you’re looking for. This is also a chance for you to ask questions and share anything that feels important.

There’s no pressure to have all the answers—this is simply a starting point. We’ll listen, learn about your child’s needs, and work with you to create a plan that feels right for you and supports your family’s goals.