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Your Trusted Partner for Youth Mental Health Services in Columbus, OH
Founded in 1899, Directions For Youth & Families has dedicated over a century to transforming lives through trauma-informed mental health services, educational programs, and community support. Our agency combines clinical expertise with prevention initiatives, serving over 8,500 youth and families annually in Central Ohio. We pioneered the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) trauma assessment tool, with our CEO presenting findings at the White House, establishing our leadership in trauma-informed care. Our team of licensed clinicians and prevention specialists utilizes the Attachment, Self-Regulation, and Competency (ARC) model to address mental health, substance abuse, and family conflict.With three locations including the Crittenton Community Center, we provide outreach services in homes, schools, and community settings. Our commitment to social justice drives our healing-centered engagement approach, celebrating cultural strengths while fostering community resilience. Through annual campaigns and partnerships, we mobilize resources to ensure accessibility of services for all families in need.
Services
Clinical Counseling
Early Childhood Programs
After-School Programs
Community Centers
Crisis Intervention
Substance Abuse Treatment
Domestic Violence Support
Youth Development
Parent Education
Trauma Assessment
Highlights and features
- Specializing in trauma-informed care since 1999 with ARC model-certified clinicians
- Pioneers of ACE trauma assessment tool with national recognition
- Serving Central Ohio communities through 3 accessible locations
- Comprehensive services addressing mental health, education, and family stability
- Proven impact with 8,500+ youth and families served annually
Services
Clinical Counseling
Our licensed clinicians provide trauma-informed counseling for youth and families dealing with domestic violence, substance abuse, and behavioral health issues. Services are delivered through home visits, school programs, and community centers. Specialized programs address sexual abuse recovery and family conflict resolution.
After-School Programs
Operating at two youth centers, our after-school programs offer homework help, computer labs, leadership training, and creative arts. Programs run during school years from 3:00 PM to 7:30 PM with extended summer hours. Activities focus on building resilience and academic success.
Early Childhood Services
The Ready, Set, Grow program provides in-home kindergarten readiness support and prenatal care education. Our Early Head Start partnership offers developmental assessments and parenting skill development through home visits and community workshops.
Community Centers
The Crittenton Community Center and Ohio Avenue Youth Center serve as neighborhood hubs for at-risk youth. Facilities offer safe spaces for recreation, counseling services, and community-building initiatives that promote dialogue and collaboration among residents.
Crisis Intervention
24/7 crisis support includes suicide prevention hotlines, domestic violence assistance, and sexual assault response. Our emergency services coordinate with local hospitals and law enforcement to provide immediate intervention and referral services for youth and families in crisis.
People
Miles Johnson
Client Success Story
Former counseling client who overcame suicidal thoughts through DFYF's trauma-informed care. Now a college graduate and community artist, Miles shares his journey from crisis to success as part of our outreach programs.
Daniel Martinez
Youth Participant
Nine-year-old participant in our Children Who Witness Violence program. Created a therapeutic video game narrative with his counselor to process traumatic experiences, demonstrating the effectiveness of our creative intervention techniques.
Questions
What mental health services do you offer?
We provide trauma-informed counseling for youth and families addressing domestic violence, substance abuse, sexual abuse recovery, and behavioral health issues through home visits and community centers.
Are your services free or income-based?
We accept most insurance plans and offer sliding-scale fees based on income. No family is turned away due to inability to pay for our mental health and prevention services.
Do you have after-school programs?
Yes, our Ohio Avenue Youth Center and Crittenton Community Center offer homework help, computer labs, leadership development, and creative arts programs during school years and summer sessions.
How can I make a referral?
Visit our website to complete an online referral form or call our intake department at 614-294-2661 during business hours for immediate assistance.
Do you provide emergency services?
Yes, we operate 24/7 crisis lines for mental health emergencies, domestic violence, and suicide prevention with immediate referral to emergency rooms when necessary.
Videos
