Overview of Services: TSA’s Deaf/Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind Mental Health Program provides culturally affirmative mental health services to children (birth to 22 years), who are Deaf/hard of hearing or DeafBlind and their families; and who are experiencing difficulties due to emotional or behavioral disorder(s). These mental health services include: comprehensive diagnostic assessment, individual psychotherapy, family psychotherapy, family psychoeducation, and Children’s Therapeutic Services and Supports (CTSS), a flexible package of mental health services for children who require varying therapeutic and rehabilitative levels of intervention and combine psychotherapy (individual, family, group) with skills training (individual, family, group) and crisis assistance to help strengthen the emotional, behavioral, and social functioning of children and their families.
The therapists in the Deaf/Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind program have a broad range of understanding about the physical and mental health challenges and needs of children who have mild to profound hearing losses. They understand how these needs influence behavior, school performance, family life, and social relationships. They are well versed in addressing communication needs and language barriers. Therapists in the Deaf/Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind program are fluent in American Sign language (ASL) and are familiar with Deaf culture.