Mental health

• Adjustment disorders
• Agoraphobia
• Anxiety
• Attention deficit disorder (ADHD)
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Bipolar disorders
• Body dysmorphia
• Brief psychotic disorder
• Catatonia
• Conduct disorder
• Conversion disorder (functional neurological system disorder)
• Delusional disorder
• Depression
• Disinhibited social engagement disorder
• Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
• Eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, pica and restrictive eating)
• Excoriation disorder (skin picking disorder)
• Intermittent explosive disorder (explosive aggressive outbursts)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Oppositional defiant disorder
• Neurodevelopmental disorders
• Panic disorder
• Phobias
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Reactive attachment disorder
• Rumination disorder
• Schizoaffective disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Schizophreniform disorder
• Schizotypal disorder (a mild form of schizophrenia)
• School avoidance
• Selective mutism
• Self-harm behaviors and suicidal ideation
• Somatic symptom disorder (extreme focus on physical symptoms)
• Trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder)

Quickly recognizing the signs that your child is experiencing moderate to severe mental or emotional distress is the first step in getting necessary care. For emergencies, including severe mental health distress and suspected substance overdose, call 911. ERs at our hospitals, including at Dell Children’s Medical Center, are open 24/7. Find a location.

The Grace Grego Maxwell Mental Health Unit is the only pediatric mental health unit in Central Texas that is connected to a children’s hospital. Specialists and care teams provide advanced inpatient and partial inpatient care for children ages 6-17 with serious mental health concerns that need immediate treatment. Our goal is to bring children back to a level of safety and stability so they can return home as quickly as possible. The average stay to receive mental health care is 7 to 8 days. Your child is cared for by a multispecialty team including psychiatrists, therapists, social workers, nurses and behavioral health professionals. When your child no longer needs inpatient care, your child is transitioned to partial inpatient care or outpatient care at Dell Children’s. Your child’s care team connects you to ongoing care and support to keep your child healthy and prevent the need for another hospital stay. A referral is needed to schedule an appointment. For more information about Grace Grego Maxwell Mental Health Unit or to schedule an assessment, please call 512-324-0029.

The intensive outpatient program is five weeks long and is designed for high school-aged teens who need a higher level of care than traditional outpatient care. If your child is showing symptoms such as self-harming behavior, anxiety, depression, family relationship concerns, impulsive or explosive behavior, talk with a mental health specialist. Our goal is to help your child learn communication skills, anger management, positive coping methods, and behaviors that promote healthy family relationships. Your child can participate in a range of therapy options, including family and group therapy. This program meets during the week in the evenings. To learn more, please call 512-324-9999 ext. 88517.

If your child needs ongoing mental health care or is undergoing care for or facing diagnosis of a chronic illness, ask your doctor about a referral to experienced specialists at the Texas Child Study Center. We provide outpatient care at our clinic for emotional, behavioral and developmental health concerns. Your child’s specialists start by listening to better understand your child and their needs. We work closely with you and your child to develop an individualized care plan and adjust it as needed. And we connect you to supportive community resources. We deliver a range of therapeutic care – from individual and family therapy sessions to medication management. For more information about the Texas Child Study Center, please call 512-324-3315.

The partial hospitalization program is designed for teens ages 14-17 who need a higher level of care than outpatient care. If your child is showing symptoms associated with anxiety disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, depression, self-harm or suicidal thoughts, despite previous treatment, they may benefit from partial inpatient care. Your child will be cared for by a pediatric psychiatrist and other pediatric mental health specialists. We work together to provide care for your child until they are ready to transition into our intensive outpatient care – usually about three weeks. To learn more, please call 512-324-9999 ext. 88517.