River Oak Center for Children: Outpatient Mental Health Services

Darren has spent most of his 18 years of life feeling sad and depressed. To help deal with the pain, he began abusing prescription medications when he was eight. When Darren first came to River Oak, he had isolated himself from friends and family, had angry outbursts, and had a very strained relationship with his mother.

By working with Darren and his mother, River Oak's Outpatient Mental Health Services team was able to provide a combination of treatments that included individual therapy, Functional Family Therapy, and medication management. At the end of treatment, Darren's symptoms of depression improved and he did not rely as much on medication. He doesn't spend as much time alone now and has been having fun outside of home with family and friends. Darren's relationship with his mother also improved dramatically, and the two are happy to be able to communicate with each other better.

Outpatient mental health services are offered at River Oak’s centers, in family homes, and
community settings. Children, adolescents and teens are referred to by parents,
pediatricians, Child Protective Services, social workers, teachers, Healthy Start coordinators,
school counselors, and other health professionals. Services can be requested by calling the
Sacramento County Child and Family Access Team, Department of Health and Human
Services Division of Mental Health, at 916-875-9980. Learn more about River Oak’s
Outpatient Division.