Griffith Centers has stood as a pillar of care and healing since 1927. As a nonprofit dedicated to mental and behavioral health, we serve individuals and families who’ve experienced trauma—with heart, compassion, and a vision for lasting change. Today, we support more than 3,000 children, adults, and families each year across the state of Colorado.
Our Why: Healing, Hope, and Human Potential
Equipping people with tools to thrive—not just survive.
At Griffith Centers, we believe that healing is possible for everyone. Our mission is to walk alongside individuals and families as they reclaim their stories, rebuild their resilience, and rediscover hope.
From the very first step, our team meets each person with nonjudgment, compassion, and deep respect—because everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and supported.
The Values That Shape Us
More than words—we live these every day.
We Lead with Service
We meet our communities’ needs through meaningful programming and human-centered care.
We Prioritize Safety
We foster spaces of psychological and physical safety—for both those we serve and those we work alongside.
We Act with Integrity
Ethical practices, honesty, and fairness guide every decision we make.
We’re Fueled by Purpose
Our passion for this mission drives us to show up fully for every client, every time.
We Rise Together
We believe collaboration is the cornerstone of transformation. Together, we go farther.
See Our Impact in Motion
Stories of resilience, community, and commitment.
Programs That Meet the Moment
Griffith Centers specializes in a wide range of therapeutic, evidence-based mental health interventions designed to support families at risk of child maltreatment and trauma. Our services span several core program areas:
Outpatient Mental and Behavioral Health Services (Community Programs)
This core program delivers evidence-based in-home and community-based services for children and families facing risks related to maltreatment or trauma. Our staff work intensively with families to build strengths-based behaviors, teach proven coping skills, and support long-term stability. Services are provided in the home, at Griffith office locations, and via telehealth for those with transportation or access barriers.
ASK (Advocate for Kids’ Success) School & Truancy Program
In partnership with Adams 14 Schools, ASK delivers comprehensive wrap-around services to students at highest risk of disengaging from school. Support targets challenges such as academic struggles, mental health concerns, substance misuse, behavioral issues, unidentified learning disabilities, and family conflict.
Qualified Residential Treatment Program (QRTP)
Our QRTP serves children and adolescents removed from their homes who are experiencing the highest levels of trauma and acuity. Youth in this program receive intensive therapeutic support and typically participate in education and day treatment services designed to promote healing, regulation, and long-term resilience.
J. Wilkins Opportunity School & Day Treatment
This program provides specialized interventions and wrap-around services for students in grades 3–12 at the greatest risk of leaving school due to trauma, neglect, or abuse. Through PRTF programming, Griffith can also address additional grade levels as needed.
Foster Care Services
As a licensed Child Placement Agency, Griffith recruits, trains, and licenses foster parents while providing placements and ongoing support. Services include transition placements for youth exiting residential treatment, as well as adoption support for younger children.
Program Approved Service Agency (PASA)
Our PASA programming supports the intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) community through housing, supportive care, and specialized services, including our new Spec Hab residential option.
Additional Specialized Services
Substance Use Treatment Program – Offering intensive outpatient IOP and partial hospitalization PHP (coming soon) services, integrated with our QRTP to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed care.
Vocational Opportunities for Older Youth – Including hands-on culinary training through Griffith’s Kitchen.
Experiential Education & Curriculum-Based Community Activities (CBCA) – Engaging youth in learning through real-world, community-based experiences.
Animal-Assisted Therapy – Providing therapeutic support rooted in connection, emotional regulation, and trust-building (through residential and day treatment only)
Relinquishment Framework
Griffith’s President and CEO, Tania Sossi, has developed a new Relinquishment Framework to support children and families navigating voluntary or involuntary termination of parental rights – a deeply traumatic process. This training is now being implemented across Colorado, equipping professionals with practical tools and guidance to better support families during this critical transition.
Legacy in Action
A Century of Care—and We’re Just Getting Started
Emily Griffith was more than an educator—she was a force for good. Her vision to uplift children through shelter, education, and compassionate support is the foundation of all we do.
What started as a small shelter for boys has grown into a statewide network of life-changing services—offering healing, hope, and opportunity to thousands each year.
By the Numbers: A Legacy of Impact
Because behind every number is a life changed.
Kids Served in 2024
Family Members Served in 2024
Click the link below to get started with online therapy today!
Contact Info
Headquarters
10190 Bannock St. Suite 120
Northglenn, CO 80260
EIN: 84-0404251
Griffith Centers does not provide emergency mental health services. If you are in crisis or experiencing an emergency, please call 911 or contact Colorado emergency services immediately.
Important Links
Connect With Us
Griffith Centers holds the following licenses and certifications:
Council on Accreditation (COA) of Services for Families and Children, Inc.
Behavioral Health Administration (BHA)
Colorado Department of Education (CDE)
COGNIA (formerly known as AdvancED)
North Central Association of Schools
Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS)
Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF)
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE)
For inquiries regarding our licenses and certifications, please contact us at info@griffithcenters.org.
Written by The Team at Griffith Centers
99 Years of Building Brighter Futures Across Colorado
Learn more about Griffith Centers.
Knowing the signs my child needs counseling often starts with noticing that something feels different, even if you cannot explain exactly what has changed. Ongoing mood changes, withdrawing from people they once enjoyed, emotional reactions, or behaviors that feel bigger than the situation may signal that your child needs additional support.
Many parents reach a point where they know something is wrong but are unsure whether it is time to seek outside help. Reaching out for support does not mean you have failed as a parent. It means you are giving your child more people in their corner who can help them understand their emotions, build coping skills, and work through challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Changes in mood, behavior, relationships, or daily functioning may signal a need for support.
- Parents do not have to wait until a crisis happens to seek help.
- Counseling can provide children with tools, coping skills, and a safe place to talk.
- Different levels of care exist depending on a child’s needs.
- Early support can help children and families feel more connected and prepared.
Table of Contents
- What are the warning signs that my child’s needs have outgrown what I can manage at home?
- What levels of care exist between talking to my child and seeking professional help?
- How do I find the right type of support without feeling overwhelmed by options?
- What happens during the first appointment or intake with a mental health provider?
- Will getting outside help mean my child gets labeled or diagnosed?
- How do I know if this requires outpatient support or something more intensive?
- What do I do if my child resists the idea of getting help?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What are the warning signs that my child’s needs have outgrown what I can manage at home?
The signs your child needs counseling often involve ongoing changes in emotions, behavior, relationships, or daily functioning. Children may show signs through increased irritability, withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed, changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty managing emotions, or struggles at school or home. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) recommends paying attention to changes in a child's emotions, behavior, or functioning that last over time or interfere with daily life.
Parents often search for child mental health warning signs because they sense something has changed but are unsure whether it is part of normal development or a sign their child may benefit from additional support. A helpful question is not only, “Is this behavior difficult?” but also, “Is my child struggling in a way that affects their ability to enjoy life, connect with others, or manage everyday challenges?”
When behaviors, emotions, or concerns continue despite your support, it may be time to consider additional help.
How do I find the right type of support without feeling overwhelmed by options?
Finding the right support starts with understanding your child’s specific needs rather than searching for a single solution. Parents may need support too, especially when they are navigating behavior changes, family stress, or uncertainty about how to respond.
You do not need to have all the answers before reaching out. The first conversation is often about gathering information, understanding your options, and identifying what type of support will be most helpful.
At Griffith Centers, our team helps families understand what their child may be experiencing and determine the level of support that best fits their needs. Parent coaching can also provide caregivers with guidance, practical tools, and strategies to be more confident supporting their child. Learn more about our parent coaching services.
What happens during the first appointment or intake with a mental health provider?
A first appointment usually focuses on learning about your child, your concerns, and what support may be helpful.
A provider may ask questions about your child’s emotions, behaviors, relationships, school experiences, family history, and current challenges. The goal is not to judge your parenting or immediately assign a label.
The intake process helps providers understand the bigger picture. It creates a starting point for developing recommendations that match your child’s needs.
Parents often feel relief after the first conversation because they no longer have to figure everything out alone.
Will getting outside help mean my child gets labeled or diagnosed?
Getting outside help does not automatically mean your child will receive a diagnosis or be labeled.
Mental health support is designed to understand what a child is experiencing and identify ways to help. Some children benefit from counseling simply because they need a safe place to express feelings, learn coping skills, or navigate difficult situations.
A diagnosis, when appropriate, is only one part of understanding a child’s needs. It does not define who your child is or determine their future.
The purpose of support is to help children feel understood, build confidence, and develop skills to help them handle challenges.
How do I know if this requires outpatient support or something more intensive?
The level of support your child needs depends on the severity of their challenges and how those challenges affect daily life.
Outpatient counseling may be appropriate for children experiencing anxiety, emotional struggles, family concerns, behavioral challenges, or life transitions while still managing daily activities.
More intensive support may be needed when a child is experiencing significant safety concerns, severe emotional distress, or challenges that require a higher level of structure and supervision.
A qualified provider can help you understand the options and determine what level of care makes sense. Reaching out for guidance is an important first step.
What do I do if my child resists the idea of getting help?
A child’s resistance to counseling is common and does not always mean they do not need support.
Many children feel unsure about therapy because they worry they will be judged, blamed, or asked to talk about things they are not ready to share. Parents can make the process feel safer by explaining that counseling is a place where children can learn coping skills, understand their feelings, and have another trusted person supporting them.
Start the conversation with honesty and reassurance. Let your child ask questions, express concerns, and share what feels uncomfortable without pressuring them to immediately open up.
Avoid presenting therapy as a punishment or something they have to do because they “misbehaved.” When children feel respected and included in the process, they are often more willing to build trust and engage with support.
What levels of care exist between talking to my child and seeking professional help?
There are several levels of support between handling concerns at home and seeking intensive treatment.
Some children can benefit from outpatient counseling, where they meet regularly with a therapist to address emotions, build coping skills, improve relationships, and work through specific challenges. Some children may need additional support through family therapy, school-based services, community programs, or more structured levels of care depending on their individual needs.
The right level of care depends on your child’s needs, safety concerns, symptoms, and daily functioning. A mental health provider can help you understand what type of support is appropriate.
Seeking support does not mean a child is “in trouble.” Counseling can be a proactive way to help children build skills before challenges become overwhelming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Most Effective Ways to Help My Child Calm Down During an Anxiety or Anger Episode at Home?
The most effective approaches are usually simple and consistent. Calm breathing, grounding exercises, emotional labeling, and reducing stimulation can help children regain control. Practice these skills regularly so they feel familiar when stress occurs.
How Long Does It Take for Kids to Learn Emotional Regulation Skills With Support From Home and Therapy?
Emotional regulation develops over time rather than overnight. Some children show improvement within weeks, while others need months or longer, depending on age, developmental factors, and the severity of symptoms. Consistency is often more important than speed.
What Should I Do if My Child Refuses to Use Coping Strategies We Practice Together?
Refusal is common, especially when children are highly emotional. Continue modeling the skills yourself and practice during calm moments. Offering choices can also increase cooperation and help children feel more in control.
How Can I Tell if My Approach at Home Is Actually Helping My Child's Emotional Regulation Improve?
Look for gradual progress rather than perfection. Signs of improvement may include shorter meltdowns, faster recovery times, increased emotional awareness, and greater willingness to use coping strategies. Small changes often add up over time.
About Griffith Centers
For nearly 100 years, Griffith Centers has supported children, adolescents, and families throughout Colorado through compassionate, family-centered behavioral health services. We provide child therapy, family therapy, family preservation services, youth advocacy programs, trauma-informed care, emotional wellness support, and community-based mental health services designed to strengthen families and improve outcomes. By helping children build resilience, emotional awareness, and healthy coping skills, Griffith Centers continues its mission of building brighter futures across Colorado.
Contact us to learn more about online therapy services and schedule your first appointment today.