For more than 50 years, Children’s Crisis Treatment Center (CCTC) has played a critical role in supporting the mental and behavioral health of children and families across the Philadelphia region. Each year, the organization serves more than 3,500 children and caregivers, providing care that is grounded in both clinical expertise and a deep understanding of the communities it serves.
CCTC’s work is centered on helping children who have experienced trauma. Whether that trauma stems from family instability, community violence, or other adverse childhood experiences, it can have lasting effects on a child’s development and well-being. CCTC responds with a trauma-informed approach that recognizes these realities and focuses on building stability, resilience, and healthy relationships over time.
What sets CCTC apart is how it delivers care. Rather than expecting families to navigate complex systems on their own, the organization brings services into the places where children live, learn, play, and grow. Through a combination of center-based, school-based, and community-based programs, CCTC is able to meet children where they are and provide consistent, coordinated support.
The Therapeutic Nursery program is one example of this approach in action. Designed for children ages two and a half to five, the program provides structured, intensive support during a critical stage of development. For older children, outpatient therapy and school-based behavioral health services offer ongoing care that can adapt as needs change.
CCTC has significantly expanded its presence in schools in recent years, growing from serving a smaller group of schools to more than 40 across public, charter, and private systems. By embedding programs directly in schools, the organization removes barriers to access and helps students stay engaged in the classroom. This work supports not only emotional well-being, but also attendance, behavior, and academic success.
The organization has also strengthened its partnerships in the community, through its Integrated Services program. These collaborations reflect a broader commitment to providing care in familiar and trusted spaces. For many families, this approach makes it easier to access support and stay connected to services over time.
Beyond direct care, CCTC is also engaged in advocacy and broader systems work. CCTC’s leadership is committed to improving access to behavioral health services and ensuring that care is responsive to the needs of diverse communities. This perspective informs both its programming and its partnerships across the region.
As children’s mental health needs remain a vital focus, CCTC is committed to sustaining and strengthening its impact. Under the leadership of CEO, Antonio Valdés, the organization is investing in its programs, expanding partnerships, and building the infrastructure needed to support long term growth.
CCTC’s work is ultimately about creating a sense of hope for children and their families. By helping children and families navigate some of their most challenging moments, they are building a foundation for brighter futures.
