Parent Resources
Programs for Parents & Children
The Pediatric Development and Behavioral Health team at Albany Medical Center offers support programs to help you engage with other parents, discuss concerns, ask questions, and more.
To register, use the links provided under each program. For more information, call 518-262-5401 or email [email protected].
Raising the Spectrum: Parent Support Group
Parents with children on the Autism Spectrum are invited to participate in a weekly, virtual program. Our goal is to create a space for parents to support one another while sharing their experiences, joys, and challenges of raising a child on the spectrum.
The group meets virtually Fridays at noon.
Register here for Raising the Spectrum: Parent Support Group
Once we receive your information, you will receive a link for the program. Your insurance will be billed for each meeting you attend.
Teen Friendship Group
Teens are invited to join us to talk about social skills and social responsiveness. Each week there will be an interactive activity related to various topics - including friendship, non-verbal communication, conflict resolution and self esteem.
The group meets Wednesdays from 4:00 - 4:45 p.m. for five weeks. New series start frequently. Once you have registered to participate, you will receive more information regarding the next start date.
Thursday @Noon Parenting Program
Parents are invited to participate in a weekly virtual program. Topics for these group meetings vary each week, and you are welcome to participate in any or all of the meetings.
Register here for our Thursday @Noon Parenting Program.
Once we receive your information, you will receive a link for the next scheduled program. Your insurance will be billed for each meeting you attend.
Friendship Group
The Friendship Group is designed for kids aged 7-12 to attend with a parent or guardian and focuses on social skills. Meetings will be held in-person at Albany Medical Center Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics, 391 Myrtle Avenue, Floor 3, Albany.
A master's level intern will teach social skills and monitor your child's progress in the session. Parents will learn the same skills with our PhD level interns, which will help foster a positive communication link between the parent and child.
Register here for the Friendship Group program.
Once we receive your registration, you will receive an email with more information. You will be billed through your child's insurance for attending a group session.
New Diagnosis Parent Support Group
This monthly program, held virtually at noon on Fridays, is for parents whose child has recently been diagnosed with autism or ADHD.
Register here for the New Diagnosis Parent Support Group.
Once we receive your registration, you will receive an email with more information.
Additional Support
Navigating a diagnosis, illness, or a range of emotions can be difficult, and you may be looking for some additional reading materials or resources at home. Below you'll find a list of provider-recommended organizations and websites for a variety of topics.
General Mental Health Resources:
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- HealthyChildren.Org – Emotional Problems
- CDC - Poor mental health impacts adolescent well-being
- On Our Sleeves - The Movement for Children's Mental Health
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America
- UCLA Center for Child Anxiety Resilience Education and Support (CARES)
- Child Mind Institute - Transforming Children's Mental Health
- SPACE - Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions: parent-based treatment program
- NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
- Mental Health America
- InfoAboutKids.org
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Coping Skills
ADHD/Autism Resources:
Suicide/Trauma/Abuse/Self-Harm Resources/Eating Disorders:
- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
- Childhelp: National Child Abuse Hotline
- Suicide Prevention Resource Center
- 988: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline resources
- Self-Injury & Recovery Resources from Cornell University
- National Eating Disorders Association
Bullying Resources:
LGBTQ+ Resources:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or text 838255
- Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call 988
- Girls & Boys Town National Hotline: 1-800-448-3000
- National Hopeline Network: 1-877-8-HOPENY (467369) or text HOPENY
- National Youth Crisis Hotline: 1-800-442-HOPE (4673)
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788
- RAINN Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline: 1-800-950-6264 or text “helpline” to 62640
- American Autism Association: 1-877-654-4483
- Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
- National Helpline for Substance Use: 1-844-289-0879
- National Eating Disorders Association Helpline: 1-800-931-2237 or text “NEDA” to 741741
- Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860 10 AM- 4AM EST
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Support): 1-866-488-7386
- Albany County Mobile Crisis Phone Number: 518-549-6500
- Text Crisis Line: Text 741741