About Us Our Impact How Liam Learned to Use His Brave Voice

Speaking up

How Liam Learned to Use His Brave Voice

A close partnership including Liam’s family, clinical team, and school staff transformed his treatment.

Liam’s Story

When Liam had a speech delay, his parents thought they knew all the right steps to take. They talked with his pediatrician and had him in early intervention. It seemed like he was making progress.

Then came the COVID-19 pandemic. For Liam and so many other children, that progress was lost.

A Crisis Point

Liam stopped speaking to just about everyone, even his grandparents. When he went back to school in September, his parents got a call from his teacher asking if he knew how to talk.

At that point, Liam was four years old. He was mostly nonverbal, and his pediatrician confirmed that he likely had selective mutism. His family went from specialist to specialist in search of more answers, but by the time Liam had a full-blown panic attack at a family wedding, they’d hit what Liam’s mom Sarah describes as a crisis point. That’s when their family turned to the Child Mind Institute.

“If you’ve ever seen your child struggle with a mental health or learning disorder, you know it can feel overwhelming and scary. At least it did for me.”

– Liam’s Mom

Partnering With Schools

Liam’s therapist worked with his teacher to help her understand his diagnosis and how to help Liam in the classroom. Liam’s teacher took the information and worked every day to help him feel safe and comfortable until Liam was able to use his “brave voice” at school.

Finding His Voice

Slowly, Liam’s been able to slowly find his voice again — something his parents weren’t sure would ever happen.

In a sign of his remarkable progress, Liam recently presented in front of his class for the first time. His teacher sent Sarah the video, and it meant everything to her. “It was so amazing and special, tears were just pouring down my face,” says Sarah.

“The care they have given Liam has been transformative — helping him at school, at home, everywhere.”

– Liam’s Mom

Support Children's Mental Health

We’re a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and your support helps ensure no child struggles alone. Donate today to help more kids and families get the care they need.

Donate Now

About Your Donation

About the Child Mind Institute

Millions of children – as many as 1 in 5 – struggle with mental health or learning challenges. Fully 70% of U.S. counties do not have a single child and adolescent psychiatrist. Due to stigma, misinformation, and a lack of access to care, the average time between onset of symptoms and any treatment at all is over 8 years. Our children deserve better.

That’s why the Child Mind Institute was created.

We’re dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders by giving them the help they need. We’ve become the leading independent nonprofit in children’s mental health by providing gold-standard evidence-based care, delivering educational resources to millions of families each year, training educators in underserved communities, and developing tomorrow’s breakthrough treatments.

Together, we truly can transform children’s lives.

Donation Match

To find out if your employer will match your donation and for other enquiries, please contact our development team via phone 646.779.1779 or email developmentinfo@childmind.org.

Donate Now

Donation Information

Child Mind Institute is a tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 80-0478843) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Every donation made to the Child Mind Institute is tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. We do not accept funding from the pharmaceutical industry.

Donor Privacy Policy

We will not sell, share or trade our donors’ names or personal information with any other entity, nor send mailings to our donors on behalf of other organizations. This policy applies to all information received by the Child Mind Institute, both online and offline, as well as any electronic, written, or oral communications. To the extent any donations are processed through a third-party service provider, our donors’ information will only be used for purposes necessary to process the donation.

The Child Mind Institute comprises a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Child Mind Institute, Inc., and two clinical programs, Child Mind Medical Practice, PLLC and Child Mind Medical Practice, PC. Donations to the Child Mind Institute are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. The Child Mind Institute does not accept funding from the pharmaceutical industry. Upon request, a copy of our latest annual report can be obtained by contacting the Child Mind Institute at Attention: Development Office, 215 East 50th Street
New York, New York 10022 or by contacting the Charities Bureau of the Office of the Attorney General at 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271.

More Ways to Support Children's Mental Health

Explore more ways you can support the Child Mind Institute and our mission to transform children’s mental health. From donations by check to giving through your employer, we offer a variety of giving options to fit your preference.

Learn More

More Ways the Child Mind Institute is Transforming Lives

How a Landmark Study is Giving Families Answers

The Child Mind Institute's Healthy Brain Network gave a mother the answers she needed to help her daughter.

Helping Teachers Help Our Kids

The Child Mind Institute is giving teachers tools and resources to support their students in the most helpful and effective way possible.

Together, Maria and Janine are Showing Up for Students

Our School and Community Programs team is providing direct care for high-need students and empowering educators and school counselors.

Our Impact

See how we're transforming the lives of children and families – at home, in school, online, and wherever we’re needed most.