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Support Children's Mental Health

Your donation ensures that all families receive the mental health support they need.

Ava's Story

Millions of young people — as many as 1 in 5 — struggle with mental health or learning disorders.

Ava is one of them. Diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), Ava had difficulty relating to her peers, managing anxious thoughts, and participating in activities both at school and at home.

Ava's Treatment

Dr. Bethany Vibert, Former Psychologist at the Child Mind Institute

Ava's Treatment

Looking for answers, 13-year-old Ava and her family came to the Child Mind Institute. They began working with Dr. Bethany Vibert, a psychologist and researcher specializing in autism spectrum disorders. She also enrolled in the Child Mind Institute’s Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®), a 14-week evidence-based social skills intervention.

Ava learned key communication techniques in a safe and secure environment and had the opportunity to practice her new skills with a small group of kids her age.

“Before the program, I could make friends but I just couldn’t relate to them…there seemed to be all these unwritten rules I had no understanding of. The PEERS Program helped me understand those rules, what my peers were looking for, and how to connect.”

– Ava, Child Mind Institute Patient

Empowering Ava's Parents

Ava and her parents

Empowering Ava's Parents

While Ava was learning to connect with her peers, her parents were working with Child Mind Institute clinicians to learn how to help Ava expand her social network. They also learned how to provide feedback and coaching during Ava’s weekly socialization homework assignments.

Ava’s father, Sterling, has advice for other families going through similar challenges. Rather than looking for a “fix,” he recommends that parents explore who their child is and give them the tools they need to grow into the best version of themselves.

“It’s not about fixing Ava, it’s just about making Ava the best that she can be.”

– Sterling, Ava’s Father

Finding Her Voice & Looking Forward

Ava and her father, Sterling

Finding Her Voice & Looking Forward

Before working with the Child Mind Institute, Ava had trouble speaking up for herself — she says she would often hide her emotions from others. Today, she is using her voice not only to express herself but to advocate for others.

After Ava noticed some inadvertently offensive posters about autism at her school, she consulted others in the autism community and suggested more inclusive and sensitive messaging to her school’s principal. Ava has also taken a stand for student rights, approaching the school board about the accommodations and support she and others need in the classroom.

“It’s okay that you’re struggling and it’s okay to tell people your problems. It doesn’t mean that you couldn’t handle them yourself, it doesn’t mean that you’re weak…it just means that you’re getting the help you need and that shows incredible strength.”
– Ava, Child Mind Institute Patient

Help Kids Like Ava Get the Care they Need

As an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we rely on the support of individuals who share our belief that no child with a mental health or learning disorder should have to struggle alone. Donate today to allow more children and families to get the help they need.

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

Discover how we’re engaging and supporting a village of people committed to helping kids every day.

It Takes a Village: 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.

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It Takes a Village: 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.

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It Takes a Village: 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.

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It Takes a Village

Read stories about how the Child Mind Institute is engaging and supporting a village of people committed to helping kids every day.

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Our Impact

Learn more about how the Child Mind Institute is making change for communities and for individuals struggling with mental health.