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Monday 8:30am - 8pm Tuesday 8am - 8pm Wednesday 8:30am - 9pm Thursday 8:30am - 8pm Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Child Guidance & Family Solutions

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United States
Akron, OH
Child Guidance & Family Solutions

A nationally recognized community mental & behavioral health agency in Summit County, Ohio.

For over 75 years we’ve provided choice mental, emotional and behavioral healthcare for children, adolescents and families. Our qualified, caring team produces superior outcomes using innovative and proven approaches. We relieve suffering and strengthen Ohio families through integrated services, collaboration and advocacy. In 1939 The Junior League of Akron established ‘Child Guidance Center’ to relieve the suffering of children who face mental, emotional and behavioral health challenges. In 2003, Child Guidance merged with Family Solutions to become “Child Guidance & Family Solutions (CG&FS)”, combining rich histories into one that is able to serve the whole family – parents, children and guardians – in a seamless way. Currently we accommodate nearly 2000 visits from children and families each week in our offices and provide services to over 400 adults. We offer crisis services 24-7-365 to ensure that children and families who find themselves in an emergency have somewhere to turn for help. We have staff providing services to several thousand more children through eight public school districts in Summit County (Akron, Barberton, Coventry, Cuyahoga Falls, Green, Hudson, Norton and Stow), and at over 40 preschools throughout the area.

01/14/2026

⭐ Green location coming soon! ⭐

We are excited to announce that Child Guidance & Family Solutions will be opening a new location in Green, Ohio!

This new location means even more convenient, compassionate care for families in Southern Summit and Northern Stark Counties. It will be easier than ever for families to access the support and resources every child deserves to thrive.

You will be able to find our new location at 3500 Massillon Rd. Green, Ohio 44685.

01/12/2026

We want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Diana on her 30th anniversary with Child Guidance & Family Solutions!

Diana is the accounting specialist here at Child Guidance & Family Solutions.

Her job has changed many times over the years. Initially, Diana started as a part-time accounts payable clerk. Over time, her responsibilities changed, and she expanded her knowledge of the accounting world, as well as coming on full-time.

Diana said, "While it's been known to be quite a roller coaster ride, I am happy to have met and worked with so many amazing people."

Thank you, Diana, and congratulations on reaching this milestone! We truly value your commitment and dedication.

01/09/2026

Is it Winter Blues or Something Else?

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression linked to seasonal changes.

Fortunately, there are many helpful strategies to support mental health this season:

💙 Get outside! Even on cloudy days, you'll get more light exposure than you would indoors.
💙 Exercise! Physical activity releases "feel-good" chemicals and reduces stress hormones.
💙 Plan enjoyable activities! This gives you something to look forward to and reduces avoidance.
💙 Let the light in! Add more lamps, open window shades, sit by a window, or utilize a light box which mimics outdoor light.
💙 Stay connected! Reach out to friends and family to decrease isolation.
💙 Reach out for help! Consult a healthcare provider or mental health professional to determine treatment options.

If you or a loved one is ready to reach out for support, please visit https://www.cgfs.org/request-appointment.

01/08/2026

Is it Winter Blues or Something Else?

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression linked to seasonal changes.

💙 In most cases, the episodes begin in fall or winter and remit in spring.
💙 Symptoms can include low mood, fatigue, loss of interest, and sleep/appetite changes.
💙 While causes for SAD are still being studied, one factor that appears to be linked is reduced sunlight. Less sunlight can disrupt our bodies internal clock (circadian rhythm).
💙 SAD is more common in northern regions that get less sunlight during the winter.
💙 SAD is not the same as "winter blues." While there may be some overlapping symptoms, "winter blues" don't usually disrupt daily functioning, while SAD typically does.

If you or a loved one is ready to reach out for support, please visit https://www.cgfs.org/request-appointment.

01/06/2026

Mental health shapes how we feel, act, and think. During this new year, it is meaningful to pause and think about your emotional well-being and give yourself permission to start fresh. It is okay to prioritize the care you deserve.

Why is mental health so important?

❤️ Essential for your whole body to stay healthy
❤️ Help with daily living
❤️ Coping with stress
❤️ Find purpose and meaning
❤️ Manage emotions, make decisions, and solve problems
❤️ Social connections

As we head into a new year, if you or your child is having a tough time with emotional health, you’re not alone. We are here to offer support, hope, and a healthy path to you and your family through our mental health services.

12/30/2025

We will be closed tomorrow and Thursday for the New Year.

If you or a loved one is in need of immediate help, our 24-hour crisis line will remain open at (330) 762-0591.

12/29/2025

At Child Guidance & Family Solutions (CGFS), we greatly value our partnership with Portage Path Behavioral Health (PPBH). With funding from a Proactive Grant provided by the Akron Community Foundation, PPBH has collaborated with us this year to offer mental health services to local families experiencing homelessness residing in ACCESS, Inc., and Family Promise of Summit County shelters.

Mental health professionals from both CGFS and PPBH have been available at these shelters weekly to provide consultations, education, and connections to additional services for both children and adults. They have also trained shelter staff to better support residents' mental health needs.

Additionally, PPBH contributed information about their services for inclusion in our new Mental Health Resource Cards. These cards serve as a valuable resource for the general public and law enforcement officers to distribute during mental health emergencies.

Thank you for your collaboration, PPBH. Together, we are making a real difference!

12/26/2025

💡 Parenting Tip: Nurturing Self-Worth

Nurturing your child's self-worth is a vital aspect of their emotional health. A strong sense of self-worth contributes to healthy relationships and overall success in life.

Here are some practical ways to foster self-worth in your child:

❤️ Show acceptance and unconditional love, regardless of their mistakes or behaviors.
🧡 Use positive reinforcement to acknowledge their character, accomplishments, and efforts.
💛 Encourage your child to make appropriate age decisions and take accountability for their actions.
💚 Teach problem-solving skills to help them navigate challenges.
💙 Promote engaging activities and limit screen time.
💜 Be a role model by demonstrating the behaviors and attitudes you want them to adopt.

12/23/2025

We will be closed tomorrow and Thursday for the Holidays.

If you or a loved one is in need of immediate help, our 24-hour crisis line will remain open at (330) 762-0591.

12/22/2025

Feelings of loneliness during the holidays are common and can stem from factors such as physical distance from loved ones, high expectations, and shifting family dynamics. Social media comparisons and loss can also contribute, along with overscheduling, which can lead to burnout.

Akron Roundtable recently hosted Vivek Murthy, the former U.S. surgeon general, who spoke about loneliness as a public health issue. For a summary of his insights, check out Signal Akron's recap here: https://bit.ly/4o5WrGJ

To combat loneliness, CGFS's therapists recommend several effective strategies:
⭐ Actively seeking social connections by reaching out to friends and family through calls or video chats, attending local events
⭐ Volunteering, or joining clubs
⭐ Prioritizing self-care by maintaining healthy habits and planning enjoyable activities

If your feelings of loneliness become overwhelming, consider seeking professional help. Child Guidance & Family Solutions is here for you and just a phone call away.

PBS Western Reserve
Knight Foundation
State and Federal Communications, Inc.

12/18/2025

We are shining a spotlight on LaVerdia, who has been on staff with CGFS for 15 years!

LaVerdia is an Administrative Assistant at CGFS, where she manages a variety of tasks while supporting the Toddlers and Preschoolers Succeeding (TAPS) Consultants at our Central Office in Akron. Additionally, she works in the medical records department at the Cuyahoga Falls Office, where she checks in clients, maintains health records, and performs other administrative duties.

LaVerdia finds the connection with her colleagues and the clients we assist to be the most rewarding part of her job. She states, "Together, we all contribute to changing the lives of people in need."

Her experience with CGFS has been fulfilling, as she enjoys hearing success stories from the TAPS childcare centers. She appreciates the gratitude expressed by administrators, teachers, and parents for the TAPS program and the valuable activities it offers to promote child development.

Thank you, LaVerdia, we truly appreciate your dedication! Congratulations on reaching this milestone.

12/17/2025

CGFS is pleased to announce Rachel DePauw as the 2025 recipient of the Dr. Louis D. Kacalieff (LDK) Award!

Established in 1986, the LDK Award honors Dr. Louis D. Kacalieff, a distinguished psychiatrist and longtime CGFS Executive Director. Dr. Kacalieff believed, “An institution is only as great as its staff: a staff that is dedicated, that performs with excellence and is creative in fostering the purpose and function of the institution.” Although he passed away in 2000, his legacy lives on through this award, which recognizes staff members for their commitment to advancing child psychiatry through innovative thinking and positive contributions to CGFS’s mission.

As the Intensive Home-Based Therapy Manager at Child Guidance & Family Solutions, Rachel leads a dedicated team that delivers the agency’s highest level of care to clients in their homes, schools, and communities. Rachel also serves as Senior Clinical Consultant for Zero Su***de, guiding the agency’s su***de prevention initiatives, and she maintains a caseload of both youth and adult clients.

Through her innovative ideas, Rachel has expanded client outreach, enhanced staff development, and strengthened her team. We are grateful for your dedication, Rachel. Congratulations!

Address

18 N Forge Street
Akron, OH
44304

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 8pm
Tuesday	8am - 8pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 9pm
Thursday	8:30am - 8pm
Friday	8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+13307620591

Website

http://www.cgfs.org/

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