Child Guidance & Family Solutions

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.

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.

We are shining a spotlight on LaVerdia, who has been on staff with CGFS for 15 years!LaVerdia is an Administrative Assis...
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.

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

At Child Guidance & Family Solutions, we pride ourselves on being there for children, teens, and families when they face...
12/16/2025

At Child Guidance & Family Solutions, we pride ourselves on being there for children, teens, and families when they face emotional and behavioral challenges, wherever they need us. 🧡 💙

As a 501(c)3 nonprofit agency, we emphasize accessibility and work to reduce stigma around seeking help. Serving over 8,000 individuals annually, we meet people where they are—in our offices, schools, pediatricians’ offices, childcare centers, and homes.

A child’s mental health is priceless. Unfortunately, the costs of providing mental health care are higher than ever. We couldn’t do this without the ongoing support of our generous donors.

Will you join us in sustaining and expanding these mental health programs for those who depend on them? We hope that you will consider donating to ensure that we can provide the highest quality of care for this vulnerable population.

To donate online, please visit https://www.cgfs.org/give. For additional ways to give visit cgfs.org or contact us at info@cgfs.org for more information.

CGFS' annual holiday party last Friday was a hit with everyone! A tasty lunch was served, and team members had fun with ...
12/15/2025

CGFS' annual holiday party last Friday was a hit with everyone! A tasty lunch was served, and team members had fun with games, special treats, and exciting prizes.

A special thank you to President & CEO Cassi Galloway for uplifting our team with her thoughtful words of appreciation. She celebrated the agency's many successes over the past year and offered an inspiring look at what’s ahead. Appreciation is also due to Sydney and Rainy, whose planning made the event truly memorable. The festivities were a perfect chance to reflect on achievements and get excited about the opportunities in store for next year!

12/15/2025

🎄 Happy Holidays from the CGFS Team! 🎄

This year, we're especially grateful for our amazing employees. We believe in supporting a great work-life balance, and we can't wait to welcome new talent in the New Year!

Whether you're looking for in-office, community-based, telehealth work, full-time or part-time, we have flexible opportunities that will allow you to grow and reach your goals!

Want to join a team that values you? Check out our open roles at https://www.cgfs.org/careers!

12/12/2025

Our new Crisis Resources page on our website provides immediate support for mental health crises. You can visit the page here, https://www.cgfs.org/crisis-resources.

If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, it may be necessary to call 911 and speak with the police. Be sure to inform the operator that it is a psychiatric emergency and request a CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) officer, who is specially trained to assist individuals experiencing such emergencies.

Portage Path Behavioral Health
Akron Children's Hospital
Summa Health
Cleveland Clinic

Kudos to Rachel on reaching her 10-year milestone with CGFS!Rachel is the Intensive Home-Based Therapy Manager at Child ...
12/10/2025

Kudos to Rachel on reaching her 10-year milestone with CGFS!

Rachel is the Intensive Home-Based Therapy Manager at Child Guidance & Family Solutions, where she supervises a dedicated team that provides the agency's highest level of care to clients in their homes, schools, and communities. By meeting clients where they are, they work together to create meaningful change. In addition to her managerial role, Rachel serves as the Senior Clinical Consultant for Zero Su***de, guiding the agency's efforts in su***de prevention.

Rachel also maintains a caseload of youth and adult clients and says she finds deep fulfillment in witnessing their progress. She says she also values the significant impact her staff has on their clients' lives each day and enjoys watching them grow into confident, skilled professionals.

Rachel began her journey at CGFS as an intern in the Cuyahoga Falls office. After completing her internship, she was hired as a full-time outpatient therapist, where she discovered her passion for working with high-risk youth and their families. After four years in that role, she transitioned into a Clinical Supervisor position, supporting interns and outpatient staff. Five years ago, she stepped into her current leadership role. Rachel says, "CGFS has been my professional home from the very beginning—and I wouldn't change a thing!"

Thank you, Rachel, and congratulations on reaching this milestone! We genuinely value your commitment.

12/08/2025

We are incredibly grateful to The Welty Family Foundation for their years of support!

In 2015, the Foundation, along with others, provided funding for CGFS to purchase automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for each of our offices. We prioritize the safety of both children and adults in our care, and having these AEDs installed will help us respond promptly and effectively in the event of a heart emergency.

A heartfelt thank you to the Foundation for being a steadfast ally in our efforts. This generous grant will make a real difference in the lives of our clients and their families.

Congratulations to Christy on her 10th anniversary with CGFS! As a Billing Specialist, Christy audits fee agreements, ve...
12/04/2025

Congratulations to Christy on her 10th anniversary with CGFS!

As a Billing Specialist, Christy audits fee agreements, verifies insurance eligibility, and ensures compliance with County ADM Board requirements. Her responsibilities include researching denials, updating claims, and collecting payments. Additionally, she works with our clients to assist with (pre)authorizations, insurance verifications, and any billing questions they may have.

Christy says the most rewarding aspect of her job is communicating with clients and helping them with insurance queries. Over the years at CGFS, she has met many team members who are always willing to lend a hand, and she is grateful to work in a positive, supportive environment.

Thank you, Christy! We truly appreciate your dedication.

12/03/2025

CGFS is pleased to offer Medication Management services to our clients and other qualifying individuals, including "Meds Only" services. "Meds Only" refers to a specific approach to mental health treatment that focuses solely on medication management, without incorporating other forms of therapy, such as counseling or psychotherapy.

A CGFS psychiatrist or another qualified medical provider will assess the client and prescribe medication to help manage symptoms of a mental health condition. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor progress, coordinate with physicians, adjust dosages, or change medications as necessary.

Services are available at three convenient Summit County locations. Call the CGFS MedLine at 330-384-2855 to schedule an appointment or for more information.

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

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