Diagnostic and Urgent Care Services (DUCS)
The Diagnostic and Urgent Care Services clinic provides evaluations for behavioral, emotional,
and/or learning difficulty mental health problems to all children under the age of 18, and their
families. Following a telephone screening with the parent, caregiver, and/or referring professional,
an evaluation appointment will be set up. During the evaluation, a clinical interview of parent and
child will occur. The evaluations are multifaceted and may include diagnostic interviewing,
family assessment, school consultation, psychiatric evaluation, and psychological and neuropsychological
assessment, and/or academic assessment. After the evaluation, the data is collected and reviewed by
our DUCS evaluation team. A DSM-IV based diagnosis, assessment/formulation and comprehensive treatment
recommendations are then decided upon. This, of course, occurs in consultation with the parents and
the child. Most of the children seen in DUCS are referred for treatment within the Child and
Family Institute while very few are referred to other appropriate agencies, including inpatient
facilities, services for the mentally retarded, or other out-patient psychiatric facilities closer
to home. Hours for new patient intakes are Monday through Thursday from 9 AM to 11 AM. An appointment
is required. To schedule an appointment, or for further information, call our Intake Coordinator
at 212-523-3082.
For Information, contact: