News

SteelMike Shootout Presented by CHC is Back on August 28

Family-friendly event celebrates the legacy of a Menlo School basketball star and school counselor with a basketball tournament that raises critical funds for adolescent mental health services at CHC.

Children’s Health Council (CHC), a Palo Alto-based nonprofit that offers mental health and learning services to children, teens and young adults, and the Michael Harris Foundation, a nonprofit that promotes mental wellness among adolescents and emerging adults, are excited to announce that the SteelMike Shootout will return to Menlo School on August 28. Registration is open now and free for spectators. Read more ›

CHC Names Clinical Services Division in Honor of Catherine T. Harvey

Children’s Health Council (CHC) has announced that its Clinical Services division, which provides best-in-class psychological and psychiatric care and expert diagnostic evaluation services for young children through young adults, will now be known as the Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services, effective immediately. Read more ›

CHC Board of Directors Announces Selection of New CEO for Children’s Health Council

The Board of Directors for Children’s Health Council (CHC) has announced the selection of Dr. Ryan C. Eisenberg to succeed Dr. Rosalie Whitlock as CEO of CHC. This announcement is the result of a nine-month comprehensive search. Read more ›

CHC in the Press: Menlo School Holds Benefit Concert for Teen Mental Health

Students and community leaders came together for a special event to raise awareness and funds for teen mental health. The Menlo Voices for Hope student committee presented Music for Mental Health, a benefit concert April 3, 2022, with performances, speakers and art at the Spieker Center on the campus of Menlo School. Read more ›

Strategy to Address the National Mental Crisis Announced at the State of the Union

In his first State of the Union address on March 1, 2022, President Biden announced a national mental health strategy to strengthen system capacity, connect more Americans to care, and create a continuum of support –transforming our health and social services infrastructure to address mental health holistically and equitably. Read more ›

October Is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month

October is the month in which we highlight the need for depression awareness and accessible and affordable mental health screenings. Read more ›

Schwab Learning Center at CHC Opening in September 2021

Dr. Rosalie Whitlock, CEO of Children’s Health Council, today announced that the Schwab Learning Center at CHC will open this fall. The Center is supported by a generous endowment gift from The Charles and Helen Schwab Foundation. The program will provide supportive services to university and high school students with learning and attention challenges as well as the mental health issues that often accompany them. Read more ›

Dr. Vidya Krishnan Named Chief Psychiatrist and Medical Officer

Our CEO Dr. Rosalie Whitlock shares, “We are so fortunate to have an exceptional professional like Vidya on our staff–a deeply compassionate and committed individual who can provide strong leadership in this critical role at CHC.” Read more ›

CHC Board of Directors Announces the Retirement of Chief Executive Officer Rosalie Whitlock, PhD.

The Board of Directors for Children’s Health Council (CHC) today announced that the organization’s Chief Executive Officer Rosalie Whitlock, PhD. has made the decision to retire a year from now on June 30, 2022, beginning a thoughtfully-planned leadership transition that will take place over the next year. Dr. Whitlock’s retirement marks the completion of a remarkable career of over 30 years of service as a passionate and tireless advocate for children and their families. Read more ›

CHC in the Press: The Importance of Checking In — CHC Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Ramsey Khasho

In an interview withe the Nob Hill Gazette, CHC’s Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Ramsey Khasho, offers invaluable insight on what many children, young adults and families have been facing — and invites parents to take an active approach to their children’s mental health. Read more ›

CHC in the Press: How CHC Is Leading an Emotional Recovery for Silicon Valley Families

CHC has been a hub for resources for youth mental health, learning differences, ADHD, anxiety, depression and autism. The year 2023 will mark 70 years since Peninsula-based pediatrician Dr. Esther B. Clark founded Children’s Health Council as “a place where kids come first,” with its clinical services, community clinic and the Sand Hill School and Esther B. Clark Schools. Numerous points of connection, including a podcast, blog, workshops, resource library and now, telehealth access, have expanded greatly over the last year to meet increased demand. Read more ›

Children’s Health Council Awarded $2.5 Million to Provide COVID-19 Mental Health Crisis Recovery by Jack Dorsey’s #StartSmall Initiative

PALO ALTO, Calif. February 11, 2021– Twitter and Square Co-founder and CEO Jack Dorsey has awarded Children’s Health Council (CHC) $2.5 million to support the Bay Area agency’s COVID-19 Crisis Recovery Initiative to build capacity to respond to the mental health needs of children, teens, young adults and families that have been exacerbated by the pandemic. Read more ›

CHC in the News: Are the Kids Alright? Teens Speak Out About the Emotional Toll of a Year in Isolation

Nine months into the global pandemic, Riley Capuano told a grid of faces on a Zoom screen why she and her peers needed schools to reopen.

“I’ve never seen this many students struggling with mental health,” the Los Altos High School junior said during a virtual school board meeting on Dec. 14. “Being cooped up in your home all day is really, really tough. Read more ›

CHC Launches Voices of Compassion Podcast Series

CHC is thrilled to introduce a new podcast series, Voices of Compassion.

2020. The year that will not end. We started with COVID-19 in March and sheltering in place. And then layered on school closure and added distance learning. On top of that, we’ve experienced social unrest regarding race and tens of thousands of people evacuated due to wildfires. How much more can we take? Read more ›

October Is ADHD Awareness Month

The goal of ADHD Awareness Month is to raise awareness of ADHD, remove the stigma, and highlight the available supports that enable individuals and families to thrive with ADHD. Read more ›

Children’s Health Council and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Celebrate 30 Years of Partnership

Providing an APA-Approved Doctoral Internship Program in Clinical and Pediatric Psychology

In 1990, the American Psychological Association (APA) accredited a consortium internship program between Children’s Health Council (CHC) and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford (LPCH). Thirty years later, the prestigious program receives well over 100 applications annually for just four spots, attracting the top doctoral students from around the country. Read more ›

CHC in the News: Mental Health Experts on Managing Back to School Anxiety Amid Pandemic

Dr. Vidya Krishnan, Head of Adolescent Mental Health Services and Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at Children’s Health Council, appeared on KTVU News to discuss strategies for coping with the anxiety and stress many families are experiencing as children head back to school remotely. Read more ›

CHC in the Press: Health Council CEO Spotlights Mental Health

Half Moon Bay resident Rosalie Whitlock is one person focused on the effects of the pandemic on the well-being of kids. She is the CEO of the Children’s Health Council, which operates schools to support kids with learning disabilities and offers mental health counseling. Read more ›

July is BIPOC Mental Health Month

BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Mental Health month creates awareness about the unique experiences and struggles individuals who identify as BIPOC encounter with respect to mental health. Read more ›

Stanford Children’s Health and CHC Now Enrolling Families for Fall/Summer Session of Intensive Outpatient Program

For young people who struggle with suicidal and/or self-harm urges and behaviors, Stanford Children’s Health in collaboration with Children’s Health Council, offers a specialized intervention program that is currently enrolling families for their summer/fall session. Read more ›

Welcome Back! Limited In-Person Services Now Available at CHC

Dear Friends,

We are excited to announce that, beginning this week, limited assessment and evaluation services will now be available in-person at CHC. Read more ›

Standing Strong

Dear Friends,

We are all struggling to process the upsetting events that are unfolding in our country right now. We stand with our communities to oppose racism, hatred and bigotry of any kind and we continue to work each and every day with our colleagues, friends and neighbors to realize a vision of hope for the future.
Read more ›

Community Education Sessions and Parent Support Groups Available Online

CHC is offering free online community education sessions and virtual parent support groups that address your challenges and concerns and provide strategies and resources to support your child, your family and yourself as we navigate this time of disruption and uncertainty.

We’re all in this together, and CHC is here to help. Read more ›

CHC Offers New Process Groups for Teens and Young Adults

Join us as we figure out how to cope in place. Read more ›

This Is Hard. Let Us Help.

Dear Friends,

Shelter in place. Be a perfect parent. Be an instant teacher. Be an outstanding employee.

Many of us are being expected to be all things to all people, all at once. Not surprisingly, the strain is taking a toll on our mental health. CHC can help you and your family wherever you are on this emotional and unpredictable journey. Read more ›

CHC’s Chris Harris Honored for Exemplary Service in Behavioral Health

Chris Harris, Chief Schools Officer for CHC and the Interim head of Sand Hill School, has been honored with a Community Hero Award for his exemplary service as a professional educator who “has taken the extra steps in providing behavioral health services by going beyond his job description.” Read more ›

May Is Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to educate the community about mental and behavioral health issues, promote access to care and treatment, and reduce the stigma associated with mental health challenges. Read more ›

U.S. Department of Education Announces Grant Competition to Rethink K-12 Education Models

The United State Department of Education has announced a new grant program offering $307.5 million in funds for states to “create adaptable, innovative learning opportunities for K-12 and postsecondary learners in response to the COVID-19 national emergency.” Read more ›

Stanford Medicine National Daily Health Survey for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Our partners at Stanford Medicine have recently launched an incredibly helpful initiative called the National Daily Health Survey. The information collected will help inform policymakers and public guidance as we work globally to fight the spread of COVID-19. Read more ›

CHC in the News: Addressing Children’s Negative Behavior During the COVID-19 Health Crisis

Dr. Ramsey Khasho, chief clinical officer at Children’s Health Council, appeared on KTVU News to discuss how parents can address children’s negative behavior during the COVID-19 health crisis. Read more ›

CHC in the Press: In the Time of the Coronavirus, Zoom and Skype Are the New Therapist’s Office

With local youth and families sheltering at home, counseling sessions and support groups that used to take place face-to-face in school wellness centers, clinics and private offices across Santa Clara and San Mateo counties have gone completely virtual. Read more ›

Openings for RISE Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Dear Friends,

As we continue to navigate the catastrophic physical tolls of COVID-19, there is growing concern about the impact of the crisis on our mental health. A recent Washington Post article states that “the pandemic has escalated into a nationwide psychological trauma,” adding, “if you’re scared, anxious, depressed, struggling to sleep through the night, or just on edge, you’re not alone.” Read more ›

California Superintendent of Public Instruction Says Schools Are Likely to Be Closed for the Rest of the Academic Year

California’s schools chief Tony Thurmond is recommending that the state’s public schools plan to provide distance learning to students through the end of their school year. Read more ›

California Department of Public Health Orders Individuals to Stay Home Except for Essential Needs

The California State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health is ordering all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence, except as needed to maintain continuity of operation of the federal critical infrastructure sectors, critical government services, schools, childcare, and construction, including housing construction.
Read more ›

California School Districts Learn More About What State Expects During a Long Shutdown

Gov. Gavin Newsom advised school districts on Tuesday that they should expect to be closed the rest of the school year. On Wednesday, a 75-minute webinar led by the California Department of Education, viewed by about 7,000 people, provided guidance on how to provide distance learning, meals for students and limited child care while schools are shut down because of the coronavirus. Read more ›

We Are in This Together

Our thoughts are with you and your families during this unprecedented time. We are all doing our best to slow down and care for one another while we navigate uncharted territory with patience, kindness and grace.

CHC remains committed to the children, teens and young adults with learning and mental health challenges throughout the Bay Area, today and always. Read more ›

Comcast’s Internet Essentials Helps Connect Low-Income Families to the Internet

Comcast’s Internet Essentials helps connect low-income families to the internet at home. New Internet Essentials customers will receive two free months of Internet service, which is available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95 per month plus tax. Read more ›

March 16 Coronavirus Update

Dear Parents, Clients and Friends of CHC,

The COVID-19 situation is changing rapidly and we want to keep you informed so you can make plans for your family. As you know, earlier today six Bay Area counties issued Shelter-In-Place orders: Santa Clara, San Mateo, San Francisco, Marin, Alameda and Contra Costa. You can access details about this order here. As a result, CHC’s Palo Alto, Ravenswood and South Bay offices will close at midnight on March 16. Most mental health services will be addressed via telehealth. Read more ›

March 13 Coronavirus Update

Dear Parents, Clients and Friends of CHC,

As we all make our way through the uncharted waters of COVID-19, the health and safety of our clients, students, families and staff are the top priority, so we are reaching out to you. The situation remains fluid. Guidelines have been changing on a daily/hourly basis. Our Emergency Response Team has been closely monitoring the rapidly-changing situation so we can make responsible decisions and keep you informed. Read more ›

Spring 2020 Community Education Sessions to Be Delivered Online

We are continuing to follow CDC guidelines for COVID-19 at CHC and as a result, we are planning to deliver the remainder of our Community Education sessions online. Read more ›

Reddit Teams Up With Crisis Text Line to Support Users Who May Be Suicidal or at Risk of Self-Harm

On Wednesday, March 4, Reddit announce that is has joined forces with Crisis Text Line, a text message based crisis support hotline, to provide counseling to users who might be at risk of self harm. Anyone on Reddit can now flag a fellow user who they think might be struggling with self-harm or suicide based on something they post on the site. Read more ›

March 2 Coronavirus Update

Dear Parents, Clients and Friends of CHC,

As you are no doubt aware, several cases of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) were diagnosed in Santa Clara County this weekend. Global circumstances suggest and experts recommend preparing for more widespread transmission. Read more ›

Michael Phelps Named PRWeek’s 2020 Communicator of the Year

Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps is being honored as PRWeek’s Communicator of the Year in recognition of his work to reduce stigma around depression and mental health issues. Read more ›

Report: Special Education in California an ‘Urgent Priority’

One in eight students in California receives special education services, but the state’s schools are often “ill-equipped” to serve them, and funding for students with disabilities has not “kept pace with district costs,” according to a collection of research papers released Tuesday by Policy Analysis for California Education. Read more ›

CHC in the Press: ‘They Gave Us Our Child Back.’ How Nonpublic Schools Serve the Education System’s Neediest Students

For students with mental health challenges so severe that they become insurmountable barriers to learning and functioning, nonpublic schools can be life-saving. Read more ›

California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to Disseminate CA Dyslexia Guidelines to All Educator Prep Programs

California Commission on Teacher Credentialing commissioners will distribute the California Dyslexia Guidelines across the full spectrum of educator preparation programs in California including teacher preparation, induction, administrator preparation, and pupil personnel services programs. Read more ›

One in Four Children With Autism Goes Undiagnosed, Study Finds

As many as one in four children with autism go undiagnosed — and, the majority of those in whom the disorder is missed are black or Hispanic. Read more ›

Bay Area Doctors Target Health Consequences of Childhood Trauma

A screening tool developed by Bay Area pediatricians to identify adverse childhood experiences, ranging from homelessness and food insecurity to physical and sexual abuse, will now help doctors statewide address trauma affecting patients’ health. Read more ›

CHC Receives Community Partnership Award from Stanford University

On November 1, 2019, CHC was honored to receive a 2019 Community Partnership Award from Stanford University at a special ceremony held at the Garden Court Hotel in Palo Alto, California.