If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis please call:

Adult Crisis Line (24 hr):
(618) 465-4388

Child Crisis Line (24 hr):
(800) 345-9049 

Children and adolescents can have mental health disorders that interfere with the way they think, feel, and act. When untreated, mental health disorders can lead to school failure, family conflicts, drug abuse, violence, and even suicide.

Studies show that at least one in five children and adolescents have a mental health disorder.

Excerpted from SAMHSA, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Fact Sheet

All services can be accessed by calling the agency's main number during normal business hours (618) 462-2331.

Counseling Services for Children

With support from a licensed outpatient therapist children and families meet in group settings to resolve issues such as anger management, ADHD, symptom management, depression, anxiety and other issues. A board certified child and adolescent psychiatrist can perform evaluations and prescribe medicines. Counseling services are also available to parents and caregivers who may need additional counseling and therapy.

Early Intervention Services

The CCC Early Intervention Program is part of a collaborative support system in the community for children ages three through ten who are at risk of emotional disturbances.

Parents, teachers, daycare providers and others may become concerned by a child’s behavior. Children may become aggressive, show changes in their eating or sleeping patterns, begin to have problems in school, or have increased anger or anxiety .

This targeted program provides services in Alton, Cottage Hills, East Alton, Hartford, Roxana, South Roxana, and Wood River.

Children are referred for services by a parent, caregiver, teacher, or daycare provider.

Screening, Assessment and Support Services (SASS)

CCC provides crisis intervention and screening services for Madison County youth at risk of a psychiatric hospitalization. These services are offered under a contract with the State’s Department of Healthcare and Family Services and are available 24 hours per day.

SASS services are accessed by calling the

CARES hotline at (800) 345-9049

Families and children engaged in SASS are entitled to 90 days of supportive after-care services. When a child returns home, staff can provide services to the family and child in their natural environment such as home, school, daycare, or other community setting. Staff supports parents in learning the mental health system and accessing resources to help the family continue along the positive road to recovery.

School Based Services

In collaboration with the Alton Middle School, CCC provides an on-site staff member who works with children at risk of behavioral or mental health problems. Working closely with students, teachers, and social workers, the program’s goal is to reduce the stigma of mental illness and promote the early identification and treatment of mental health issues.