Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS) are certified and clinically trained in the developmental impact that illness, injury, trauma, and loss can have on a child. To become certified, a child life specialist must have a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Child Development (or other related field), have completed a 600 hour clinical internship, and pass a national certifying examination. All of our CCLS's on staff have a minimum of a Master’s degree and have at least 5 years of clinical experience working as a CCLS before starting at Hearts Connected. Child Life Specialists work with children of all ages, birth through young adulthood and collaborate extensively with the child’s family, recognizing that they are the true expert in knowing their child. To reduce fear and anxiety, Child Life Specialists utilize developmentally and psychologically appropriate tools such as therapeutic activities, coping interventions, and supportive resources to provide psychosocial and emotional support. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “child life interventions facilitate coping and adjustment at times and under circumstances that might otherwise prove overwhelming for the child.” The American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes the value of the child life profession and the support that Certified Child Life Specialists can provide to children and adolescents. A CCLS can be found providing support to children in a pediatric health care setting, school, client's home, or other community settings. Families, with children or teens, facing a difficult time such as the death of a loved one, dealing with a significant life change, or a new medical diagnosis in the family will significantly benefit from the support of a Certified Child Life Specialist. Reference: Committee on Hospital Care and Association of Child Life Professionals (formerly known as The Child life Council). Child Life Services. Pediatrics May 2014, 133 (5) e1471-e1478; DOI: 10.1542/peds.2014-0556)

Supporting families, children, and teens experiencing a challenging life circumstance or situation. Examples of challenging circumstances may include but are not limited to: • A child/teen who is often anxious or stressed • Anxiety or fear surrounding doctors or dentist visits, pokes, or procedures • Death of a parent, grandparent, family member, friend, or pet • Bullying, social or academic challenges • Difficulty understanding a new acute or chronic health diagnosis for the child or someone else in the family • Behavioral/developmental concerns • School re-entry following a health diagnosis or significant life change • Difficulty coping with significant transitions such as a new sibling, moving, new school, parent deployment, custody change, or parent incarceration • Coping with a child or sibling with special needs or chronic diagnosis • Preparing for surgery, imaging, lab work, or other procedure If you, your child, or someone you know is in a mental crisis and at serious risk of harming themselves or others, call 911, go to the nearest emergency room, or reach out to the following national resources: Call 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a 24-hour crisis line. Text 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.

Child Life Specialists use various evidence-based interventions including, but not limited to: • Therapeutic play • Therapeutic art • Emotional processing • Trauma processing • Medical Play • Age-appropriate education • Coping strategies After assessing the needs, temperament, personality type, coping style, and emotional status of your child, every intervention is uniquely created and facilitated to meet the specific needs of your child/teen.

Hearts Connected provides services for children 0-17 and young adults 18-21. Direct services to children via video sessions typically begin at the age of 4 years. We are available to work directly with the parents and caregivers for children under the age of 4, to provide useful resources, guidance, and support to help meet the needs of the littlest ones as well.

Prior to working with your child, an initial intake will be completed by the parent/guardian and reviewed by the Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) assigned to support your child/teen. A CCLS will consult with the parent or caregiver via email prior to working with the child directly to ensure the parent understands the process and plan. At the start of the virtual session, we encourage a parent or caregiver to be present for at least the initial 5 minutes to review information and share the plan for that day's session. If the CCLS feels that the child and family may benefit from completing an activity prior to the session, this will be provided directly to the parent or caregiver with a plan clearly outlined.

Phone Session: 45 Minutes • First 5-10 minutes, the CCLS will be gathering information about the specific situation a parent is dealing with regarding their child/teen. • Middle 10-40 minutes, the CCLS will provide education, support, resources, and guidance to parent on how to navigate or handle situation. • Last 5 minutes, the CCLS will review the coping plan created and ensure the parent feels comfortable and confident with plan. The CCLS will discuss the need for further phone sessions or follow-ups. • After the phone session, the parent/guardian will receive a thorough email outlining the conversation and sharing the coping plan created. Video Session: 45 Minutes • First 5 minutes, the CCLS will discuss with parent plan for today's session and assess child/teen's current emotional status/need. • Middle 5-10 minutes, the CCLS will facilitate an engaging age-appropriate activity that builds trust with your child/teen. • Middle 10-35 minutes, the CCLS will facilitate a therapeutic intervention or discussion to support the child/teen's specific need. • Middle 35-40 minutes, the CCLS will create a coping plan with the child/teen to assist and equip them with skills they can use outside of sessions. • Last 5 minutes, the CCLS will meet with the parent and go over that day's session and any important information the parent should know. • After the video session, the parent/guardian will receive a thorough email outlining the session and plan moving forward. **Session may vary depending on child, need, and frequency of sessions. Each video session with a child/teen is tailored to the specific needs identified.

The cost per session varies depending on the urgency and type of session. This information can be found on our Services page. Currently, Child Life Specialist services are not covered by insurance or a health savings plan. We have priced our services to be affordable for out-of-pocket expenses. We are less than the typical therapist fees and offer guidance and solutions in your first session. Typically, most families only need 1-3 sessions with our staff. We are available within 24 hours and have no waiting list. We do offer financial assistance for families that qualify. Apply here if interested.

Yes! All donations go directly to serving and supporting families. Click here if you are interested in contributing a monetary gift to help children and families who have financial hardship received discounted or covered mental health support.

Please complete the Hearts Connected Financial Assistance Application here.

Hearts Connected services are all provided virtually, by video or phone visit through a secure platform. We believe this gives families the flexibility to schedule appointments easily whenever and wherever they need it. We are a nationwide organization that serves all 50 states in the US.