Our specially trained early childhood therapists offer assessment by teaming with parents and care givers. Together, the team gains clarity and increased understanding of a child’s struggles in order to provide individually tailored recommendations and interventions to support the child’s social and emotional development. We provide specialized assessment as well as psychotherapy and/or skills training.
Circle of SecurityThe Circle of Security Parenting™ program is based on decades of research about how secure parent-child relationships can be supported and strengthened.
In this program, parents and/or caregivers will learn how to better:
Download a flier about our Early Childhood Mental Health programs here.
To make a referral to the Circle of Security program, please download this form.
Email
Barb Tester, Early Childhood Program Support
btester@canvashealth.org
Phone
(651) 251-5024
Early Childhood Mental Health Supervisor
I believe that when working with young children, it is so important to partner with parents and caregivers in developing strategies that promote positive behaviors and healthy interactions.
I have over 15 years experience working in mental health with children and their families.
To check this provider’s availability or to make a referral or appointment, please contact Barb Tester, Early Childhood Program Support; at (651) 251-5024 or btester@canvashealth.org.
Psychology Doctoral Intern
I use relational and strengths-based approaches to help families move toward the positive changes they want to see. Helping families understand their child’s development is key to success, and I emphasize the importance of involving caregivers in their child’s care to give everyone the tools they need to be happier and healthier.
I have worked with children and their families in inpatient, partial hospital program, and outpatient settings, receiving training with Washburn Center for Children, the University of Minnesota’s Department of Pediatrics, and Volunteers of America’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program.
To check this provider’s availability or to make a referral or appointment, contact Angie Lubo, Program Specialist; alubo@canvashealth.org, (651) 251-5059
Clinical Psychology Post-Doctoral Fellow
I believe that children do better when they have the tools and environmental support to do so. Because children grow in the context of relationships, I believe that parents often just need help in understanding and entering their child’s world so that they are able to support them. By working closely with both parents and kids, I strive to foster understanding and empathy while we work together to resolve concerns. My goal is to see things from the child’s perspective and provide the individualized support they need at each developmental stage.
I have substantial experience in psychological testing and have worked with clients of all ages. I trained at the University of Minnesota Birth to Three clinic, where I worked closely with families in the adoption and foster care system. I have also done therapy with children and adolescents, with a focus on CBT.
Early Childhood Mental Health Therapist
I believe that healthy families develop when they feel safe, supported, and connected to one another and others. “If kids could do well, they would” (Dr. Ross Greene, Ph.D.) As a mental health practitioner, I believe that young children need the guidance from their parents to develop into the person they are meant to be. I believe in working right alongside parents and caregivers in helping them learn strategies that promote healthy relationships between them and their child. Everyone’s therapeutic process to improve their mental health is unique to them and their experiences and I am here to support parents, caregivers, and children however that may look.
My experience includes providing mental health services across various settings (schools, homes, and community) to children (mainly ages 4-12), families and caregivers. For the last 3 years, I have worked in schools as a School Social Worker providing mental health services to students with a variety needs from trauma to behavioral disorders. Before that, I worked with a non-profit organization where I provided mental health services and mentoring to children and adolescents who have been involved in outsides systems ( juvenile justice and child welfare) and were at risk for further system involvement and/or harm.
To check this provider’s availability or to make a referral or appointment, please contact Barb Tester, Early Childhood Program Support; at (651) 251-5024 or btester@canvashealth.org.
Early Childhood Mental Health Therapist
My belief is change happens when we feel safe and supported. I believe partnering with caregivers is vital to understanding and improving children’s mental health. Every child and family is unique, and it is my honor to walk with you on your wellness journey.
My experience includes providing therapy to children, families, individuals, couples and groups in home, office and school settings. I provide Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), Narrative and Cognitive Behavioral therapies and therapeutic strategies in my current role.
To check this provider’s availability or to make a referral or appointment, please contact Barb Tester, Early Childhood Program Support; at (651) 251-5024 or btester@canvashealth.org.
Early Childhood Mental Health Therapist
I believe change occurs when children and families feel safe and supported. I value collaborating with caregivers to help families strengthen their relationships, learn to understand their children in new ways, and promote overall development.
My experience includes working with children, parents, and families in clinic and school-based settings. In my current role, I provide Parent-Child Interactions Therapy (PCIT), Trauma-Informed Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), Circle of Security Parenting, and play-based interventions. I also provide Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation to childcare providers through the State of Minnesota.
To check this provider’s availability or to make a referral or appointment, please contact Barb Tester, Early Childhood Program Support; at (651) 251-5024 or btester@canvashealth.org.
Psychology Doctoral Intern
When working with children and families, I use a strengths-based, empowering approach where caregivers and their children are the experts regarding their unique life experiences. As a clinician, my role is to provide tools so that children and families can embrace their existing skill sets, develop new strategies, and eventually function as their own therapists!
During my undergraduate and graduate years, I have worked with children ages 0-17 in laboratory school, inpatient behavioral health, academic, and outpatient medical center settings. Through my clinical training, I have learned skills that inform my work with children and families from many different backgrounds, who present with a variety of different mental health concerns.
To check this provider’s availability or to make a referral or appointment, contact Angie Lubo, Program Specialist; alubo@canvashealth.org, (651) 251-5059
