Child Guidance & Family Solutions

Child Guidance & Family Solutions A nationally recognized community mental & behavioral health agency in Summit County, Ohio.

For over 75 years we’ve provided choice mental, emotional and behavioral healthcare for children, adolescents and families. Our qualified, caring team produces superior outcomes using innovative and proven approaches. We relieve suffering and strengthen Ohio families through integrated services, collaboration and advocacy. In 1939 The Junior League of Akron established ‘Child Guidance Center’ to r

elieve the suffering of children who face mental, emotional and behavioral health challenges. In 2003, Child Guidance merged with Family Solutions to become “Child Guidance & Family Solutions (CG&FS)”, combining rich histories into one that is able to serve the whole family – parents, children and guardians – in a seamless way. Currently we accommodate nearly 2000 visits from children and families each week in our offices and provide services to over 400 adults. We offer crisis services 24-7-365 to ensure that children and families who find themselves in an emergency have somewhere to turn for help. We have staff providing services to several thousand more children through eight public school districts in Summit County (Akron, Barberton, Coventry, Cuyahoga Falls, Green, Hudson, Norton and Stow), and at over 40 preschools throughout the area.

06/04/2026

Parenting Tip- Summertime ☀️

Summer break is here! While kids are ready for fun, it can also be extra pressure for parents and guardians! Summer break is about balancing fun and routines!

Before you hear the classic “I’m sooo bored,” try these simple tips to keep summer break balanced for everyone:

⭐ Create a flexible, visual schedule and post it where everyone can see it
⭐ Set screen-time boundaries, keep up with chores, and include a daily learning activity
⭐ Explore free local events at libraries, museums, and local attractions
⭐ Spend time outside; sunshine and movement make a big difference
⭐ Build in daily quiet time for napping, reading, coloring, and puzzles

If you find your child is struggling this summer, please visit our website https://www.cgfs.org/.

🌈 June is Pride Month, and at Child Guidance & Family Solutions, we are committed to supporting our LGBTQ+ clients and t...
06/02/2026

🌈 June is Pride Month, and at Child Guidance & Family Solutions, we are committed to supporting our LGBTQ+ clients and their families. Due to facing unique challenges like discrimination and bullying, LGBTQ+ youth are at a higher risk of experiencing mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.

Here are a few ways you can support your LGBTQ+ child:

❤️ Assure your child that they are loved and supported
🧡 Listen with an open mind, allowing your child to explore and share freely with you about their identity and experiences
💛 Advocate for your child in the school setting if they are facing bullying
💚 Seek LGBTQ+ affirming mental health services for your child
💙 Take initiative to learn about LGBTQ+ terms, experiences, and current issues impacting the LGBTQ+ community. Resources like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) website and Ohio’s “The Buckeye Flame” newsletter are excellent resources to stay up to date on current events
💜 Visit https://bit.ly/4b97fNG, a resource for parents/caregivers of LGBTQ+ children, to see more resources, connect with other parents, and learn about how to support your child

To learn more about mental health issues and needs of LGBTQ+ youth, read The Trevor Project’s 2025 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People, https://bit.ly/3RmXJT4.

🌿💚 Jade & Friends Update! 💚🌿The adventures continue with Jade & Friends as we celebrate the importance of mental health ...
05/29/2026

🌿💚 Jade & Friends Update! 💚🌿

The adventures continue with Jade & Friends as we celebrate the importance of mental health in everyday moments ✨

Fernando had a galaxy-worthy experience—watching the premiere of The Mandalorian and Grogu with new friends 🚀🐸

Ember took time to recharge and connect—enjoying a peaceful walk with Kiya, spending time with our amazing intake and billing team, and taking a well-deserved mental health break on the playground 🌞💬

These small moments of joy, connection, and rest are powerful reminders that caring for our mental health can look different every day 💫

Mental health shapes every part of our lives—from our relationships to our work to the well-being of our communities. Me...
05/27/2026

Mental health shapes every part of our lives—from our relationships to our work to the well-being of our communities. Mental Health Awareness Month gives us the space to talk openly about visibility, stigma reduction, and the resources available to support one another.

This month focuses on deepening the understanding of mental illness, strengthening support, and responding with care to challenges. Here are some reminders to carry with you this month:

💚 Awareness leads to compassion
💚 Early support makes a difference
💚 Words can heal
💚 Connection is powerful

Let’s continue to build a healthier community together.

For more information, visit https://bit.ly/4tTsdtB to learn more about the importance of this cause!

🎉 Over 15 Years of Impact — Meet Bonnie!We’re excited to highlight Bonnie, a talented Advanced Practice Nurse with a spe...
05/25/2026

🎉 Over 15 Years of Impact — Meet Bonnie!

We’re excited to highlight Bonnie, a talented Advanced Practice Nurse with a specialization in psychiatry.

Bonnie prescribes psychiatric medications, if warranted, for psychiatric care; assesses for needed County services that may benefit my client’s and their family’s needs, uses psychotherapy, and collaborates with other health care professionals involved with her client’s care.

She finds the most rewarding part of her job is caring for the children, adolescents, and their families.

Bonnie says, "My work with Child Guidance & Family Solutions has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding jobs of my nursing career. I have the privilege of working with families and their innermost struggles with mental health that affects their family life, their child’s school performance, and their social relationships. Together, we strive to strengthen the family unit, enabling children to experience success in their education and learn healthy ways to build relationships. Again, one of the most rewarding nursing careers I could have!"

We are so thankful to have Bonnie on the CGFS team.

Think you’ve got what it takes to win Trivia Night? 🧠✨ Join us June 22nd from 5–7 PM at Green Diamond Grille & Pub for a...
05/22/2026

Think you’ve got what it takes to win Trivia Night? 🧠✨

Join us June 22nd from 5–7 PM at Green Diamond Grille & Pub for a fun evening of friendly competition, prizes, and impact!

🏆 Prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place
📍 Green Diamond Grille & Pub in Barberton
💙 All proceeds support Child Guidance & Family Solutions

Help us continue serving over 9,000 children each year with vital mental health care. Grab your friends, family, or co-workers and secure your spot today! http://e.givesmart.com/events/P9L

05/22/2026

Child Guidance & Family Solutions has enjoyed local, regional, and national recognition for its service quality. In 2025, CGFS achieved:

🩵 95% Overall Client Satisfaction
🧡 97% Client Satisfaction with Quality of Care
🩵 3 Day Average Wait Time for First Counseling Appointment
🧡 5 Day Average Wait Time for First Psychiatric Evaluation

To see the full 2025 CGFS Impact Report, visit our website https://bit.ly/48HsWpN.

🌿💚Jade & Friends Update!💚🌿Jade has been busy this week—participating in trainings and celebrating a special milestone wi...
05/22/2026

🌿💚Jade & Friends Update!💚🌿

Jade has been busy this week—participating in trainings and celebrating a special milestone with CGFS staff member Ana Maria at her graduation 🎓

Fernando had an exciting week as well—he attended his very first baseball game ⚾ and is gearing up for another big adventure tonight… watching the premiere of The Mandalorian and Grogu with his new friend, Grogu! ✨🐸

Tiny joined in on the fun too, participating in the A Change of Art community event through the City of Green 🎨

Ember also made the most of the week with a visit to Lake Anna and a relaxing coffee break with Pam ☕

We’re not done yet—there’s still one more week of Jade & Friends! Stay tuned for more adventures from our little friends 💫

05/20/2026

Parents and caregivers play such an essential role. It’s not always easy, especially when you’re supporting a child or teen who’s struggling with their mental health. Your effort, patience, and presence make a real difference.

Here are some ways to prevent burnout for parents and caregivers:

❤️ Make a list of your child or teen’s strengths
❤️ Remember funny or silly moments
❤️ Monitor your own reactions to behavior
❤️ Grow empathy and practice acts of kindness
❤️ Give yourself permission to feel what you feel
❤️ Connect with others
❤️ Notice the bright spots and talk about them

Visit cgfs.org to learn more about professional help for your family. We are here for you!

Address

18 N Forge Street
Akron, OH
44304

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 8pm
Tuesday 8am - 8pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 9pm
Thursday 8:30am - 8pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+13307620591

Website

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