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.

🌿💚 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!

05/18/2026

Growing Up Akron is proud to invite local businesses and community partners to support our mission through event sponsorship opportunities. Each level offers meaningful recognition while directly supporting Greater Akron’s youth and families.

✨ Sponsorship Levels Available:�
🌟 Blazing Star / Presenting Sponsor – $10,000
🌼 Golden Aster Sponsor – $7,500
🌸 Orchid Sponsor – $5,000
🌺 Peony Sponsor – $2,500
💜 Lavender Sponsor – $1,000
🌻 Sunflower Sponsor – $500
🌼 Daisy Sponsor – $250

🎉 Sponsor benefits may include:�✔ Logo & link recognition on social media and our website�✔ Inclusion in newsletters and email blasts�✔ Event signage recognition�✔ Event tickets

📅 Deadline for recognition: August 7, 2026�📩 Interested in sponsoring? Send us a message or email ladws@cgfs.org

Jade & Friends have been on the move! 🌟Over the past few weeks, Jade and friends have joined our teams on some fun adven...
05/15/2026

Jade & Friends have been on the move! 🌟

Over the past few weeks, Jade and friends have joined our teams on some fun adventures—bringing smiles, laughter, and a little extra joy along the way.

From heading out to a ballet class to exploring Hocking Hills, their travels have been full of fun. They’ve even been helping staff with their daily work, making each day a bit brighter for everyone they meet. 💚

We love seeing the creativity and positivity they inspire—stay tuned for more of their travels this month!

05/14/2026

🎓 Congratulations, New Grads! 🎉

To all the upcoming college graduates in our community — we’re cheering you on as you celebrate this incredible milestone! Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have paid off, and we can’t wait to see the amazing things you’ll accomplish.

As you take your next steps, why not consider starting your career with us? We’re currently hiring for several exciting roles in child and adolescent behavioral health and would love to welcome fresh talent to our team.

💼 Explore our open positions: https://www.cgfs.org/careers

📍 Local opportunities | 🌱 Growth-focused culture | 🤝 Supportive team environment

Who’s ready to launch their career?! 🚀�

🎉 15 Years of Impact — Meet Sara!We’re excited to highlight Sara, one of our dedicated school-based therapists serving t...
05/12/2026

🎉 15 Years of Impact — Meet Sara!

We’re excited to highlight Sara, one of our dedicated school-based therapists serving the Green community!

As a therapist contracted in Green, Sara supports students at Green Elementary and Green Primary Schools. Her work centers on nurturing students’ emotional and behavioral well-being through both individual and small-group therapy. She helps young learners build coping skills, navigate challenges, and grow their confidence—both in and out of the classroom.

Sara works closely with families and school staff to make sure every child feels understood, supported, and valued. She has a strong passion for trauma-informed care and early childhood development, and she considers it an honor to walk alongside students during such important stages of their lives.
For Sara, the greatest reward is helping students and families work through difficult situations, especially those involving trauma. Being trusted during tough moments is something she never takes for granted. Seeing students meet their goals and experience moments of growth and confidence is truly the best part of her work.

Sara has been part of Child Guidance & Family Solutions for 15 years, and throughout her time at CGFS, she has worked in both agency and school-based settings. These experiences have shaped her personally and professionally, allowing her to focus on the areas she cares most about—trauma and early childhood.

She’s grateful for the supportive colleagues she’s worked with and the meaningful connections she’s built with students, families, and school communities.

We’re so thankful for everything Sara brings to CGFS and to the students and families she serves.

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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