The UNLV Child School Refusal and Anxiety Disorders Clinic
The UNLV Child School Refusal and Anxiety Disorders Clinic will re-open September 3, 2024. No calls or referrals will be accepted until this time.
The UNLV Child School Refusal and Anxiety Disorders Clinic is a research-based outpatient facility designed to assess and treat youths with school refusal behavior and/or related anxiety problems. The Clinic serves youths aged 5-16 years and their families and operates on a September-April schedule. Clients are seen individually or in group format. With parental permission, therapists at the Clinic also contact relevant school personnel for additional information. Fees are based on a sliding scale. More information can be found here.
Parents may contact the Director of the Clinic, Dr. Christopher Kearney, via telephone (702-895-0183) or email (chris.kearney@unlv.edu) for more information or for screening and possible assessment. Dr. Kearney is a Distinguished Professor of clinical child psychology at UNLV and an expert in the assessment and treatment of youths with school refusal behavior and related anxiety conditions. Treatment options for each case are discussed once the initial formal assessment is complete. The general goal in many cases seen at the Clinic is to return a child to full-time school attendance and to achieve significant reductions in distress.
Parents may contact the Director of the Clinic, Dr. Christopher Kearney, to determine if their situation is compatible with the Clinic (702-895-0183 or chris.kearney@unlv.edu).
We accept youths 5-16 years of age whose primary behavior problem is school refusal behavior and/or anxiety disorders. Common anxiety-related problems include social and separation anxiety, generalized anxiety/worry, panic, fears and phobias, selective mutism, perfectionism, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress.
The Clinic serves residents of southern Nevada only. If you are interested in pursuing treatment services in your geographical area, then you may wish to consult with the psychology department at a local university for a referral or visit www.abct.org to find a therapist close to you.
Youths with disruptive behavior problems, those with homework problems, or those whose school refusal behavior or anxiety disorder is not primary can be referred to the UNLV PRACTICE at 702-895-1532. This center is a low-cost provider.
We do not have the capability of providing services to Spanish-speaking clients. The following resources in Clark County may be more accessible for Spanish-speaking clients:
Velasquez Psychological Corporation (949-0806; 199 N. Arroyo Grande, Suite 150)
Associated Bilingual Counselors of Henderson (598-2020; 730 N. Eastern Ave., Suite 130; 568-5971; 7 Water Street, Suite A)
Bilingual Behavior Services (451-7542; 4660 S. Eastern, #201A)
