Kay Kutz, LSW
Regional Director of Behavioral Health
Read More
AMAZING IS POSSIBLEChildren's Behavioral Health Services
Restoring health to the mind, body, and spirit.
Mental and behavioral health is just as important as physical health. Our children's behavioral therapy team is here as a resource for children, adolescents, and young adults so they can get back to feeling amazing. Our therapists and Certified Nurse Practitioner work closely with each client and their family to develop skills to manage mood, thinking, and behaviors – making the move towards resiliency and healing, and becoming happier and healthier at home, school, and in the community.
Evaluations
Helping a child to reach their full potential requires a dynamic process of growth and change that comes from caring for the mind, body, and spirit. A thorough behavioral health evaluation gives us a baseline and understanding so we can develop the best plan for treatment and therapy.
Medication Management
Psychiatric medications require careful medication management. Our Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) and psychiatrist are here to help monitor and adjust medications as needed so clients and their caregivers can continue on a positive path forward.
Talk Therapy
Talk therapy – available in individual, family, and group sessions – helps to foster emotional resilience, build self-esteem, and enhance coping and social skills. We work together to reduce symptoms of stress, alleviate anxiety and depression, improve behaviors, and more so clients can meet their therapy goals.
Additional Services
We are a support system to help clients gain self-awareness and achieve personal goals. That’s why we’ve developed a wide array of services to best support every amazing individual.
School-Based Behavioral Health Services
The school environment can be challenging. From struggles with peers to stress and worry over grades, it’s important to monitor students’ mental health. Learn how this program can enhance the social and emotional well-being of students.
Learn More
Learn More
The focus of our care model is providing highly collaborative, evidence-based, trauma-informed treatment.
We deliver individual, group, family, and medication therapy within our clinic, schools, and via telehealth.
We treat children, adolescents, and young adults presenting with symptoms that mildly or moderately interfere with or limit functioning within their family, school, or community activities. Please note, we are currently not resourced to provide treatment to children experiencing serious functional impairments that are substantially interfering with or limiting one or more life activities.
As part of the intake process, we screen interested clients to ensure we can develop a successful, family-engaged, therapeutic relationship. Our treatment focuses on supporting clients navigating life events, such as:
We treat children, adolescents, and young adults presenting with symptoms that mildly or moderately interfere with or limit functioning within their family, school, or community activities. Please note, we are currently not resourced to provide treatment to children experiencing serious functional impairments that are substantially interfering with or limiting one or more life activities.
As part of the intake process, we screen interested clients to ensure we can develop a successful, family-engaged, therapeutic relationship. Our treatment focuses on supporting clients navigating life events, such as:
- Trauma
- Grief & loss
- Academic performance
- Social impairments
- Stress
- Family conflict
- Life transitions
- Attention & focus challenges
- Relationship issues
- Adoption & permanency
- Gender identity
- Sexual orientation
- Loneliness & sadness
- Anxious feelings
Meet Our Team
Kay Kutz, LSW
Regional Director of Behavioral Health
Email:
Kay Kutz, LSW, provides leadership and oversight to The Children’s Institute’s behavioral health team and ensures all services provided to our amazing kids and families meet the highest quality of care and compliance. She is honored to lead our team of behavioral health professionals who are motivated, passionate, and positively impact the social and emotional well-being of children and adolescents via both in-person and telehealth therapies.
- Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Social Work from California University of Pennsylvania
Salim Chowdhury, M.D.
Medical Director of Behavioral Health
Dr. Chowdhury earned his bachelor’s degree at Government College and his medical degree at Dhaka University in Bangladesh. He completed a Cognitive Psychotherapy Course at Cleveland Center for Cognitive Therapy and achieved a second board certification in Psychiatry through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Chowdhury continues teaching at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and maintains a private practice at the Associates of Clinical Psychiatry, in addition to providing care as Psychiatrist at Family Resources and Senior Medical Director at Community Care Behavioral Health.
His long tenure in the Pittsburgh medical field has led him to achievements such as the Behavioral Health Best Practice Award and The William Mooney Prize for demonstrated excellence in patient care and professional relationships. Dr. Chowdhury is accepting new patients and will see clients on Thursdays both in-person and via telehealth at The Children’s Institute.
His long tenure in the Pittsburgh medical field has led him to achievements such as the Behavioral Health Best Practice Award and The William Mooney Prize for demonstrated excellence in patient care and professional relationships. Dr. Chowdhury is accepting new patients and will see clients on Thursdays both in-person and via telehealth at The Children’s Institute.
- BA from Government College
- MBBS from Dhaka University
- Cognitive Psychotherapy Course completion from Cleveland Center for Cognitive Therapy
- Board Certified Physician in Psychiatry
- Behavioral Health Best Practice Award
Melvin P. Melnick, M.D.
Clinical Supervisor of Behavioral Health
Dr. Melnick provides clinical supervision and consultation to The Children’s Institute’s behavioral health team. He is a faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and is a supervisor of psychiatric residents at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital and Allegheny Health Network. For more than 40 years, Dr. Melnick maintained a private practice and previously served as medical director at The Bradley Center and Pressley Ridge and also served as medical director of the St. Francis Medical Center’s in-patient child and adolescent psychiatric units. Dr. Melnick has been recognized as a Distinguished Life Fellow by both the American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
- BA in Psychology Antioch College, 1967. MD Drexel University College of Medicine, 1972
- Internship, Residency in Psychiatry and Fellowship In Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, 1976
- Board Certified in Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Christina Jolley, CRNP
Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner
Watch Christina's video message
Christina Jolley, CRNP, evaluates, diagnoses, and treats children within our behavioral health clinic, including children whose treatment may require appropriate prescription medications. She has worked with children of many ages and abilities, including extensive work with children with autism and other special needs, and loves being able to follow the journeys of children and families as they learn, grow, and meet their goals. Christina wants kids to feel that their voice is highly valued when making treatment decisions and enjoys working together to meet their goals. She also takes the time to connect with other medical providers and schools to gain the best understanding of the children and families she serves.
Christina Jolley, CRNP, evaluates, diagnoses, and treats children within our behavioral health clinic, including children whose treatment may require appropriate prescription medications. She has worked with children of many ages and abilities, including extensive work with children with autism and other special needs, and loves being able to follow the journeys of children and families as they learn, grow, and meet their goals. Christina wants kids to feel that their voice is highly valued when making treatment decisions and enjoys working together to meet their goals. She also takes the time to connect with other medical providers and schools to gain the best understanding of the children and families she serves.
- Doctorate in Nursing Practice
- Certified as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Certificate in School Nursing
Dana Buchko, M.A.
Program Specialist
Phone:
Email:
Dana Buchko, M.A., is often the first friendly voice parents and guardians hear on the phone when connecting with our Behavioral Health team to learn more about our services. Having earned her Medical Assistant associates degree from the Sanford Brown Institute of Pittsburgh, she finds great joy in using her skills and knowledge to help connect families with the right resources. Dana loves playing an important role with parents and guardians selecting The Children’s Institute to meet their child’s needs.
Tia Bigos, M.S., NCC
Outpatient Behavioral Health Therapist I
Email:
Watch Tia's Video Message
Tia has a background working with child and adolescents in multiple professional settings such as inpatient, school setting, and residential treatment settings. She practices from a trauma-informed and behavioral approach.
Tia’s practice is reflective of the belief that all behavior is learned, and our experiences shape how we view and relate to the world around us. She also believes finding connections with others, building a strong foundation, and finding a sense of belonging can help us reach overall wellness.
She believes in creating a safe and supportive environment to assist in the therapeutic process to develop healthy decision-making skills and build effective coping strategies. Tia loves helping the amazing kids and families to bloom into their best, true self.
Diagnostic specialties would include mood disorders, anxiety, depression, adhd, trauma, and conduct/disruptive/impulse-control.
Tia has a background working with child and adolescents in multiple professional settings such as inpatient, school setting, and residential treatment settings. She practices from a trauma-informed and behavioral approach.
Tia’s practice is reflective of the belief that all behavior is learned, and our experiences shape how we view and relate to the world around us. She also believes finding connections with others, building a strong foundation, and finding a sense of belonging can help us reach overall wellness.
She believes in creating a safe and supportive environment to assist in the therapeutic process to develop healthy decision-making skills and build effective coping strategies. Tia loves helping the amazing kids and families to bloom into their best, true self.
Diagnostic specialties would include mood disorders, anxiety, depression, adhd, trauma, and conduct/disruptive/impulse-control.
- B.A in Psychology from California University of Pennsylvania
- M.S in Professional Counseling from Carlow University- with a concentration in trauma informed therapy.
Tajonae Carrington, M.A.
Outpatient Behavioral Health Therapist I
Email:
Watch Taj's Video Message
Tajonae has a background in working with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma-related disorders, and co-occurring substance use disorders.
She uses therapeutic skills such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, trauma-focused therapy, and person-centered therapy, while keeping careful consideration of cultural concerns and practices.
Tajonae has previous experience working with adolescents in the criminal justice system, where she discovered her passion to advocate for adolescents and families.
She is passionate about building positive therapeutic relationships and providing a safe space for amazing kids to share their stories and develop healthy coping skills to adapt to life changes.
• B.S in criminal justice and a minor in psychology from Bowling Green State University
• M.A in clinical mental health counseling from Bowling Green State University
Tajonae has a background in working with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma-related disorders, and co-occurring substance use disorders.
She uses therapeutic skills such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, trauma-focused therapy, and person-centered therapy, while keeping careful consideration of cultural concerns and practices.
Tajonae has previous experience working with adolescents in the criminal justice system, where she discovered her passion to advocate for adolescents and families.
She is passionate about building positive therapeutic relationships and providing a safe space for amazing kids to share their stories and develop healthy coping skills to adapt to life changes.
• B.S in criminal justice and a minor in psychology from Bowling Green State University
• M.A in clinical mental health counseling from Bowling Green State University
Katherine Macasek, M.S., NCC
Outpatient Behavioral Health Therapist I
Watch Kat's Video Message
Katherine Macasek, M.S., NCC, has a passion for working with children and their families to promote resiliency, trust, and healing. Katherine has many years of experience working with infants, toddlers, children, and teens in different professional settings. The most valuable lesson Katherine has learned is the importance of connection before correction. Dedicated to building connections, Katherine enjoys working with individuals, groups, and families experiencing foster care/adoption, sensory, mood, and trauma disorders.
Katherine Macasek, M.S., NCC, has a passion for working with children and their families to promote resiliency, trust, and healing. Katherine has many years of experience working with infants, toddlers, children, and teens in different professional settings. The most valuable lesson Katherine has learned is the importance of connection before correction. Dedicated to building connections, Katherine enjoys working with individuals, groups, and families experiencing foster care/adoption, sensory, mood, and trauma disorders.
- Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Mercyhurst University
- Master's degree in Professional Counseling, Carlow University
- Nationally Certified Counselors, NBCC
Lori Sciore, M.S., NCC
Outpatient Behavioral Health Therapist I
Email:
Watch Lori's Video Message
Lori has numerous years of experience working with diverse populations including children, adolescents, and adults in various professional settings. She has experience in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her therapeutic approaches include CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and/or person-centered to support and motivate clients in achieving goals and building skills to adapt to everyday challenges.
Lori strives to empower her clients to heal, grow, and be resilient to live happy, healthy, and responsible lives. She enjoys working with children and adolescents to assist them in their self-discovery, self-improvement, and self-advocacy.
Lori is a graduate of California University of Pa., where she received a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling.
Lori has numerous years of experience working with diverse populations including children, adolescents, and adults in various professional settings. She has experience in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her therapeutic approaches include CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and/or person-centered to support and motivate clients in achieving goals and building skills to adapt to everyday challenges.
Lori strives to empower her clients to heal, grow, and be resilient to live happy, healthy, and responsible lives. She enjoys working with children and adolescents to assist them in their self-discovery, self-improvement, and self-advocacy.
Lori is a graduate of California University of Pa., where she received a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling.
Brianna Strohmeyer, M.A., NCC, LPC
Outpatient Behavioral Health Therapist II
Email:
Watch Brianna's Video Message
Brianna is a graduate of Penn State University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in applied clinical psychology and is currently working toward her LPC licensure. Brianna has a clinical interest in working with children and adolescents who have experienced trauma, particularly childhood sexual and physical abuse, in addition to those with mood and/or anxiety disorders. She has a background in cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy. Brianna utilizes a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach that is cognizant of her client’s culture, sexual identity, and gender identity. She is passionate about working with children and their families to help them identify and break intergenerational patterns of trauma. A proponent of social learning theory, Brianna believes that maladaptive and disruptive behaviors can be unlearned through genuineness, empathy, and support.
Brianna is a graduate of Penn State University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in applied clinical psychology and is currently working toward her LPC licensure. Brianna has a clinical interest in working with children and adolescents who have experienced trauma, particularly childhood sexual and physical abuse, in addition to those with mood and/or anxiety disorders. She has a background in cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy. Brianna utilizes a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach that is cognizant of her client’s culture, sexual identity, and gender identity. She is passionate about working with children and their families to help them identify and break intergenerational patterns of trauma. A proponent of social learning theory, Brianna believes that maladaptive and disruptive behaviors can be unlearned through genuineness, empathy, and support.
Gemil White
Outpatient Behavioral Health Therapist I
Email:
Gemil White, M.S., has numerous years of experience working with children and adolescents in individual, group, and family therapy, as well as facilitated psychoeducational groups and workshops. She utilizes several therapeutic approaches and modalities including strength-based CBT, DBT, play therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions, with specialties in Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Behavior Modification. Her extensive experience includes working on attachments and bonding, parent-child interactions, conflict resolution, crisis management.
Gemil is an empathetic and genuine professional with a direct and down-to-earth approach. She strives to meet clients where they are to provide a sense of safety and support, insight, awareness, and empowerment.
Building a strong, trusting therapeutic alliance while providing clients with a sense of safety and security in a judgment-free environment is what Gemil loves most about her career. She has a life-long interest in the mental health profession, starting in adolescence with her curiosity about the human brain, how behaviors are learned and reinforced, and how connections are made.
Gemil is a graduate of Carlow University, where she received a master’s degree in professional counseling.
Gemil is an empathetic and genuine professional with a direct and down-to-earth approach. She strives to meet clients where they are to provide a sense of safety and support, insight, awareness, and empowerment.
Building a strong, trusting therapeutic alliance while providing clients with a sense of safety and security in a judgment-free environment is what Gemil loves most about her career. She has a life-long interest in the mental health profession, starting in adolescence with her curiosity about the human brain, how behaviors are learned and reinforced, and how connections are made.
Gemil is a graduate of Carlow University, where she received a master’s degree in professional counseling.
Allison O'Malley
Talent Acquisition Specialist
Phone:
Email:
Book Time with Allison
Connect with Allison to learn how our team is built differently. We are a team of inspired providers focused on helping children and families in more ways than ever. Learn how we work harder and aim higher to deliver high-quality, amazing treatment every day. Our team is growing with providers who are talented, eager, and have a passion for doing more.
Connect with Allison to learn how our team is built differently. We are a team of inspired providers focused on helping children and families in more ways than ever. Learn how we work harder and aim higher to deliver high-quality, amazing treatment every day. Our team is growing with providers who are talented, eager, and have a passion for doing more.
Frequently Asked Questions
In the event of any kind of crisis or emergency, please call 911 or 988. You can also go to the nearest emergency department. If your neighborhood has other emergency or crisis resources, you can use these, too. Our team wants to be updated as soon as possible, but cannot respond to emergencies.
We treat children, adolescents, and young adults from ages 5-26. We also complete Written Orders for IBHS assessment for children as young as 18 months.
We provide treatment to clients presenting with symptoms that mildly or moderately interfere or limit their role or functioning within their family, school and/or community activities.
Please note that we are currently not accepting clients with a diagnosable disorder that causes serious functional impairment that substantially interferes or limits one or more life activity. For example, we are not resourced to treat clients who have ever been admitted to a residential treatment facility, have had multiple lifetime admissions to psychiatric inpatient treatment facilities, or clients who cannot engage verbally.
Please note that we are currently not accepting clients with a diagnosable disorder that causes serious functional impairment that substantially interferes or limits one or more life activity. For example, we are not resourced to treat clients who have ever been admitted to a residential treatment facility, have had multiple lifetime admissions to psychiatric inpatient treatment facilities, or clients who cannot engage verbally.
We are currently able to schedule new clients for medication evaluation appointments. You are welcome to join our waitlist for talk therapy appointments.
Our clinic operates on Mondays through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
However, since we provide treatment to children and adolescents, some who require timely follow-up, we cannot accommodate seeing clients only outside of school hours.
We are happy to provide a school excuse if your appointment interferes with your school day schedule. Please contact the scheduling department at 412.420.2447 for more assistance.
However, since we provide treatment to children and adolescents, some who require timely follow-up, we cannot accommodate seeing clients only outside of school hours.
We are happy to provide a school excuse if your appointment interferes with your school day schedule. Please contact the scheduling department at 412.420.2447 for more assistance.
Please check your spam/junk folders. Our process is to send Zoom links at least one day prior to the appointment, so if on the day of the appointment (even if your appointment is later in the day), please reach out to us as soon as you can if you have not received a link by calling 412.420.2447.
Sometimes our days get busy, and we always want to be focused on our children and families, so the sooner you let us know, the better we’re able to respond and track down those links!
Sometimes our days get busy, and we always want to be focused on our children and families, so the sooner you let us know, the better we’re able to respond and track down those links!
Our providers have limited unscheduled time throughout the week when they are not providing treatment. You are welcome to e-mail/call them, but for the most immediate response, please call the department directly (412.420.2447) and you can be scheduled (remotely or in person) to connect with your provider. As always, in the case of an emergency, please call 911, 988, your local crisis resource, or go directly to the hospital.
For therapy visits, you may reach out to your therapist or call 412.420.2447. For medication management visits, it is best to call 412.420.2447.
Please refer to our attendance policy in your consent to treat.
Please refer to our attendance policy in your consent to treat.
Our prescribers do their best to ensure enough prescriptions/refills are sent to last to the next visit. First, please call the pharmacy to see if something is on file. If the pharmacy doesn’t have what you need, please call 412.420.2447. Please note, that our team does not respond to automated pharmacy-generated refill requests.
Our team will respond to refill requests within 3 business days, so please reach out before you’re completely out of medication!
Our team will respond to refill requests within 3 business days, so please reach out before you’re completely out of medication!
Please send the needed documents to your provider in advance. Our team members may take up to 5 business days for routine forms. For more extensive forms, or forms that require additional signatures, this timeline may be up to 14 business days. Any potential delays with processing paperwork will be shared with you.
Referrals & Appointments
We're here to help.
Amazing is possible. Our caring team is here to help with available in-person and telehealth appointments.
1
Get in Touch
For more information or to inquire about an appointment, please complete our outpatient behavioral health inquiry form.
2
Schedule an Appointment
You can also schedule an evaluation or appointment by contacting our friendly team at 412.420.2447.
3
Prepare for Your Visit
We've put together a few resources to help you feel comfortable and prepared for your first appointment, whether it be in-person or via telehealth.
Telehealth Therapy Tips In-Person Appointment Tips
Telehealth Therapy Tips In-Person Appointment Tips
Where to Find Us
Contact us to schedule an appointment or learn more about our outpatient Behavioral Health Services.
Squirrel Hill Main Campus
1405 Shady Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217Explore News, Events and Stories
The Latest
In 1902, Emile Terrenoire lost both of his legs in a train accident. Inspired by his story, Mary Irwin Laughlin founded what was then the Memorial Home for Cripple(d) Children that same year, with Emile as its first resident.
Take Action
Not sure what the next step is? You can always call our Information Center at 412.420.2400 to speak to a team member who can direct you to the support and answers you need.