Early Childhood Assessment and Treatment Program (ECAT)

A Special Program for Young Children 

The Early Childhood Assessment and Treatment (ECAT) Program is designed especially for babies, toddlers and young children (through age 5). Our specially trained ECAT team evaluates the mental health and development of young children when a caregiver-child relationship turns stressful or when a child experiences trauma. The team uses evidence-based assessment and treatment methods to ensure the best results for children and families.

Who We Serve

An ECAT consultation can help caregivers who:

  • Feel overwhelmed
  • Feel like the child isn't listening
  • Question whether the child's behavior is typical or age-appropriate
  • Have difficulty soothing the child when upset
  • Have trouble feeding or putting the child to sleep
  • Having difficulty in a childcare setting

ECAT services can help children who display these behaviors:

  • Mother smiling with toddlerAggression
  • Defiance
  • Developmental concerns
  • Fearfulness
  • Hyperactivity
  • Irritability
  • Low energy
  • Nightmares
  • Sensitivity
  • Separation anxiety
  • Social withdrawal
  • Tantrums
  • Difficulty with peer interactions

ECAT Services

Our team of trained, certified specialists performs a complete assessment. Then they work together to give each child and family a thorough diagnosis and treatment plan. Our team includes licensed clinical psychologists, licensed marriage and family therapists, board-certified child psychiatrists, occupational therapists, and speech and language pathologists.

Preschool wellness consultations

We provide professional support and preschool classrooms on the westside of Los Angeles. Our services combine the areas of mental health, physical health, nutrition and occupational therapy, and include:

  • Classroom wide interventions to foster healthy relationships among students
  • Workshops for parents and teachers on wellness topics affecting preschoolers
  • Personalized strategies for individual children with wellness needs
  • Guidance and support to help teachers address individual and classroom concerns

The treatment plan

After assessing the child and the situation, our team designs a personalized treatment plan based on the identified needs of the child and family. The plan may include:

  • Child-parent or child-caregiver therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Medication evaluation and management
  • Coordination with other service agencies, such as the school, day care or healthcare providers
  • Development assessment

Fees and Funding Sources

The cost of services may be met through Medi-Cal. Funding is also available for families with no insurance.

Funding sources for the Providence Saint John's Child and Family Development Center include the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Department of Children and Family Services, City of Santa Monica and private donations.

Support Us

To give online:

To give by mail, send a check to:

Saint John's Child and Family Development Center
1339 20th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Attention: Donations

Please indicate on the notation line of your check: ECAT
Please provide us with your contact information so we can send you a thank you note and charitable donation letter.

Contact Us

Call us for intake: 310-829-8921.