About PATCH

Anxiety and related disorders are among the most common psychiatric disorders that affect children and adolescents. Fortunately, they are also among the most responsive to treatment. PATCH (Pediatric Anxiety Treatment Center at Hall-Mercer) is a specialty clinic in Center City Philadelphia that assesses and treats children and adolescents with anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), tics, and trichotillomania. PATCH therapists use treatments that have been demonstrated to work, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP). Our therapy approach involves a partnership between the therapist and family and helps youth learn to manage their anxiety more effectively.

What we offer:

We offer evidence-based treatment for children and adolescents (ages 4-18) with:

• Generalized anxiety
• Social anxiety
• Separation anxiety
• Fears and phobias
• School anxiety
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Panic attacks
• Selective mutism
• Tics
• Trichotillomania (hair pulling)

Before beginning treatment, all youth complete an initial intake evaluation to confirm that PATCH’s services are the right fit for the difficulties a child is experiencing. You can read more about what to expect at the intake evaluation here.  If you are interested in scheduling an evaluation or would like more information, please contact us at 215-829-5524 or share your information with us through our secure inquiry form here. 

In addition to treatment services, PATCH offers assessments for youth ages 2-21 suspected of having autism.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties with social communication and engagements in repetitive or restrictive patterns of behaviors or thinking. A formal autism diagnosis can help inform Individualized Education Plans, treatment recommendations, and transition services.

• Testing takes up to four hours. Parents complete a developmental interview, and youth participate in structured social evaluations and other assessments based on individual needs (e.g., cognitive testing).
• We are currently able to schedule new assessments within the next 4-6 months. If you are interested in scheduling an assessment or would like more information, please click here.