FIU Center for Children and Families

FIU Center for Children and Families We are a world-class clinical research center dedicated to improving the lives of children and families struggling with mental health problems.

Founded in 2010 by Dr. William E. Pelham Jr., the Center for Children and Families (CCF) at Florida International University is a world-class clinical research facility that focuses on improving the lives of the one million families in Florida and the 18 million families in America with children suffering from mental health problems. We provide state-of-the-art prevention and treatment services for families, conduct cutting-edge research and provide education and training for students, educators and mental health professionals. The CCF helps approximately 3,000 families each year with the following concerns:
-ADHD
-Anxiety & fears
-Conduct & behavioral problems
-Family stress & parenting support
-Mood problems & depression
-Problems with academic & social skills
-Trauma

Congratulations to our very own Dr. Elisa Trucco and the FIU BReATHE Study team!Dr. Trucco and the BReATHE Study were re...
09/24/2026

Congratulations to our very own Dr. Elisa Trucco and the FIU BReATHE Study team!

Dr. Trucco and the BReATHE Study were recognized by the Tobacco-Free Partnership of Broward County as the Smoke-Free Initiative Champion of the Year. 

The BReATHE Study focuses on developing an e-cigarette cessation intervention for high school youth in Florida, work that reflects an important commitment to supporting healthier futures for young people and their communities.

👏 Congratulations, Dr. Trucco and team!
🔗 Learn more about the BReATHE Study: reachlab.fiu.edu/breathe/

Hosted by Broward Health

09/23/2026

New research from our center found that children as young as 4 with a higher BMI showed differences in brain regions involved in reward, motivation, taste, and craving.

Led by cognitive neuroscience doctoral student Mohammadreza (Masood) Bayat, alongside FIU professors Anthony Dick and Paulo Graziano, the study offers new insight into how obesity risk and brain development may be connected early in childhood. 

Read the full article ➡️ https://go.fiu.edu/obesity 🔗 link in bio.

As ***depreventionmonth comes to a close 💙. We encourage you to share these ten su***de warning signs in youth to raise...
09/23/2026

As ***depreventionmonth comes to a close 💙. We encourage you to share these ten su***de warning signs in youth to raise awareness and reduce the stigma🎗

Talking about su***de will not encourage it, but it will provide the opportunity for communication.

If you or your child is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call/text the Su***de Prevention Lifeline @‌988lifeline at 988 or call/text the Crisis Text Line at 741741.

🎉 The 2027 Miami International Child & Adolescent Mental Health (MICAMH) Conference is back!Join us at our NEW LOCATION ...
09/22/2026

🎉 The 2027 Miami International Child & Adolescent Mental Health (MICAMH) Conference is back!

Join us at our NEW LOCATION at FIU’s Modesto A. Maidique Campus, in the GC Ballrooms for another year of learning, connection, and collaboration around the latest research and practices supporting child and adolescent mental health.

📣 Now accepting poster abstract submissions!
Researchers, students, clinicians, and scholars are invited to submit research or scholarship relevant to clinical child and adolescent psychology, including evidence-based assessment, prevention, and treatment, as well as research on the etiology, course, psychopathology, and correlates of child mental health problems.

🗓️ Poster abstract deadline: November 1, 2026
🔗 Submit your abstract: go.fiu.edu/poster_submissions

Want to stay in the loop? 📩 Visit micamh.fiu.edu to learn more, and sign up for 2027 MICAMH updates on registration, speakers, conference announcements, and more.

We can’t wait to welcome our community back for !

‼️Attention all mental health professionals, educators and students! 📢 Join us on our first free Speaker Series talk of ...
09/21/2026

‼️Attention all mental health professionals, educators and students! 📢
 
Join us on our first free Speaker Series talk of the Fall 2026 semester, co-sponsored by the Psychology Department, on Friday, Oct. 9th, 2026, in-person from 12 - 1 p.m.
 
We are excited to welcome Melissa Dvorsky, Ph.D., psychologist and Associate Professor at Children’s National Hospital and the George Washington University School of Medicine. Her presentation is titled “Bringing Skills into Action: Rethinking Engagement and Treatment Delivery for Youth and Adolescents with ADHD”
 
We hope to see you there!

✨ This month, we’re proud to recognize the Gordon & Marilyn Macklin Foundation for their generous support of children an...
09/18/2026

✨ This month, we’re proud to recognize the Gordon & Marilyn Macklin Foundation for their generous support of children and families affected by selective mutism.

Their investment is helping launch a new study led by Dr. Jonathan Comer and Dr. Jami Furr at our center.

The project will examine how selective mutism is recognized and treated across the U.S. healthcare system, helping researchers better understand where children may be missed, how quickly they receive care, and what can be done to improve access to effective treatment.

The ultimate goal is to generate evidence that informs advocacy, strengthens early identification, and improves outcomes for children and families affected by selective mutism.

We are grateful to the Gordon & Marilyn Macklin Foundation for helping advance this important work.

🎨 Save the date for Kaleidoscope! 💙 📅 Oct. 10, 2026 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m.📍 Frost Art Museum at FIU🎟️ Free & family-friendlyRS...
09/17/2026

🎨 Save the date for Kaleidoscope! 💙
 
📅 Oct. 10, 2026 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
📍 Frost Art Museum at FIU
🎟️ Free & family-friendly
RSVP Here: go.fiu.edu/family-day or tap the link in our bio. 
 
Please join us on at the Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum — FIU , FIU, as part of the museum’s Family Day for an inaugural event honoring the creativity of our summer program participants and celebrating how art promotes children’s positive mental health.
 
Children’s artwork will be featured in this special museum exhibit, with opportunities to give and take home select pieces in support of our center.
 
Come enjoy free family-friendly activities, face painting and entertainment, including a one-of-a-kind performance by Miami’s own Musical Maestro, Mr. J Jams

Together, we will celebrate children’s creativity while strengthening confidence, connection, and community, one masterpiece at a time.
 
We can’t wait to see you at the museum!
 
Warmly,
Dr. Katie Hart, Director
Center for Children and Families
Florida International University

Sleep is more than rest. 💤🧠Our FIU researcher Dr. Aaron Mattfeld, a psychology professor and cognitive neuroscientist, a...
09/17/2026

Sleep is more than rest. 💤🧠

Our FIU researcher Dr. Aaron Mattfeld, a psychology professor and cognitive neuroscientist, and FIU alumnus Franco Fuertes are exploring how anxiety may be connected to the brain systems that help regulate sleep in preteens.

Their work is shedding new light on the connection between the pineal gland, sleep, and anxiety during this important stage of development.

Read the full article ➡️ go.fiu.edu/anxiety_brain
🔗 link in bio.

09/10/2026

Today, September 10, is World Su***de Prevention Day. 💛
Dr. Jeremy Pettit shares important information about su***de prevention and why awareness, connection, and knowing when to reach out for support matter.

Sometimes, simply checking in, listening, or helping someone connect with support can make a meaningful difference.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call or text the Su***de Prevention Lifeline 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or reach out to a trusted mental healthcare provider.

Share this message to help spread awareness and remind others that support is available.

***dePreventionDay ***dePrevention

Today is 💛At our center, we believe strong families and thriving communities begin with access to support when it’s ne...
09/08/2026

Today is 💛

At our center, we believe strong families and thriving communities begin with access to support when it’s needed most.

If you or someone you care about is experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to connect with support, 24/7.

Address

1250 SW 108th Avenue, Academic Health Center 1, Room 140
Miami, FL
33174

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 9pm
Tuesday 8am - 9pm
Wednesday 8am - 9pm
Thursday 8am - 9pm
Friday 8am - 9pm
Saturday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+13053480477

Website

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