Kaitlin Perkins

Bringing therapeutic support directly into the homes of families in need, Kaitlin Perkins embodies a wraparound approach to children's mental health. As a master's-level clinician intern in CHD's In-Home Therapy program, Perkins is at the forefront of delivering comprehensive behavioral health services to children and their families in Massachusetts.

Perkins' journey to in-home therapy began with a passion for special education. After graduating from Westfield State University with a degree in special education and psychology, she gained valuable experience in applied behavior analysis. However, her desire for a more challenging and dynamic role led her to CHD, where she discovered her true calling in in-home therapy.

Now pursuing her master's degree in mental health counseling at Cambridge College, Perkins combines her educational background with hands-on experience to provide holistic support to families. Her approach involves working not just with the child, but with the entire family unit and other important figures in the child's life, such as teachers, doctors, and extended family members.

Perkins' work exemplifies the benefits of the in-home therapy model. By meeting families in their own environment, she can observe family dynamics firsthand and intervene in real-time to address behaviors as they occur. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of each family's unique challenges and the ability to tailor interventions accordingly.

One of Perkins' most rewarding experiences involved helping a defiant teen reconnect with his family. Through targeted interventions like family game nights and shared meals, she successfully facilitated improved family dynamics and communication. These small but significant victories fuel Perkins' passion for her work and drive her commitment to making a difference in the lives of the families she serves.

As Perkins continues to develop her skills and knowledge in mental health counseling, she remains dedicated to the principle that effective therapy goes beyond the individual to encompass the entire family system. Her work at CHD's In-Home Therapy program stands as a testament to the power of bringing mental health support directly into the home, where it can have the most immediate and lasting impact.