The primary setting for Gifford's clinical approach is the daily school environment. Staff clinicians work collaboratively with teachers sharing a developmental and clinical perspective as well as techniques for using the school setting to work effectively with troubled children. Clinical programs are woven into the fabric of the student's school life.

Our trained clinicians assist students in meeting the various challenges they face. While one student might be depressed and withdrawn, another might show intense hyperactivity with attention defecit. Many students at Gifford have had problems making friends and trusting others. The school assesses each student's needs from an social/academic perspective and helps develop support and coping strategies.

Family involvement is viewed as an essential ingredient to student success. Parent support groups are led by Gifford clinicians and experts in related fields, providing parents with opportunities to share experiences and find support.

The Clinical Director coordinates the efforts of all of Gifford's clinical staff, which is made up of a psychiatrist, an educational psychologist, social workers and clinical interns.

Gifford's affiliation with community mental health centers enhances the clinical services provided to students and families. Supervised clinical field work training programs bring graduate interns from nearby colleges and universities to enrich and support Gifford's clinical services.