What is the COPE Program at Fort Wayne Pediatrics?

The COPE Program (Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment) is an evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program that helps children, teens, and young adults better manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.

COPE is the evidence-based solution to preventing and treating mental health problems in youth & teens.



Through simple, practical tools and strategies, participants learn how to recognize negative thoughts, shift unhelpful thinking, and build healthier habits. COPE helps kids and teens build confidence, coping skills, problem-solving skills, and emotional resilience they can use now and as they grow.

How does the COPE Program help my child?

Dealing with mental health issues in kids and teens can seem overwhelming for parents, and many have trouble knowing where to begin.

The COPE Program is specifically designed to bridge the gap between recognizing a problem and finding a functional solution. Traditional talk therapy can sometimes seem like a big (and costly) step and can take a while to find a provider and get started, COPE is a skills-building program that they can start right away, right here at Fort Wayne Pediatrics office.

By participating in this program, children and teens learn to:

• Recognize the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
• Identify and stop "automatic" negative thoughts before they spiral.
• Develop healthy coping mechanisms for stressful school or social situations.
• Improve overall self-esteem and emotional self-regulation.
• Enhance communication skills with parents and peers.

Why is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy effective for kids & teens?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is considered the "gold standard" for treating childhood anxiety and depression. The reason it works so well for the teenage brain is its structured nature. Teens often feel like their emotions are out of control; CBT provides a logical framework to categorize those emotions. By breaking down a large, scary feeling into a specific thought and a specific action, the teen regains a sense of agency over their own mind.

The Structure of a COPE Session

At Fort Wayne Pediatrics, we utilize the COPE 7-session manualized program. Every child will receive a COPE workbook to take home. This structure ensures that every patient receives a consistent, high-quality level of care. Each session builds upon the previous one, moving from basic emotional awareness to complex problem-solving. Because the program is time-limited, it is often more accessible for busy families who may be wary of long-term therapy commitments. This focused approach allows our pediatricians to track progress closely and adjust care as needed.

Is the COPE Program right for my family?

If your child is experiencing persistent sadness, avoidance of social activities, or frequent outbursts related to stress or anxiety, they may benefit from this intervention. The program is tailored for children as young as seven and extends through young adulthood. It is particularly effective for those dealing with behavior issues stemming from anxiety. If your child is struggling to keep up with schoolwork or is withdrawing from hobbies they once loved, it may be time to look into specialized behavioral health services.

Mental Health Support at Fort Wayne Pediatrics

We believe that physical and emotional growth go hand-in-hand. Our goal is to provide a trusting relationship that supports the whole child. We work closely with parents to ensure that the skills learned in the COPE Program are reinforced at home. This collaborative environment ensures that the child feels supported not just during their session, but in every aspect of their daily life in Fort Wayne.

How can we get started with COPE in Fort Wayne?

Taking the first step toward mental wellness is often the hardest. To begin the COPE Program, you should first schedule a consultation at our office. During this visit, we will evaluate your child's specific needs and determine if the 7-session manualized program is the best fit for their current challenges. You can easily request appointments through our portal or by calling our office directly. Your child will be given a workbook to be able to fill out at home. Simple, easy, and fun activities to teach good coping skills.

Summary Checklist for Parents

To help your child succeed in the COPE Program, keep these key takeaways in mind:

• Consistency is Key : The program works best when all 7 sessions are completed.
• Practice Matters : Encourage your child to use their "COPE tools" in real-life situations.
• Open Communication : Keep an open dialogue with your provider about progress at home.
• Early Intervention : Addressing symptoms early leads to better long-term outcomes.
• Empowerment : The ultimate goal is to give your child the tools to help themselves.