Compass Health 2/22/2017 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

The issues that arise in individual therapy include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, anger management,grief and loss, and suicidal thoughts. During treatment sessions, other needs of the youth are assessed,and if they require drug and alcohol counseling, medical services, or a referral to Dawson Place for issues related to sexual abuse,these referrals are made and coordinated with Cocoon Staff. Treatment focuses on the acquisition of daily living skills such as emotional regulation, evaluating life choices and consequences, maintaining family connections, and developing healthy relationships and conflict resolution.Treatment strategies consist of Cognitive Behavioral Treatments as well as Motivational Interviewing.These treatment strategies are evidenced based and allow for the greater autonomy of the youth.The treatment process is important not only to address the mental health issues that arise in counseling, but also provide a positive experience and understanding that there are indeed adults in the community who can be trusted and that assistance is available. With the experience of this positive interaction, it is hoped for that youth will be able to seek out assistance at other times in their life. The therapist participates in weekly staff meetings at the shelter and provides insight and support to Cocoon staff members. Being seen as part of the Cocoon staff and being available during informal, non- structured times such as community meals and social activities, allows teens at Cocoon to begin to know and trust the therapist. Counseling is mostly provided in the late afternoon and evenings at Cocoon as the teens are in school during the day. Our Therapist schedules family counseling sessions at times convenient for the teen and family. The Compass Health therapist also provides crisis services and emergency counseling to the teens enrolled in the program and as needed at the Complex. Having the mental health professional on site to handle these issues is a great benefit to the youth and Cocoon staff. After program hours,the Cocoon House staff can call the Care Crisis line if needed for support. This collaboration between Compass Health and Cocoon enables the homeless and abused teens of our community to access the counseling they need in a timely manner and in a setting that they find comfortable. Homeless youth are often difficult to serve in a typical office setting. Making and keeping appointments at an off-site office,transportation to and from those appointments, and follow through on tasks, are some of the difficulties that occur in providing services to homeless teens. Providing counseling services on site enables the Compass Health and Cocoon staff the ability to schedule immediate appointment for teens and families and assures that the therapist recommendations are being followed.