Youth Therapy Program

Our Youth Therapy Program is a trauma-informed service for youth ages 12-18 who have experienced sexual violence. We provide a structured, time-limited approach that focuses on building emotional safety, strengthening coping skills, and supporting healing at a pace that feels manageable for each young person. 

Therapy may include:

  • Learning skills to manage overwhelming emotions 

  • Understanding trauma and how it impacts the brain and body 

  • Building self-trust and confidence 

  • Strengthening relationships and boundaries 

Youth are never pressured to talk about their experiences before they are ready. Our priority is helping teens feel safe, understood, and supported. 

Services are offered in structured rounds (up to 20 sessions), followed by a pause to support integration. Additional support may be available based on need. 

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Caregivers play a key role in a young person’s healing. When caregivers feel informed, supported, and confident, their teen’s mental health outcomes improve. 

Our program includes caregiver involvement through:

  • An initial family intake 

  • Psychoeducation about trauma and the teen brain 

  • Skill-building sessions focused on communication and support strategies 

  • Midpoint or review meetings to support progress 

We work to balance caregiver involvement with youth confidentiality. Caregivers receive general updates and guidance, while youth are supported in having a private, safe space in therapy. 

You don’t need to have all the answers. Showing up, staying open, and learning alongside your teen makes a meaningful difference. 

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Caregiver Involvement

Our Commitment:

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When needs fall outside our program’s scope, we will: 

  • Provide referrals to appropriate services 

  • Support transitions where possible 

  • Collaborate with other providers (with consent) 

Our goal is to ensure that every youth and caregiver is connected to the level of care that best supports their safety and healing. 

Limits of Youth Services

While our program aims to provide meaningful, trauma-informed care, there are important limits to what we can offer. Being clear about these helps ensure safety, appropriate expectations, and access to the right supports. 

Limits of Youth Therapy:

  • Youth therapy is not a 24/7 or emergency service. If a young person is at immediate risk of harm, families must access crisis supports (e.g., 911, crisis lines, emergency departments).

  • Services are offered in structured rounds (e.g., up to 20 sessions). This model supports focused work and access for more families but may not meet long-term or intensive therapy needs

  • Therapy is most effective when youth are willing to participate. We cannot force engagement or disclosure. Progress may be limited if a youth is not ready.

  • We provide trauma-focused therapy related to sexual violence. We may not be able to address: 

    • Complex psychiatric conditions requiring specialized care 

    • Active substance dependence requiring intensive treatment 

    • Acute safety concerns requiring higher levels of intervention 

    Referrals will be provided when needs fall outside our scope. 

  • Confidentiality cannot be absolute. Therapists are required to share information if: 

    • There is risk of harm to the youth or others 

    • There is suspected abuse of a minor 

    • Records are legally required (e.g., court order) 

  • Regular attendance is required. Ongoing missed appointments or lack of engagement may result in service closure.

Limits of Caregiver Involvement:

  • Caregiver sessions and groups are educational and supportive in nature. They are not a substitute for individual therapy. Referrals can be provided if additional support is needed.

  • Caregivers will not have access to detailed session content unless there are safety concerns. This may feel challenging, but it is essential for building trust in therapy.

  • Caregivers play a critical role, but cannot control a teen’s readiness, engagement, or pace of healing. Change takes time and may not follow a linear path.

  • In caregiver groups, confidentiality is expected but cannot be guaranteed. Participants are asked to respect the privacy of others.

  • Learning about trauma and supporting a teen can bring up strong emotions. While support is offered, caregivers may need additional external resources.

  • Participation in caregiver sessions is strongly encouraged (and sometimes required). Limited participation may impact the effectiveness of the overall program.