YJI’s Mental Health Services Program
The mission of the mental health services program is to provide gender responsive, culturally relevant, and youth-centered therapeutic approaches and theories focused on meeting youth where they are and assisting them in developing their mental health skills. We have a unique opportunity that allows us to provide a therapeutic relationship in multiple environments, reaching a population typically not exposed to mental health resources.
Mental Health Program
There is often stigma attached to therapy and individuals who seek therapy services. For many, the idea of “talking about your problems” with someone outside of the family/extended family is a challenge. Many youth and families do not access mental health services for numerous reasons:
- It is outside of their cultural and religious beliefs
- They have been misinformed about resources and treatment
- Financial and language barriers
- Access to services is limited
Also, some of the youth who have received mental health services in the past have had a negative experience because of inappropriate referrals to therapists who are not trained or experienced in the unique needs of the youth YJI serves. These findings led to the development of a mental health program that provides therapy to youth and their families in detention, out-of-home treatment facilities, and in the community.
Services
Individual Therapy To refer a client to YJI for individual therapy, please therapy-deleteme[at]-deleteme-yjinstitute [dot] org the mental health team or call 415.753.7596.
YJI provides individual and family therapy to youth who have had contact and/or are at risk for involvement with the juvenile justice system, and to those who have witnessed and/or survived violence, trauma, and abuse. Because not all clients are able to access services onsite, YJI has begun to meet with clients in different settings whenever necessary. YJI therapists provide service to youth in detention facilities, schools, residential placements, and other community spaces.
The treatment is designed to meet the specific needs of each youth. Clients set goals while in therapy and goals for when their treatment is completed. Unlike other mental health services, YJI does not place a limit on the number of sessions available. This allows clients to fully benefit from the therapeutic process without premature termination or interruption from the therapist. We are able to collaborate with other service providers and family members if it is in the best interest of the client.
Case managers, probation officers, social workers, community agency partners, and attorneys can make referrals to the mental health program. Self-referrals are also accepted. Clients are seen in both our San Francisco and our Oakland offices.
Therapeutic Groups and Curriculum
YJI’s therapeutic groups have been designed to be gender responsive and culturally appropriate to the youth we serve. After testing a number of different curriculums in groups for young women, YJI found that there were key components that were either missing or not culturally appropriate. Also, the young women had difficulty connecting to some of the material covered in the curriculum.
YJI responded to these findings by targeting the needs of its clients and then analyzing how successful the curriculums were in meeting these needs. Through an intense planning process, YJI has designed a curriculum that addresses the needs and issues that exist in the relationships young women have within themselves, their families, peers, community, and others. The needs are addressed in the curriculum through lesson plans that incorporate therapeutic, psycho-education, and life-skills components.
Traineeship Program
(To apply for this program, please therapy-deleteme[at]-deleteme-yjinstitute [dot] org your cover letter and resume to YJI's Mental Health Team.)
YJI offers marriage and family therapist trainees the opportunity to complete their graduate program trainee requirement while working with YJI youth and families. Trainees are provided with weekly individual and group supervision from a licensed professional. Trainees receive instruction before their first contact with a client and monthly clinical trainings that address issues relevant to both the population they are working with and the therapy field.
Some of the benefits and experiences trainees can expect from YJI:
- Gain knowledge of the Juvenile Justice System
- Provide therapeutic services to youth who are detained in custody, youth on probation, and at-risk youth who have witnessed or survived violence
- Work with transitional-age youth exiting the justice systems and trying to reenter their communities
- Provide therapy in a variety of settings
- Receive training that will enhance their courses
Mental Health Contacts:
Alexis Aragon, Mental Health Program Supervisor/MFT Intern
alexis-deleteme[at]-deleteme-yjinstitute [dot] org, 415.935.5325
Christian Henricksen, Mental Health Program Coordinator/MFT Intern
christian-deleteme[at]-deleteme-yjinstitute [dot] org, 415.753.7596