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 the 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 that reaches 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 youths 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 that 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 (Click here to fill out YJI's Referral Form)
YJI provides individual and family therapy to youths 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 the services, YJI has begun to meet with clients in different settings whenever necessary. YJI therapists provide service to youths 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 them 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 (Click here to fill out YJI's Referral Form)
YJI’s therapeutic groups have been designed to be gender responsive and culturally appropriate to the youth we serve. They are offered twice a year in our offices at the Alameda County Family Justice Center in Oakland. 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
(Click here to fill out YJI's Internship Application)
YJI offers marriage and family therapist trainees the opportunity to complete their graduate program trainee requirement while working with YJI youths and families. Trainees are provided with weekly individual and group supervision from a licensed MFT who has worked with YJI for the past five years. 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
- Training that will enhance their courses