Therapeutic Support
CASA DC Clinical Services
With a trauma-informed model of treatment, our clinical program has been created to meet the unique needs of court involved youth. Youth involved in any CASA program are eligible for services. Through individual, group, and family therapy options, our team works to provide youth with mental health services from a licensed mental health professional. We serve youth ages 2-21 and are available for consultation as needed to see what services meet your individual needs.
CASA DC recognizes the need to provide therapeutic support to youth.
To make a CASA youth referral, please click here
Court-involved youth are often facing unique challenges that require unique support: in addition to the support of a CASA, we are now offering clinical support services to meet the mental health needs of the kids we are serving. If you know a youth already referred to CASA or who has been impacted by substance abuse or gun violence, we offer a wide range of different therapeutic modalities to help them cope. Options for treatment are in-person or virtual, and individual, group, and family therapy models are available!
For questions about next steps, please reach out to therapy@casadc.org for more information. You can make a referral using the link provided here.
Therapy Options
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBI)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy, otherwise known as DBT, is a four-tier approach focused on emotional regulation, mindfulness, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. This approach works best with you who have difficulty managing their emotions in various ways including anger, irritability, inattention, sadness, and anxiety. DBT uses mindfulness based skills to teach youth the best ways to reduce their suffering and alleviate symptoms. Though it can be used across many different diagnoses, DBT was originally developed to treat Borderline Personality Disorder. It can be adapted to treat a wide variety of other disorders such as Behavioral/Conduct Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a commonly used framework efficient with clients suffering from Depression and Anxiety. In addition to this framework, Trauma- Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy stresses the importance of a trauma-informed approach in meeting our youth's needs. TF-CBT include the creation of a Trauma Narrative-- the chance for our youth to tell their story using whatever creative medium they choose whether that be writing a story, creating a song, choreographing a dance, or even filming a 'talk show'!
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing is used most often with youth who are suffering from behavioral disorders, substance abuse, or overall difficulty with motivation. In allowing youth to create their own goals and establish their plan for change, this modality allows the youth to be in the driver's seat of their own treatment.
Play Therapy
Play is a child's language, and utilizing play therapy techniques in our work with younger kids is a priority. Using tools that we have available in the office including books, musical instruments, art, and role play help youth to process their difficulties and emotions in ways that make sense to them.
Girls Circle
Girls Circle is a 12-week group cycle for female-identifying youth ages 13-19. This group is psychoeducational and allows female-identifying youth the chance to meet and learn new skills. Topics covered include healthy relationships, coping with stress, conflict resolution, creating goals, and dealing with authority.