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Developing a Better Today (DBT for Youth)
This twelve-session therapy group is for teens (ages 14-18) struggling with emotional and interpersonal problems. This ongoing group, based on the dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) model, is designed to develop skills that improve everyday functioning. The focus is to work on balancing change and acceptance in life in order to make it a “life worth living.” Teens learn hands-on skills to develop their ability to solve interpersonal problems effectively, to self-regulate their thoughts and emotions, and to tolerate stress in life without impulsive, destructive behavior.
Minor in Possession (MIP) Class
This education class for young adults, age 12-19 years, supports drug awareness and addiction prevention. Classes are conducted by two licensed CADAC counselors. The interactive format incorporates two respected programs – the Hazeldon “Alternate Roots” program and the “Prime For Life” program of the Prevention Research Institute. Guest speakers include young adults who have been though an MIP program and have effectively moved forward with their lives. Youth from Douglas, Sarpy and outlying counties who have been cited with an MIP are eligible. Referrals are accepted from parents, educational institutions, private physicians, etc. One 8-hour session on Saturdays is offered once monthly at either the Heartland Family Service West Office or Central Office. Tuition is $50 per participant. A limited number of sliding-fee slots are available.
School-Based Counseling (YouthNet)
YouthNet Family Counseling is a collaborative project of Family Service and the YMCA to provide a comprehensive program of outreach, counseling and structured activities for middle and junior high youth and their families. he program addresses four types of high-risk behavior: school dropout, alcohol and drug abuse, early sexual activity and youth violence or delinquency. Family Service conducts the professional family counseling component of YouthNet, offering mental health information and assessment, assisting the enhancement of family relationships, intervening and/or preventing negative behavior, consolidating existing individual and family strengths, assisting clients to learn new ways to meet self-chosen goals, and teaching healthy lifestyles. YouthNet is funded by United Way of the Midlands and is available to all students in OPS, Papillion/La Vista and Council Bluffs Schools.
Therapeutic School
Our Therapeutic School, serving southwest Iowa, is a terrific example of the hallmarks of Heartland Family Service: prevention, collaboration and commitment to addressing the community’s most challenging needs. This unique school, serving children with serious academic, emotional, behavioral and cognitive disorders, has received exceptional support from the Council Bluffs Community School District and the school districts it serves through Area Education Agency 13. The youth are diagnosed with serious psychiatric issues that require certified classroom teachers, master-level social workers, a consulting psychologist and psychiatrist, and other behaviorally-trained staff. In addition to the advantage of allowing these children to remain at home with their families instead of being institutionalized out of town, the School provides a very cost-efficient model for meeting their unique needs. Because there is such a high demand for this service, we moved into a new facility and doubled our student population from 20 to 40 for the 2004-2005 school year. We are now hiring for a second School in Harlan, Iowa and will enroll students for the 2005-2006 term.
Therapeutic Groups for Children and Adolescents
Masters-level therapists help youth with social skills and anger management. Children and adolescents must meet a DSM-4 diagnosis and be assessed as appropriate for a therapeutic group through a professional interview.
Youth Substance Abuse (YSA) Treatment
The Heartland Family Service youth treatment team offers effective approaches for adolescents and young adults age 13-20 who are involved with substance abuse, including those who may have co-occurring mental health issues. Services include individual, group and family therapy as well as an aftercare component. Highly recommended for parents with children in treatment is the Setting Limits parenting class. Click here for our helpful Q&A: How to Raise Drug-Free Kids.
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