During the ten years I’ve worked at KidsTLC, I am continually amazed at what can be accomplished with the unwavering support of our community and staff who remain dedicated to the wellbeing of our children. No matter what is going on in the world, the KidsTLC community continues to work together to overcome challenges and create a incredible atmosphere for those who come to us for help.
I want to share with you about the exciting growth happening in KidsTLC’s Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). You may be wondering, “What exactly is IOP?” IOP is for children and teens whose struggles with mental and behavioral health require more than traditional outpatient therapy. Often, they are either stepping down from a residential treatment setting, or are hoping to prevent the need for residential care so that they can remain at home with their family.
We know that when a child struggles, so does the entire family. The children in our IOP program may show behaviors such as aggression toward others, self-harm, the urge to run away from home, or using drugs and alcohol. They have often experienced multiple hospitalizations and have exhausted other available mental health services. By the time a family comes to our program, the parents are often frustrated, tired and overwhelmed, and the relationship with their child is strained. I regularly speak with parents who want nothing more than to keep their family together, but aren’t sure where to turn.
Our hope is that children and families in our community can have a new kind of treatment experience that is empowering and healing. This creative program engages youth in a group setting, rather than a traditional individual therapy environment. In addition, we support parents and caregivers through weekly training to equip them with the tools they need to form a healthier connection with their child. All of this is important so that the family can safely remain together without the need for residential treatment. To paint a better picture of how this works, let me tell you about a day in the life of IOP…
Each afternoon, we have three hours to pack in fun, laughter and most importantly, connection. We create a safe space for kids to work toward their treatment goals, learn to manage their “big emotions” and build healthy relationships. This includes a check-in activity to help kids get acclimated, a therapeutic group activity and recreation therapy to get their brains and bodies moving. We end by practicing calming techniques as they slow down their bodies with relaxation and mindfulness exercises, and we set a check-out goal for their day. Throughout the group experience, our therapists help the kids identify how they can apply the skills they are learning to their every day lives. Often, the kids are engaged in therapy and developing coping skills without even realizing it!
One of my favorite things about supervising this program is watching each kid’s confidence grow as they find encouragement from one another. The impact being made in the lives of families we serve is immeasurable. All of this is only possible because we have the support of our healing community—THAT’S YOU! From someone who works directly with the kids and families at KidsTLC, thank you for believing in our mission. We could not do this amazing work without you!
Kelly English, LPC
Vice President of Clinical Operations