C.A.S.T.

C.A.S.T. is a small group approach to decreasing suicidal behaviors, depression, and drug involvement among teens. The program is facilitated by Youth First Mental Health Professionals trained in trauma-informed care during the (middle or high) school day.

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Get in touch with Youth First staff for more information about this program.

  • Kent Leslie, Director of Programs | 812-421-8336 ext 111

C.A.S.T. (short for Coping And Support Training) is provided by Youth First Mental Health Professionals in schools over a period of weeks. C.A.S.T. includes 12 sessions that are delivered in small groups of 6–8 youth, ideally twice a week over a six-week period.

Program Goals

  1. Improved Moods
  2. Decreased Drug Use
  3. Improved School Smarts (including attendance, grades, attitude, and school connectedness)
65%

reduction in suicide risk behaviors

34%

reduction in anxiety for girls

27%

reduction in anxiety for boys

44%

reduction in depression

62%

reduction in hard drug use

16%

reduction in alcohol use

24%

increase in problem-solving coping

24%

increase in personal control

27%

increase in family support