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.
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
- Increase Participants’ School Performance
- Decrease Drug Involvement
- Improve Mood Management
- Increase Healthy Behaviors
46%
of students can usually or always identify their personal strengths
46%
of students can usually or always think about several options or solutions when making a decision
86%
of students think they are doing pretty well
78%
of students can think of many ways to get the things in life that are most important to them
55%
of students do not give up easily when they have a problem
34%
of students talk about their feelings with others when they are upset
66%
of students stop to think about all of the things that may happen as a result of their decision
58%
of students agreed they make good decisions
68%
of students think their friends would like the group
