The Berkeley High School Program served youth ages 5 - 18, attending Berkeley High School's Independent Study program, which included the K-8 Home School and grades 9-12 Independent Study programs. The program supported youth with challenges that were compromising academic performance. Referrals were made by teachers who had identified that a student might benefit from mental health services. Comprehensive services included occupational therapy, which promoted strengths, interests, goals, and values identification, as well developing social-emotional skills, coping skills, communication skills, and organizational skills.
The DreamCatcher program served youth ages 13-17 who were homeless in Oakland. Youth were often waitlisted for transitional housing services, and experiencing barriers due to any combination of the following: homelessness, commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), discrimination against LGBTQIA, substance addiction, economic disadvantage, probation, learning and/or social-emotional disabilities, mental health challenges, pregnancy and parenting, developmental and/or educational delays, as well as symptoms of trauma, abuse, and neglect.
The Secondary Prevention Program provided occupational therapy and case management services to youth ages 10-22 from 2011-2018. Youth engaged in activity-based assessments of their strengths, interests, learning style, values, aptitudes, and career personality. Upon completion, the youth made a personal presentation of their self-discoveries to meaningful people in their lives. Additionally, youth engaged in activities to build skills in identifying unique talents, developing self-awareness, setting goals, assertive communication, coping strategies, vocational and educational exploration and readiness, and accessing community resources.
.JPG)
The ISCS program worked with youth who had been involved in the juvenile justice system or who were at-risk of being involved in the system. Our intensive services were offered to youth in their natural settings including their homes, schools, and communities. We collaborated closely with probation (if applicable) and any other service providers working with the youth. The ISCS Program empowered youth to take charge of their life through informed decision making consistent with their goals. The program took a multidisciplinary approach which included intensive case management, psychotherapy, and occupational therapy.
From 2013 to 2018, the YWD program helped prepare youth ages 14 - 21 with the knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences that will prepare them for the world of work, including job readiness training, paid work-based learning opportunities, educational and post-secondary support, and transition services.
From 2002 to 2018, OTTP provided occupation therapy to the youth detained on units 2, 6 &7 in juvenile hall for the duration of their detainment. OTTP’s interventions were delivered in group session format, and focused on life skills that are essential components of healthy development, including social, cognitive, and emotional coping skills. In addition, specific independent living skills and pre-vocational readiness skills necessary for self-sufficiency were learned and practiced within a warm, supportive environment. Additionally, the Juvenile Justice Program served detained youth at Log Cabin Ranch (LCR). OTTP conducted occupational therapy assessments and made aftercare recommendations to the treatment team. Upon discharge, OTTP collaborated with other community-based organizations to increase the likelihood for successful transition from LCR to the community.
OTTP collaborated with Covenant House in Oakland, CA, to offer occupational therapy services to homeless and exploited/CSEC youth. The Covenant House Program offered activity-based groups and individual sessions that were designed to increase life skills, emotional awareness, and regulation.
OTTP-SF provided group services at Rooftop Elementary School. Students worked on sensory integration, gross motor movement, and social-emotional learning in a gym style classroom. They had access to mats, tunnels, swings, and more, which allowed them to participate in sensory activities that increased body-awareness and self-regulation skills.
At this private school that spans preschool-7th grade, OTTP provided OT consultation to teachers and staff to promote multi-sensory learning that honored the relationship between student and teacher.
In this program, OTTP-SF collaborated with Buena Vista Horace Mann School to connect vulnerable families and youth ages 5 and over with basic mental health services, as well as food, housing, financial, and medical resources.
