At only 10 years of age, Kristen had been placed in a highneeds group home for her behaviors and physical outbursts. Having mental health needs, Kristen was placed out of her home because her mom could not keep her safe. At the group home, Kristin was put on medication to help with her self-control and, when stabilized, it was decided that she transition home with the help of the MHSA- FSP program. Kristen voiced her strong desire to be successful at home and MHSA-FSP aimed to provide Kristen and her mom the support they would need.

As part of the MHSA-FSP program, Kristen and her mom were matched with a family therapist and a Behavioral Specialist. In the beginning of the process, Kristen and her mom met with the therapist individually and as a family on a weekly basis. Kristen worked with her Behavioral Specialist three times a week at school and home. While the extra support helped Kristen’s mom feel more comfortable, Kristen, at first, struggled to communicate properly with her therapist and Behavioral Specialist. Both workers strove to build a supportive rapport with Kristen while they helped her learn social norms and more appropriate ways of communicating.

Even though Kristen struggled, she was determined to learn better means of communicating and coping, as she was tired of becoming overwhelmed and didn’t like fighting with her mom. Kristen also really wanted to stop taking medication and make new friends at school. While Kristen and her mom worked together on better ways to talk to one another, the therapist helped Kristen’s mom establish appropriate rules for Kristen, as well as how to remain consistent with consequences and expectations. The more confident Kristen’s mom became in her role, the more Kristen began to listen and cooperate with her. Likewise, the more positive outcomes Kristen experienced by acting appropriately, the more she chose to act that way. Positive outcomes for Kristen ranged from receiving a B on a test she had studied for to getting to play a game again after she had patiently waited her turn. In time, Kristen learned that she had the ability to make good things happen!

In MHSA-FSP, Kristen and her mom learned a great deal about themselves and their capabilities. In the months since she’s returned home, Kristen’s behaviors have improved so much that her hours with her Behavioral Specialist have been drastically reduced and she has been taken off medication. The family’s greatest accomplishment, however, has been Kristen’s ability to succeed while at home. While Kristen and her mom continue to work through issues with their therapist, they have made tremendous strides with one another— celebrating the new, stronger team they have become.

To read more stories click here!

*names and photos of clients are ficticious to protect their identity