Written and submitted by Program Supervisor Virginia Parra
Pacific Clinics’ Differential Response (DR) program, based in the Bay Area and Capital Regions, is dedicated to serving youth up to 18 years old and their families. Our services, which can be provided in the home, at school, within the community or at any of our Santa Clara County-based offices, are preventative in nature and help families stay together safely when one or more children may be at risk of an out-of-home placement. The comprehensive program employs support based on each individual’s unique needs and goals.
As a short-term program, averaging about six months, our goal is to provide the youth and their families with the tools they need to decrease their mental health symptoms, increase the safety of all family members, learn how to advocate for individual and family needs, create long-term relationships with other community supports and strengthen the connections they have within their own families. We seek to empower our clients and foster independence that will aid them in reaching their program goals.
Youth may qualify for individual therapy with a clinician where they are provided with a safe and nurturing environment to process traumatic events or deep emotions. Utilizing trauma-informed care and evidence-based practices, our clinicians aid youth in gaining a better understanding of who they are and strengthening the relationships they have with those around them. Youth may also qualify for behavioral support from a family specialist, where they can work on developing healthy habits in their day-to-day lives, social skills, coping skills, grounding or anger management techniques and more.
While our primary client is the youth, we acknowledge the importance of including caregivers in assessments, treatment planning and treatment. Each family may be supported by a family partner – an individual who has personal experience understanding and navigating the relationship with a child who has mental health concerns – to receive linkage to community resources, parenting techniques and coaching.
All referrals come through the Department of Family and Child Services (DFCS); however, referrals can also be submitted to DFCS from schools, the Call Center and other Pacific Clinics programs.
To learn more about this program, contact Clinical Program Managers Penney (Trieu) Galvez at penney.galvez@pacificclinics.org and/or Shelly Silva at shelly.silva@pacificclinics.org.
