SERVICES
We provide expedited mental health support for children and adolescents, ages 2-to-18, who have experienced severe trauma such as sexual and physical violence or attempted suicide.
The success of our program is that it relies on dedicated therapists who recognize how important early intervention can be with young trauma clients to positively impact and re-direct the trajectory of their lives. By negotiating a fee for a therapist and funding the up-front payment of 3 months/12 sessions, we are able to ensure that each client will have a strong, supported, professional, and high-quality introduction to mental health treatment.
The mental health care resources we provide help to heal, build positive self-esteem, improve scholastics, cease self-harm, and most importantly, stop the need for self-medication with alcohol and/or drugs.
Our Process
After we receive a referral or someone contacts us directly, we do an initial needs assessment. The first therapy session is typically scheduled within 2 weeks, and ACL secures the therapist and pre-pays for the initial engagement of 3 months or 12 sessions, whichever comes first. Additional 3 months/12 sessions follow-up series are also offered.
ACL provides a solution to the range of challenges inherent in local systems. We seek to expedite support and overcome roadblocks.
Challenges include delays in access to county-provided services, limitations on available therapies and best practices, and specialty needs of younger children combined with overall high costs.
Our Providers
We currently work with 23 specially trained, trauma-informed therapists including Spanish-fluent and multi-lingual, throughout Chester County.
Current Therapies
- Talk Therapy
- Play Therapy
- PCIT: Parent-Child Interactive Therapy
- Equine Therapy for adolescents
Future Programs in Development
- Art Therapy
- Marital Arts empowerment
PCIT: Parent-Child Interactive Therapy allows very young children to enter therapy accompanied by their parent/caregiver. This type of therapy was developed in 2010 for children ages 2-to-7 and is now considered best practice. Although not yet available through county providers, PCIT is a critically important resource for foster/kinship parents if they are caring for a young child who has experienced trauma. In very young children, their neural pathways often allow for the reversal of damage to their brains. This neuro-plasticity enables a young child to absorb positive experiences almost as well as negative ones; the earlier this process is begun, the faster and longer-lasting the healing.
Our Partners
In addition to working directly with clients, we work with a broad range of community organizations who also work with children impacted by trauma. Our partners continually expand and include many community groups:
- CASA Youth Advocates
- Child Advocacy Centers
- Child Protective Services (CPS)
- CVIM: Community Volunteers in Medicine
- Friends Association
- GrandFamilies Connections of Chester County, PA
- Law Enforcement: Police & Special Victims Units (SVU)
- Mazi Adoption Services
- Non-offending Parents, Family Members & Caregivers
- School Teachers, Guidance Counselors & Nurses
- Victim Advocates
- Victim Center
- West Chester’s Justice Center
Support Group: Mothers of Children Who Have Experienced Sexual Abuse
Starting Wednesday, January 22nd, we will host a support group for Mothers of Children Who Have Experienced Sexual Abuse. The group is a hybrid support group, which meets the 3rd Wednesday of every month from 6:00pm-7:00pm. Through group therapy, mothers will better understand the impacts of sexual abuse on their children and how to support them through their healing journey. Group therapy will also allow mothers to connect and form a support system to help them navigate their own healing. The program is capped at 8 participants, so be sure to sign up soon!
For more information call 610-405-2968 or email leslie.holt@childslight.com.
