A Child's Success Story

Client is an 11 yr. old Latino male who was referred to ECDA by school due to following symptoms; spends time alone, anxious/nervous behavior, inattentive, aggressive/short tempered, low self-esteem, frequent daydreaming, unaccepted by other, failing grades, lacks motivation, uninterested in school, short attention span and appears sad. During the assessment, mother reported concerns regarding behavior as client tends to isolate self (has few friends and possible bullying), aggressive towards siblings and low self-esteem. Mother also reported that, since the age of one, client was exposed to domestic violence.

Due to the following symptoms client was diagnosed with Dysthymic Disorder Early Onset. Client was evaluated by ECDA's Psychiatrist, and he was prescribed with an antidepressant and a mood stabilizer.

A Marriage and Family Therapist, Intern, provided the client with weekly individual sessions at school and collateral therapy as needed. The clinical therapist used the following intervention with client in order to reduce and alleviate symptoms; reality checks and faulty beliefs, cognitive behavior techniques, worksheets, role play, modeling, assertive communication (i.e. "I" statements), behavior charts, identifying and verbalizing feelings of anger and play therapy to assist with social skills and interactions.

After six months of therapy, the client and mother report progress as client is able to control unwanted behavior, social interaction among peers have increase, is able to communicate effectively with mother, fights with siblings have decreased, is able to verbalize needs and wants instead of angry outbursts.

Client has also received at school award for most improved in ESL (client was able to transfer out of ESL and placed in a regular English class). Client is doing better in school overall.  Client continues in therapy and he is working on new goals.

This vignette example represents a case composite created to demonstrate the types of services and their impact towards assisting children in living within a healthy family

Adult Mental Health Services Success Story

The client is middle-aged divorced Caucasian female and mother of two. She began services with El Centro De Amistad almost two year ago presenting with symptoms of depression, psychosis, and anxiety, as well as symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder accompanied by a great amount of anger. Client was also homeless at the time and simultaneously working with the Department of Children's Services in an attempt to reunite with her children, who were removed, from the home. Client has a history of multiple traumas; including a car accident, a coma and extensive memory loss. Client had minimal education due to a learning disability, little work experience, and a limited support system. The Client's goals included becoming employed, obtaining stable housing and eventually reuniting with her children. It was especially important for her to and be able to provide the appropriate care for her children and herself.

Following the client's assessment, it was determined she would be receiving the full scope of our Adult Mental Health Program services, which included intensive individual therapy, case management, and medication support. As a result, the services provided, the client the ability to decrease symptoms of depression and psychosis, this allowed the client to experience the motivation needed to focus on employment and housing goals. As a result client was also able to reduce her level of anxiety and anger related to past traumatic experiences, and increase her social skills needed to further progress with employment goals. After DCFS became aware of client's progress, client was awarded custody of her children. Client is now employed and renting a nice home, with the help of a now more extensive social support group, including her self-sufficient 18 yr-old son.