Helping parents better understand their children's mental health needs and providing tools to address them.

Our nation is in the midst of a youth mental health crisis. Yet finding mental health resources is difficult. At JF&CS, we repeatedly hear that parents are trying to figure out the best way to help their children, but they often feel frustrated, overwhelmed, and/or powerless.

Building on JF&CS's longstanding expertise helping families address mental health challenges, we are now offering new services: clinical consultations and family navigation for parents and caregivers concerned about their children’s mental health. 

Why seek youth mental health supports at JF&CS?

Have you seen a distinct and sustained shift in your child’s mood, behavior, or performance in school or activities?

Are you wondering how to best support your child to cope with a major life/family transition?

Are you considering accessing mental health services for your child or think they need new/additional services, but you don’t know where to start?

Would it be helpful to have additional resources or strategies to utilize at home to support your child’s mental wellness?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then call to inquire about clinical consultation and family navigation today.

How does it work?

Parents and caregivers will meet with our team of mental health experts who will help to clarify the needs of your child and family, come up with a plan to address those needs, and work with you as closely as needed to ensure that you are empowered to get those needs met. 

Most parents/caregivers will begin by meeting with a licensed mental health clinician for an in-person or virtual meeting that will include an in-depth assessment of what is happening for your child and family now, as well as an overview of your child’s and family’s history. This session also includes immediate recommendations and strategies to support your child’s well-being. 

Following the initial session, the youth mental health team, consisting of the clinician and a family navigator, will work together to support your family to gather information and offer recommendations, resources, and strategies to help guide you as a parent or caregiver in the context of your family’s unique circumstances. This may include…

• Coaching around direct interventions to implement at home with your child
• Education about symptoms, diagnoses or treatments
• Information about navigating aspects of the mental health and/or education service systems
• Referrals for resources or services for your child and for other members of your family

You will be provided with a written report summarizing recommendations and referrals given to you, and the clinician will meet with you to review the report and answer any questions you might have. Then, the youth mental health team will be available to meet with you on an ongoing basis, as often as is helpful for you. These contacts may happen in person, virtually, or by phone. 

Our youth mental health team aims to empower parents and caregivers to have the information, tools, resources, and confidence you need to effectively navigate complex systems on behalf of your children. To do that, we are available to assist you with the following tasks and more: 

• Applying for programs and benefits
• Attending team planning meetings
• Coordinating care with multiple service providers
• Accessing special education services
• Accompanying families on visits to potential programs
• Offering strategies and guidance for parents and caregivers to use at home to support children’s safety and wellness

These services are provided for a fee, with reduced rates available to those who qualify and as funding permits. 

Meet our team of experts

Cara Presley, LICSW, is a clinician with over 20 years of experience as an outpatient and home-based psychotherapist serving children, adolescents, adults, and families. She has her bachelor's and master’s degrees in social work and has a clinical specialization in trauma recovery, along with a passion for serving and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community. Cara is a seasoned clinician and supervisor, with direct service and management experience in nonprofit, healthcare, and government settings, including youth mental health programs funded and regulated under systems such as the Department of Mental Health (DMH), the Department of Children and Families (DCF), and the Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI). Cara understands that for children to thrive in their mental wellness, their families’ needs must also be met, and she approaches her work from a strengths-based, family-centered, justice-oriented perspective. 

Lindsay Alperin, MOT, OTR/L, is a family navigator with valuable experience working with children with disabilities and their families for over ten years in school, community-based, and outpatient settings. As a former program director, Lindsay has managed multiple programs for youth with disabilities focused on mentoring, leadership, and independent living. Lindsay’s clinical background, combined with nonprofit program management experience, is critical for this role as she works with families navigating various complex systems and accessing appropriate supports based on personalized needs. She is skilled in fostering community partnerships and accessing relevant resources for all families. Lindsay strongly believes in the importance of collaborating with families and has an ongoing commitment to inclusion and accessibility for all. Lindsay holds a Bachelor of Health Science Studies and a Master of Occupational Therapy from Quinnipiac University. She is certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid.

How do I get started?

To learn more or to schedule an initial consultation, call JF&CS Mental Health Connect at 781-693-5562 or email mentalhealth@jfcsboston.org and a clinician will follow up with you promptly.