YOS is the only organization in the Chicagoland area that caters specifically to adolescents with PSB, offering two effective programs.
Youth Outreach Services (YOS) has licensed and trained counselors who use two evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches to treat problem sexual behavior (PSB). These approaches are Multi-Systemic Therapy for youth with Problem Sexual Behavior (MST-PSB) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MST-PSB /CBT-PSB). MST-PSB is a home-based, individual family treatment model for youth aged 10-17.5. MST-PSB /CBT-PSB is a group family model for youth aged 12-18 and their parents.
Multi-Systemic Therapy for Problematic Sexual Behavior (MST–PSB)
MST-PSB is an evidence-based adaptation of MST. MST-PSB is a family therapy program designed to serve youth ages 10-17.5 displaying problematic sexual behavior (PSB). Examples of PSB include unwanted touching, incest, etc. This is an intensive program, with therapists on call 24/7 for crisis management and meetings with families in the community (typically in their homes). MST–PSB is highly focused on safety planning to prevent further instances of PSB. MST–PSB also works in close collaboration with the Children’s Advocacy Center, which provides trauma-focused therapy for the victims of the PSB.
- The MST-PSB program covers all of Cook County.
- Services are free to families.
- For clients to be eligible for services, they must live in a home with a long-term caregiver (or will be returning home from a placement within three or four months.)
- This program is approximately 6-7 months, meeting 3 times per week.
Problematic Sexual Behavior – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (PSB-CBT)
This program serves children and adolescents ages 12-18 and their caregivers through group and/or family therapy. These programs are research-informed treatments for children and adolescents who have demonstrated inappropriate or problematic sexual behavior. In some cases, these youth may be involved in the juvenile justice system for illegal sexual behavior. Safety planning and reunification sessions can also be provided to families as needed.
- The PSB-CBT program covers all of Cook County.
- Services are free to families.
- Caregivers are required to participate in services with their youth. Evidence supports caregiver involvement as the strongest predictor of behavior change in youth.
- This program is approximately 12 months in duration. It is an open group, meaning families may access services anytime during the year. Groups meet once a week.
- Times and locations of group sessions can be shared by contacting us.
Our goals are to support families, eliminate problem sexual behaviors, and protect vulnerable individuals. Therapists provide victims with access to trauma-focused therapy, as well.
It is crucial to have the community’s support to further our reach and provide these programs. Please donate here if you would also like to financially support YOS as we work to reach more families facing these issues.
“The CBT PSB team has become more than a support system for our family. They are friends. From the beginning, the group leaders have been committed to teaching us how to cope with and rebuild our family dynamic while showing genuine love and concern. I know that I am free to be vulnerable and honest when I am in a group. My family and I know that we are accepted and never judged. What happened was devastating, and we were on the brink of watching our family dissolve, but the group has given us hope again. Together, we worked towards saving the one thing I do love the most: my family. Trusting others to understand a situation like ours is hard, but I am glad I found YOS.” – Client/Family.