7 Challenges is a comprehensive counseling program for youth ages 12-17 that incorporates work on alcohol and other drug problems. It is designed to motivate youth to evaluate their lives, consider changes they may wish to make, and then how to implement the desired changes. It supports them in taking power over their own lives. The Seven Challenges is implemented as the counseling component of an outpatient program and can be delivered with different levels of intensity to meet the needs of the youth.

Youths are provided a book of readings describing common substance use knowledge, attitudes and behaviors as well as possible outcomes based on the concepts covered in each of the Seven Challenges. Each youth is also asked to work with journals. The journals are a unique feature of the intervention and they are used to elicit information related to each of the Seven Challenges and assist the youth in
expressing their thoughts and feelings related to each challenge. The clinician reviews the journals and provides a therapeutic response to the information covered in the journal. The journaling aspect of the program is a private, written exchange between the counselor and the youth complementary to the group and individual counseling work done in sessions.

This is an insurance-based program. Accepted insurances: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island & Medicaid plans through Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island and United Healthcare.

For more information, call 401-822-1360.

For the 7 Challenges Referral Form please click here

Believe in Making Results (BMR)

The Believe in Making Results Program is a preventative, youth diversion program supporting youth ages 10-14 and their families. BMR focuses on improving family functioning, meeting basic needs, preventing DCYF involvement, developing coping skills, and preventing out-of-home placement. Services available in Pawtucket/Central Falls, Providence, South Kingstown, and Woonsocket. The program creates a safe, nurturing environment where youth and families facing challenges feel valued, understood, and empowered to build resilience and thrive.

Services Include:

Case Management
Connection to community resources to meet basic needs
Individual Social-emotional skill building
Develop individualized treatment plans
Referrals to complementary behavioral health services
Provide crisis intervention
Informal counseling (community, home and school based)
Therapeutic skill groups
Therapeutic recreation
Educational advocacy
Family Resilience-Building Interventions

This program is funded by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) and is available only through a formal referral. A referral must be made by the Family Care Community Partnership (FCCP), DCYF, or Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS). For more information, call 401-822-1360.

Credible Messenger (CM)

Credible Messenger is a mentoring program addressing the needs of youth who are involved with or are at risk of involvement with the juvenile justice system. It's designed to be adaptable to meet the unique needs of youth with community safety concerns, helping to reduce the cycle of incarceration. CM harnesses the power of credible messengers, individuals who've overcome their own involvement in the juvenile or criminal justice systems, to mentor and support youth. Credible Messengers use their lived experience to establish credibility with youth and offer guidance, support, and resources, to empower justice involved youth to make positive life choices, develop essential skills, and break the cycle of criminal behavior.

Services Include:
• Services are provided in homes and other community settings
• Staff serve as advocates for youth rights, social justice, and equitable opportunities.
• A multi-tiered 24/7/365 crisis response system.
• Conducting job searches with clients
• Assessing for basic needs
• Connecting clients to community resources
• Coordination of services with other agencies

Family Time (FT)

Family Time (FT) is designed to deliver children and youth in out-of-home care safe, meaningful, and high-frequency family visitation that strengthens the family, expedites reunification, and improves parenting and child well-being outcomes. FT creates a nurturing environment where families can flourish with an emphasis on maintaining the bond between children and their parents. An empowering, non-judgmental, and respectful service to support both children who have been removed from a parent's care and parents who have experienced the removal of a child or children from their care. Tides will provide Family Time in the least restrictive setting possible, ideally within the family home or in a community setting in close proximity to a family's home. Family Time will also be available in Tides office locations as needed. This program works with children of all ages, from birth to 18 as well as their parents.

Services Include:

Visitations based on family preferences and assessment, identified goals with input from DCYF
24/7 On-Call Clinical Support
Comprehensive individualized assessments to understand the family's unique needs, strengths, and challenges
Education on developmental stages and strategies for approaching interactions with youth
Advocacy services while providing the knowledge and teaching the skills necessary for families to self-advocate
Connecting the family to community resources
Coordination of services with other agencies
Therapeutic Recreation
Support Groups

Functional Family Therapy (FFT)

Functional Family Therapy is an evidenced based treatment model that is built on a foundation of respect for individuals, families and cultures, but that includes powerful treatment strategies that pave the way for motivating individuals and families to become more adaptive and successful in their own lives. In doing so, FFT helps to support families while at the same time preventing crime and victimization in communities. Services are available to youth between the ages of 10-18 residing in RI.

FFT utilizes behavioral and cognitive interventions to enhance family interactions to better understand how the presenting issue functions within their family system. The therapist assesses global family needs and other factors that may contribute to problem behaviors.

Functional Family Therapy Gang (FFT-G) is added to existing teams to address the higher-intensity risk factors associated with gang-involved youth and their families. FFT-G uses the same clinical approach as traditional FFT with an added emphasis on collaboration with community stakeholders with expertise in local communities and gangs.

Services Include:

One FFT therapist working with each family
On-call clinical line 24/7
Weekly family therapy
Services are conducted in both clinic and home settings, and can also be provided at schools, child welfare facilities, probation and parole offices/aftercare systems and mental health facilities.
Case Management
FFT therapists collaborate with an outside consultant to ensure fidelity to the model
Collaboration with outside providers such as DCYF, court, schools, outpatient counselors, etc.

FFT & FFT-G are funded by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) and is available only through a formal referral. A referral must be made by the Family Care Community Partnership (FCCP), DCYF, or Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS). For more information, call 401-822-1360.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

The Intensive Outpatient Program is a structured treatment program that serves youth ages 13-17 from a variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds experiencing a wide range of behavioral, social, health/mental health, educational/vocational, substance use, and family challenges. These youth often are impulsive, aggressive, and in conflict, and they have an intense need for structure, supervision, safety, and predictability.

This program is suitable for youth who require more support than standard outpatient treatment but do not require 24-hour care in a residential or inpatient setting. It offers a flexible and comprehensive approach to treatment, allowing participants to receive the necessary care while still maintaining consistent attendance in a school setting. Program hours are Monday – Friday 3pm-6:30pm in Tides Family Services Pawtucket location and requires a 9hr per week commitment.

Services Include:

Structured outpatient after-school hours with a holistic approach
Individual Therapy counseling sessions with an assigned clinician at a minimum one hour per week
Group Therapy offerings focused on life skills, mindfulness, expressive arts, stress management activities, relationship building, self reflection/awareness and off-site excursions in the community
Psychoeducation: Educational sessions provide information about addiction, recovery, coping skills, relapse prevention, understanding how to manage symptoms related to diagnosis, and other relevant topics.
Family Therapy or Education
Case Management
Comprehensive aftercare planning to support clients in maintaining their recovery gains after completing the program.
Access to the Tides Clinical On-Call
Family Sessions built on Family Systems Theory. Family involvement is encouraged once per month

This is an insurance-based program. Accepted insurances: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island & Medicaid plans through Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island and United Healthcare. For more information, call 401-822-1360.

For the IOP Referral Form please click here

Children's Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS)

Available 24/7 by calling 401-615-9374

MRSS is a youth and family specific crisis intervention model designed to provide immediate, in-person behavioral health support to children and youth experiencing emotional or behavioral crises. The model emphasizes a family systems approach , recognizing the developmental needs of children, the essential role of families and caregivers, and the importance of keeping youth safely in their homes, schools, and communities whenever possible. MRSS aims to reduce the need for psychiatric hospitalization, emergency department utilization, and out-of-home placements by offering responsive, culturally and linguistically competent care in the settings where youth live and learn. Services are designed to meet the needs of youth up to the age of 21.

Services Include:

24/7 response to referring agency or individual
In-person response within 1 hour of the initial call from referral source when necessary
Home and community-based approach
Development of a comprehensive safety plan
Assessment of social determinants of health and global family needs
Trauma assessment using Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Thorough aftercare planning and connection to appropriate support services
24/7 on-call system staffed by a master's level clinician

This is an insurance based program. Accepted insurances: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island & Medicaid plans through Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island and United Healthcare. Consideration for clients who are uninsured or underinsured. For support or more information, call 401-615-9374

NEXO Behavioral and Mental Health Clinic

NEXO Behavioral and Mental Health Clinic delivers outpatient mental health services to children ages 5 to 17. (Adult Services From 10 AM to 1 PM) Services offered include screening and assessments for behavioral health conditions, medical conditions and social risks. The NEXO Clinic was established to deliver mental health services to vulnerable, underserved children and their families.The clinic provides culturally and linguistically competent care to address mental health issues, eliminate stigma and reduce barriers faced by low income BIPOC populations. The clinic is staffed in Pawtucket by an independently licensed Director of BIPOC Behavioral Health, licensed bilingual clinicians, and a Promotores de Salud (Community Health Worker).

Services Include:

Case Management
Develop, review and evaluate treatment goals
Connect clients with resources and advocate for clients
A multi-tiered 24/7 crisis response system.
Individual, group, and family sessions
Parent Groups
Skill sessions including social skills, life skills, family communication etc.

For the Youth Referral Form please click here

For the Adult Referral Form please click here

The George N. Hunt School (GNHS)

The George N. Hunt School, operated by Tides Family Services, serves youth with emotional and mental health needs, many of whom have experienced trauma. As a non-public special education day school approved by the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), we are dedicated to providing therapeutic, innovative, and individualized educational services to students referred by Local Education Agencies (LEAs).

The school's mission is to prepare students to rejoin public schools when they demonstrate readiness. The program aligns with RI State Common Core Standards, emphasizing Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Positive Behavioral Interventions (PBIS). Educational and therapeutic services are delivered through a multidisciplinary team approach that includes special educators, social workers, behavior specialists, and related service providers. Our licensed school social workers provide therapeutic counseling and support tailored to the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). Additional services include Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Pathology, full-time nursing, and an Extended School Year (ESY) program that emphasizes social-emotional development and community based activities.

We believe that all students deserve equitable access to opportunities and experiences that mirror those of their peers in traditional public schools. The school is a co-educational institution serving students ages 5 to 21, offering a comprehensive K-12 plus transition 18-22 education.

To learn more, contact GNHS directly at (401) 612-8876

Preserving Families Network (PFN)

PFN is an intensive service model designed to meet the unique and diverse needs of high risk youth and their families. It is an innovative, community based network of care that provides a wide spectrum of programming allowing for a holistic response to families with complex needs. PFN is an integrated service model providing in-home children's behavioral health services that aims to deliver comprehensive and personalized care while recognizing and respecting the diverse cultural backgrounds of the children and families served.

Interventions are aimed not just at the individual youth, but the family system as a whole to create sustainable change. Integrated trauma-informed, strengths based, and culturally sensitive approach in all aspects to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Services Include:

Home and community based approach
Individual and family counseling
Flexibility with scheduling sessions
24/7 coverage for emergency and crisis situations
Coordination and/or referrals to psychiatric services
Educational Advocacy
Therapeutic Recreation
Summer recreational program
Periodic structured skills groups
Advocating and assisting in court-related matters

This program is funded by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) and is available only through a formal referral. Referrals must be made by the Family Care Community Partnership (FCCP), DCYF, or Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS). For more information, call (401) 822-1360.

SAFE Families

Safe Families is a trauma focused, community and home based service for children ages 4 through 18 who have sexual abuse histories and active abuse reactive/sexualized behaviors. Their placement may be at a greater risk for disruption due to their emotional and/or behavioral health needs relating to this trauma.

A clinical team provides individual, group and family therapy, caregiver support and education and care coordination. Other services include transportation assistance, aftercare, aftercare planning which includes referrals to appropriate services at discharge.

This program is funded by DCYF and is available only through a formal referral. Referrals must be made by the Family Care Community Partnership (FCCP), DCYF, or Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS).

Services Include:

24/7 clinical on-call support
Services are delivered in-home and in the community, with flexibility to meet families in locations that feel safe and accessible.
Trauma-specific individual and family therapy
Clinical support groups
Equine Assisted psychotherapy
Psychoeducation for caregivers (via the FISA curriculum)
Transportation assistance
Court advocacy and support with legal processes

For more information, call (401) 822-1360.

Supporting Teens and Adults At Risk (STAAR)

STAAR Program is trauma focused, community and home-based service aimed at preserving placements and reducing the need for youth to be placed in congregate care. The STAAR Program is intended to keep survivors and high-risk youth safe in their communities, reduce the risk of re-victimization, and decrease placement disruptions. Interventions focus on safety, social competence, life skills, victims support, educational support, mental health services, and substance abuse screening and referral. Services include therapy, safety planning, transportation, and victim advocacy.

These services are offered to youth involved with DCYF who have a confirmed history of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC)/Human Trafficking involvement or identified high-risk youth. This program is funded by DCYF and is available only through a formal referral.

Trauma-specific individual and family therapy
Clinical support groups
Equine-assisted psychotherapy
Psychoeducation for caregivers (via the FISA curriculum)
Youth peer mentorship
Transportation assistance
Court advocacy and support with legal processes
Services delivered with flexibility to meet families in locations that feel safe and accessible.

For more information, call (401) 822-1360.

Tides Outreach Program (TOP)

TOP is a community and home-based, intervention supervision program with a goal of family preservation and stabilization. TOP also offers educational advocacy to assist youth ages 6-18 in completing school successfully. Team members check daily school attendance, and make home visits Monday through Saturday to ensure frequent connection with the family. A clinician also collaborates with the team and family and will make home visits a minimum of 1 time per month to assess any clinical and psychiatric needs the client may have to connect them to longer term services. The Tides team maintains the overall goal of the youth and family successfully exiting the Juvenile Justice/Child Welfare system.

Services Include:

24/7 On-Call coverage for Emergency and Crisis Situations
Counseling and Mentoring
Advocating and Assisting in Court-Related Matters
Connecting Youth to Therapeutic Recreation Activities
Meeting client and families in their community and environment
School advocacy and truant support
Individualized treatment planning based on referral behaviors
Case coordination with outside providers

For more information, call (401) 822-1360

The Tides School

The Tides School is a special education day school in West Warwick, serving 5th–12th grade students from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds who need a smaller, therapeutic setting to reach their educational goals. We work with local school departments, community groups, and families to ensure each student receives the appropriate academic and therapeutic support.

As a non-public school approved by the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), we provide therapeutic, innovative, and individualized services to students referred by Local Education Agencies (LEAs). Our mission is to support students' academic and social-emotional development, helping them reach their full potential and transition to less restrictive public school settings.

Services are delivered through a multidisciplinary team of special educators, social workers, behavior specialists, and related providers. Licensed school social workers offer therapeutic counseling tailored to each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Additional services include full-time nursing and an Extended School Year (ESY) program that emphasizes social-emotional development as appropriate in coordination with the sending school district.

For more information, call 401-822-1360.

Youth Transition Center (YTC)

YTC is a collaboration between Tides Family Services, DCYF and the Rhode Island Training School (RITS) for youth, ages 13-19. Servicing justice involved youth in Providence, Woonsocket, and Pawtucket/Central Falls , YTC helps youth prepare for release from RITS or meet the conditions of probation. It emphasizes responsibility and prevention strategies to avoid re-entry into the Juvenile Justice system. Program staff collaborate with the team and family, making home visits a minimum of 1 time per month to assess any clinical and psychiatric needs the client may have in order to connect them to longer term services.

YTC staff have both a practical understanding of delinquency prevention/intervention and clinical experience and training in working with this population. YTC is currently able to accept all probation youth in the program's geography who are in need of supportive community and/or center based services.

Services Include:

Community and Home Re-entry Preparation
Job-Readiness and Vocational Training
Supervision by Juvenile Justice Caseworker
Gang-Involvement Prevention
Training for Non-Violence Conflict Resolve
Crisis Intervention for Reintegration Challenges
Therapeutic Recreation
Engaging Youth with Community Supports
Restitution and Community Service Planning
24/7 Team Availability

For more information, call (401) 822-1360

Wherever these children & youth feel at home, we'll meet them there.

If home to them is the basketball court, we'll be there.

We never reject a youth or a family…We never give up on a kid…Never.

Everything we do would not be possible without your incredibly generous support. We're so grateful for your contribution to these kids, and in turn, our community.

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