General Information
Mission:
The Residential Treatment and Family Counseling Division (RTFC): Providing free, accessible and professional trauma-informed mental health services and educational programs to youth and families of Palm Beach County to support healthy development and promote overall wellbeing.
Without adequate resilience and other protective factors, youth are often at higher risk of trauma and toxic stress that left unaddressed lead to increased use of unhealthy behaviors which in turn increases their risk of dropping out of school, running away from home, substance use, getting involved with gangs, entering the juvenile justice system, and/or entering the child protective system. RTFC provides direct care behavioral and mental health services to youth and families (clients) of Palm Beach County who are enrolled in various RTFC programs. Most services are provided on an outpatient basis where the client presents at one of 5 office locations for therapy/assessment sessions. Other services are provided on location at identified schools within Palm Beach County. Residential services are provided at Highridge Family Center (HRFC) 4200 N. Australian Avenue in West Palm Beach where youth are admitted to a Monday through Friday residential program and spend weekends and school holidays at home with their parents. Additionally, HRFC has a collaborative relationship with the School District of Palm Beach County to provide on-site school for youth enrolled in the residential program.
- Trauma-informed care is provided through the evidence-supported Sanctuary Model.
- Sanctuary Certification was awarded to Highridge in May 2019.
- Sanctuary model was adopted Department-wide and Youth Services Department was certified in September of 2022.
- Therapy focuses on creating a safe and supportive environment where healing from adversity occurs by fostering resilience through healthy relationships.