Josh was referred to the YES program, a service provided by the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, when charged with battery. Over the past several years, he had experienced profound instability. He lost a close cousin and carried the weight of his biological father’s absence with him every day as well. He was a teen struggling with grief, abandonment and overwhelming emotional pain.

Josh’s mother expressed concerns about depression, anxiety and marijuana use. He explained the waves of sadness that hit him every day, especially when thinking of his father. He wanted to shut down and disconnect but was worried how others saw him. His world felt unsteady and his support system was inconsistent.

After enrolling in the YES program, Josh was engaged, consistent and motivated. He participates fully and is always eager for his next session. Josh learned tools to manage his emotions so he could avoid another battery charge in the future. Behavioral activation and grounding techniques have helped him stay present during moments of grief and anxiety and leave him feeling calmer and more in control. Josh feels hopeful and believes in himself again.