LAUNCH Specialists

Skills learning and practicing are a central part of Springboard Momentum’s peer mentor services. Called Launch Specialists our peer mentors rely on behavioral activation interventions to assist young people in reducing avoidance and increasing participation in the world.

L-A-U-N-C-H stands for:

Life preparedness: We work with young people to help them effectively launch into adult life. Working hand in hand with clients, we make use of strategies to help young adults get unstuck, collaborate on plans and goal setting, give frequent feedback and offer clients reinforcement for each step taken.

Academic success: We also work with young people who are focusing on their academic goals. Whether it be applying to colleges, staying on top of coursework, or just needing a little extra nudge, we are there for you.

Uplifting collaboration: We rely on behavioral activation interventions to assist young people in reducing avoidance and increasing participation in the world. Skills learning and practicing are a central part of Springboard Momentum. Most importantly, we interact with clients where they live and where they need to go – home, school, work, volunteer activities, social events. We work with you every step of the way.

Near-aged peer: We are near-aged peers who have recently traversed the developmental stages of young adulthood. Because of this, we have a wealth of knowledge that can be applied to your success.

Coach Mentor: Coaching is often defined as a task oriented, short term, performance driven process. Mentoring is often defined as a relationship oriented, long term, development driven process. We do a bit of both. As LAUNCH Specialists, we develop positive, task oriented relationships with our clients. Our services are designed to fit a three to twelve month period, based on the clients needs. We work with clients not only to improve performance, but to help develop skills for the future.

Health professionals: We are Bachelor's’ and Master’s prepared behavioral health professionals who are supervised by the Springboard Momentum Director. LAUNCH Specialists seek advice and feedback weekly through their team.

Launch Specialists focus on raising awareness of skill deficits, practice through role-playing and prompting direct application of skills. Launch Specialists interact with participants where they live and where they need to go – home, school, work, volunteer activities, social events.

Life Skills Areas to be addressed may include:

• Academic Success Strategies & College Admission Process

• Personal & Household Organization

• Interpersonal Effectiveness & Socialization

• Budgeting & Financial Management

• Career Planning & Job-Seeking Support

• Leisure, Volunteerism & Spiritual Practices

• Planning &Time Management

• Health, Nutrition & Wellness

• Stress Management & Relaxation Techniques

Socialization Group

Team members meet weekly on Thursdays, 7:00 to 8:30 PM. Monthly meet ups are planned by the team. Become part of a tight knit group whose members support and challenge each other. Initiate, plan and execute weekend meet ups. Specific topics of interest may include – mindfulness, job interviews, dating and relationships, group projects & more.

Assessment

Psychological assessments are offered to evaluate the correct level of care, best treatment options and optimal academic or employment environment for the individual. Assessments increase insight into strengths and areas for improvement. Assessments are focused on the specific needs of the individual and can include cognitive testing, executive function evaluation, achievement testing, personality and behavioral assessments. A complete written report of the results is reviewed with the client to ensure understanding of the findings and respond to questions and carefully consider all recommendations.

Psychotherapy

Treating each young person and family member with empathy and respect is the core of our work. We use evidence-based treatment approaches including motivational interviewing, stages of change concepts, cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques, activation therapy approaches, mindfulness-based stress management and family systems-oriented interventions. In-home and in-office options are available based on the need of the individual and their family.