Page 22 - 2024_AMIkids Annual Impact Report

MENTAL HEALTH

& SUBSTANCE USE

The Treatment Journey of the AMIkids PGM is designed so that youth with identified
risk factors and ACEs receive a Comprehensive Assessment to evaluate behavioral
health needs and formulate an individualized treatment plan.

» Mental health disorders are prevalent among youth involved in the juvenile
justice system.

» A meta-analysis of studies examining sex and race differences in mental health
symptoms proposed that up to 70% of youth in the juvenile justice system have a
diagnosable mental health problem.

» Additionally, mental health problems among adolescents are frequently linked to
substance abuse, which is related to a higher risk of suicidal behavior.

Comprehensive Assessment
The Comprehensive Assessment is used to design treatment plans for youth in clinical services.
The assessment evaluates the youth based on their family history, current behaviors, mental
status, strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences. The qualified clinical team member then decides
if clinical services are recommended based on the assessment results and then formulates a diagnosis
and develops a treatment plan for the youth, which includes assignment of evidence-based interventions.

Diagnostic Formulation: Youth may be diagnosed by a qualified professional with mental health and/or substance abuse disorders,
based on the Comprehensive Assessment. The most common behavioral health conditions experienced by youth at AMIkids include:

» Adjustment Disorders » Mood Disorders » Trauma-Related Disorders
» Anxiety Disorders » Neurodevelopmental Disorders
» Behavior Disorders » Substance Use Disorders

8 Vincent, G.M., Grisso, T., Terry, A. Banks, S. (2008). Sex and race differences in mental health symptoms in juvenile justice: The MAYSI-2 national meta-analysis. Journal of the American Academy of Child &
Adolescent Psychiatry, 47 (3), 282-290.

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