Dual Therapy and Mentorship: A Promising Model to Reduce Youth Violence, Reframed for Thai Readers
A pioneering blend of cognitive behavioral therapy and intensive mentorship is showing notable reductions in youth violence and arrests in Chicago. The approach, named Choose to Change, highlights how targeted therapy paired with trusted adult mentors can reach teens who drift away from traditional supports. The model offers practical lessons for Thai educators, mental health professionals, and policymakers facing rising concerns about youth well-being.
In Chicago, many youths face daily risks from overdose, gun violence, and trauma. These experiences can contribute to mental health struggles and cycles of violence. The program combines weekly group CBT with hands-on mentorship, pairing teens with trained advocates who understand local communities. Over 16 weeks, participants engage in therapy aimed at reframing thoughts and improving problem-solving while mentors help them apply these skills beyond the clinic—from meals and sports to job applications and essential life skills. Mentors work as bridges between therapy concepts and daily life, earning trust through culturally informed, consistent support.