BOISE, Idaho — Idaho Youth Ranch announced they are adding video therapy options for new and existing clients to better meet the growing mental health needs of Idaho youth and families beginning March 23.
“The mental health and behavioral challenges facing our youth have not gone away during this crisis. In fact, the increased stress of COVID-19 is creating additional needs for professional therapeutic help for many Idaho kids.” said Scott Curtis, CEO of Idaho Youth Ranch. “Adding video-based telemental health therapy allows us to help those affected by the growing COVID-19 shutdowns and allows us to help kids and their families no matter how far they are from our counseling centers in north Idaho and the Treasure Valley.”
According the American Psychiatric Association, there is substantial evidence of the effectiveness of video-based therapy and research has found satisfaction to be high among patients. Video-based therapy is equivalent to in-person care in diagnostic accuracy, treatment effectiveness, quality of care and patient satisfaction. Patient privacy and confidentiality are equivalent to in-person care.
For families without access to internet or video capable devices, Idaho Youth Ranch will offer assistance via telephone. Idaho Youth Ranch continues to offer in-person therapy at their outpatient centers in North Idaho and in the Boise area.
To protect the families Idaho Youth Ranch serves and their therapy teams, the following practices are in place:
• When youth arrive for therapy they are instructed to wash and sanitize their hands
• Therapists wash hands thoroughly between client visits
• Therapy rooms are wiped down after every session
• Therapists and youth always maintain CDC recommended social distancing
• Parents & families are asked to remain in the car during therapy sessions
According to Curtis, “Idaho Youth Ranch Hays House continues to provide expanded services at our youth crisis center. As you can imagine, we have had to adjust our services to maintain social distancing while meeting the needs of runaway and homeless youth If you or your family need help, Idaho Youth Ranch continues to take new clients."
Families in need can call the help line at 208-947-0863 or request an appointment online.
