At Just in Time for Foster Youth, we believe mental wellness is a basic need. For young people who’ve experienced the foster care system, the journey toward healing often includes navigating the impact of trauma, broken relationships, and a sense of instability that can linger into adulthood.

This year, Just in Time’s Mental Wellness Team, led by Dr. Jill Ault has provided 2,000 free therapy sessions to the young people we serve!

In addition to providing accessible, critical care to our participants, we’re growing the next generation of mental health professionals through our intern program with local colleges. By welcoming therapy interns into our community, we not only expand our capacity to serve more young people, but also help train culturally aware, trauma-informed clinicians who understand the unique needs of foster youth.

Just in Time Pilots Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Group

Just in Time for Foster Youth recently launched a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) pilot group to equip young adults with practical tools for managing emotions, building healthy relationships, and staying present. Rooted in mindfulness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness, DBT is especially powerful for former foster youth who may be navigating the impact of childhood trauma.

Over five months, participants joined 90-minute weekly sessions that combined psychological education with hands-on skill-building. Facilitators adapted the traditional DBT model to better suit Just in Time’s young adult community—incorporating music, visuals, social media clips, and even biofeedback technology to make each session interactive, engaging, and accessible.

“It gives them power and agency, and choice in their healing,” Says Mental Wellness Therapist and DBT Faciliatator Munir Bauer, “Now, here, in the present moment, they have the ability to learn these skills and build awareness within themselves.”

Learn About Biofeedback with Just in Time Wellness Therapist, Munir Bauer