A Safe Space for Healing: Outreach Expands In-House Mental Health Services for Homeless Youth
This November, as we enter Youth Homelessness Awareness Month, Outreach is excited to announce a significant expansion—providing in-house mental health services for youth experiencing homelessness. Recognizing that mental health is a critical barrier to stability, our new service will offer licensed clinical social work services directly within our program centers. This expansion will remove the barriers that keep homeless youth from accessing the care they need, empowering them to step into their full potential.
Breaking Down Barriers to Mental Health Care
“One of the biggest challenges our youth face is accessing mental health services,” said Andrew Neal, CEO of Outreach Indiana. “While we’ve referred young people to local providers, many never make it to their appointments. The history of abuse, neglect, and mistrust that many of our youth have experienced makes it incredibly difficult for them to enter unfamiliar spaces and open up to strangers. By bringing these services directly to our program centers, we’re empowering our youth to take control of their well-being in a place where they already feel safe and supported.”
For youth who’ve experienced trauma, trust and familiarity matter. With the addition of a licensed clinical social worker, we are creating a safe, supportive environment where they can access individual and group therapy on-site. This initiative represents a vital step forward in helping homeless youth address the mental health challenges they face on their journey toward stability and independence.
Meet Isabelle Soto, Our Mental Health Specialist
As part of this expansion in services, we have hired a licensed clinical social worker who will offer both individual and group therapy sessions on-site. Leading this new effort is Isabelle Soto, one of our dedicated Youth Coaches. Isabelle will step into the role of Mental Health Specialist, bringing both trust and expertise to the youth she works with every day. Isabelle’s relationship with our youth makes her a perfect fit for this new chapter in Outreach’s services.
What’s Next: Expanding Our Mental Health Services
Additionally, we plan to develop internship opportunities, enabling future mental health professionals to gain experience working with youth in need. Our long-term goal is to integrate mental health services across all Outreach program centers throughout Indianapolis, ensuring that every young person in our community has access to the support they need in a familiar and safe environment.
For more information about our programs and coaching services, or to learn how you can support Outreach Indiana, please visit www.outreachindiana.org.