Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress (SPARCS)
What is SPARCS?
Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress (SPARCS) is a strengths-based group model for youth ages 12-21 who have been exposed to chronic trauma and/or stress. Treatment consists of 16 one-hour sessions. SPARCS is appropriate for youth who experience functional impairments including difficulties with:
- Regulating emotions, behaviors, and impulses
- Maintaining healthy relationships
- Paying attention and processing information
- Managing physical complaints and other symptoms of chronic trauma and stress
Return on Investment
In the United States, 61% of children are affected by violence, abuse, or crime, putting them at increased risk for: depression, academic problems, violent behavior, substance use, delinquency, teen pregnancy, and other emotional-behavioral challenges. Lifetime costs of childhood maltreatment are estimated at $210,012 per case.
Service Delivery
SPARCS can be delivered in a variety of clinical and community settings (e.g., outpatient clinics, schools, residential treatment facilities.) SPARCS has also been successfully delivered in juvenile justice and child welfare settings.
Treatment Goals
Increase effective coping skills
Enhance self-efficacy and self-esteem
Cultivate awareness and mindfulness
Create meaning relative to experiences
Master developmental tasks unique to adolescence
Optimize communication and problem solving skills