Success Stories

Zach has severe schizo-affective disorder, an organic disorder that causes tics and obsessive compulsive behaviors. At age 7, Zach made his first suicide attempt. His out of control behaviors led to his placement in a residential treatment center (RTC) from age 9 to 15. All during this time, his parents have been strong advocates for him, reading every book and learning about the disease in the hope of reuniting their family.

When Zach was released from the treatment center, LCMH provided an intensive home-based model of treatment called Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST). MST involves the entire family as well as other "systems" such as school and peers that influence the child's life. Through help with developing stringent rules, rewards and monitoring for Zach along with a support system for his family, Zach has adapted back into family life. He attends school and his life holds much greater promise than his six years in the RTC predicted. His favorite reward is a trip for fast food. His family is together and has learned to cope with Zach's condition and even to thrive in spite of the difficulties caused by his disorder.

Sarah was arrested at 14 years old for starting a serious fire that had done many thousand dollars of damage. Sarah, an only child being raised by a single mother had no prior arrest record. The court ordered her to pay restitution and to complete mental health treatment and supervision to avoid juvenile detention.

Sarah's mother worked nights to support Sarah and herself. They had no outside family support and little social network. Sarah and her mother cared deeply for each other but over time and in part because of their isolation they became more like "sisters" than mother and daughter. Their relationship was warm and supportive, but Sarah needed a parent. Feeling isolated, neglected and lonely led Sarah to start using fire as an attention getting behavior that became out of control and dangerous.

LCMH provided five months of intensive family therapy which helped Sarah and her mother realize how damaging their situation had become and to change their relationship. Sarah's mother learned how to be a parent and how to maintain authority and supervision even with her night work schedule. Sarah learned how to relate appropriately to peers and, together, mother and daughter developed a support network through church, work and school.

In nearly two years since treatment ended, Sarah continues to be a bright, quick-witted girl with a "sparkle," according to her therapist. Sarah is off probation, doing well in school and involved with pro-social peers. She and her mother enjoy a positive relationship.

William had lived most of his adult life as a transient living on the streets. When he arrived in Fort Collins, workers at the local shelter noticed his behavior and contacted a PATH (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) therapist from LCMH. The therapist spent time getting to know William and earning his trust. Because of their relationship, William agreed to enter treatment. Eventually, William realized that although he was diagnosed with schizophrenia, an effective medication and therapy plan could help him live a better life. Today William resides in California and continues treatment. He is stable and lives in a small apartment. He occasionally contacts his therapist here and reports he has re-established ties to his family and is leading a safe, happy, productive life that he couldn't have imagined when he was homeless.