CAMS-Care
CAMS-Care (Collaborative Assessment & Management of Suicide), is an evidence-based approach to treating suicidal risk. It is a client-centered, suicide-focused clinical approach to assessing and managing suicidality, empathizing empathy, honesty, and collaboration between the client, their support system, and their therapist. CAMS was developed by Dr. David Jobes and is supported by extensive clinical research and is recognized by the CDC, Joint Commission, and many other suicide prevention programs. Using the CAMS-Care framework, we will collaboratively identify and address the drivers of a client’s suicidal thoughts, with the shared goal of reducing suicidal ideation and improving quality of life. The CTH Director and therapists at CTH are CAMS-trained and can offer support to community members who may be experiencing suicidal ideation, hopelessness, and are seeking help to stabilize and to find their way back.
Filial Therapy
Filial Therapy is a family-centered approach that trains parents or other caregivers in basic play therapy techniques, allowing them to use these skills directly with their children. Developed as one of the first systemic family therapy interventions, it is based on the belief that parents can become effective therapeutic agents in their children’s lives.
With guidance and supervision from a trained professional, caregivers learn how to engage their child in therapeutic play while maintaining healthy limits. Filial therapy can be offered in short (about 10 weeks) or longer formats, and is designed for children ages 3–12, especially when involving parents is likely to enhance outcomes.
It is effective for a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral challenges, attention difficulties, adoption or foster care transitions, chronic illness, and attachment concerns.
Research shows filial therapy can strengthen the parent–child bond, improve communication, and reduce behavioral and emotional difficulties. By working within the family system, it gives parents long-lasting tools to support their child’s growth and can sometimes lead to faster progress than traditional play therapy.