Consultation & Training 

Supervision is the relationship between the qualified supervisor and intern that promotes the development of responsibility, skills, knowledge, attitudes and adherence to ethical, legal and regulatory standards in the practice of clinical social work, marriage and family therapy and mental health counseling. Supervision is contact between an intern and a supervisor during which the intern apprises the supervisor of the diagnosis and treatment of each client, client cases are discussed, the supervisor provides the intern with oversight and guidance in diagnosing, treating and dealing with clients, and the supervisor evaluates the intern’s performance.

A biopsychosocial assessment is a comprehensive evaluation that examines the interconnected influences of biological, psychological, and social factors on an individual's health and well-being.

Components include:

Biological: Physical health conditions, medical history, genetics, medications, substance use 

Psychological: Mood, emotions, coping mechanisms, cognitive function, personality traits, life experiences 

Social: Family, friends, social support, cultural background, socioeconomic status, education, work, lifestyle habits 

A Comprehensive Clinical Assessment/Diagnostic Assessment is an intensive clinical and functional face-to-face evaluation of a client’s mental health, developmental disability, or substance abuse condition that results in the issuance of a diagnostic/assessment report with a recommendation for treatment, if appropriate.

An in-depth mental health assessment is a thorough, holistic evaluation by a qualified professional to gather comprehensive information about an individual's psychological, emotional, and behavioral well-being to formulate a diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan. A comprehensive mental health assessment involves several steps to gather a complete picture of an individual's mental and physical health. 

Clinical interview: A detailed conversation where the clinician asks questions about your current symptoms, personal history, and reason for seeking help.

Mental Status Examination (MSE): A structured part of the interview where the clinician observes and assesses your cognitive and emotional state, including appearance, behavior, mood, thought process, and memory.

Psychosocial assessment: This evaluates the individual's family background, relationships, work or school situation, substance use history, and cultural or spiritual beliefs.

Diagnostic testing: Standardized questionnaires and rating scales (e.g., PHQ-9 for depression) are used to measure symptoms and functioning.

Medical history Review, etc.  An in-depth mental health assessment is conducted by licensed mental health professionals, including Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Psychiatrists, Psychologists,  and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners.

A SAP (Substance Abuse Professional) evaluation is a process for employees who have violated a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol regulation. It involves an initial assessment, recommended education or treatment, and a follow-up evaluation to determine if the employee is ready to return to safety-sensitive work. The primary goal is public safety by ensuring employees can safely resume their duties after a violation. 

Individual therapy is a one-on-one process between a client and a mental health professional, also known as psychotherapy or talk therapy, where the client receives personalized support to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a confidential, non-judgmental space. The goal is to promote healing, personal growth, and improved mental well-being by understanding challenges, developing coping skills, and working collaboratively to achieve therapeutic goals.

Therapy for commercially sexually exploited children (CSEC) is a specialized, trauma-informed approach that addresses the unique and complex needs of child trafficking survivors. It is not a single therapy but an integrated framework incorporating several evidence-based treatments adapted for CSEC. Varying evidence-based interventions used in CSEC therapy include TFCBT, Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, Play via individual, group and/or family therapy. 

Couples therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves a trained therapist guiding partners in a romantic relationship to identify, understand, and resolve relationship issues to improve their connection and satisfaction.  Couples therapy can help with a wide range of challenges, including: Communication breakdowns, Infidelity and trust issues, Financial stress, Parenting conflicts, Sexual difficulties or intimacy problems, Feelings of disconnection or growing apart, Major life changes or stressors, etc. 

Children's safety and well-being should always be paramount; visitation should always be individualized. Visits are arranged so a family specialist or service provider can provide positive coaching and mentoring when needed and evaluate whether the parent’s protective capacities are improving.  This will be reported to family or dependency court officials.   Significant emotional needs of the child and/or parent that may need to be addressed are identified in a therapeutic setting.

Adoption therapy is a specialized form of mental health treatment for individuals and families navigating the unique challenges of adoption, including adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive parents. It addresses adoption-specific issues such as trauma, attachment, identity, loss, and grief within a trauma-informed and adoption-competent framework. 

The AFS team collects donated new and gently used clothing and furniture;  distribute it at no cost to individuals and families with low income, those experiencing homelessness, crisis situations, or needs to attend job interviews, meetings, or court appearances.