Teen Power
Project Description
TEEN POWER is a comprehensive program for teens living with insulin-treated diabetes. This program utilizes novel interventions targeting emotional, nutritional, medical, family, school issues, and factors that promote optimal diabetes adherence. Groups are co-lead by an interdisciplinary team that includes a psychologist, a social worker, an occupational therapist, and psychology interns or fellows. A medical doctor provides ongoing medical consultation and leads the "Ask the Doctor" session in which participants are invited to ask any question related to living with diabetes during adolescence. Topics specifically target emotional and behavioral barriers associated with poor medical adherence, as well as teen-caregiver/sibling communication. Dinner is provided and the curriculum includes the development of goals around diabetes management behaviors. A mealtime allows for in-vivo treatment of both challenging teen-caregiver communication and ineffective adherence behaviors. It also provides an opportunity to reinforce progress.
A second TEEN POWER group is now available at the Junior Blind of America. This group, TEEN POWER@JBA, is available to teens who are living with insulin-treated diabetes and who are residing at JBA's Children's Residential Program, a medical foster placement. We also partner with Art of Elysium (AoE), whose volunteer artists work with TEEN POWER to provide families with creative coping strategies.
Important Things to Know
- TEEN POWER is a 10-week psychoeducational and skills-based group for adolescents with insulin-treated diabetes
- Parallel groups are offered for siblings and caregivers
- The group curriculum targets teens who are experiencing emotional and behavioral barriers associated with optimal diabetes care
- Sessions are conducted in English/Spanish and are open to teens age 12 to 18 years.
- Must have active Medi-Cal through Los Angeles County. Youth with no insurance coverage may also qualify.
Additional Information
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., USC UCEDD Project Lead
Lynda K Fisher,MD
Janet Lee Wilson, LCSW
Jennider Eide, PhD
Funding: Contract
Project Duration: Ongoing
Collaborators: Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
