CHAT provides therapeutic counseling and advocacy to child/teen victims of abuse, trauma or neglect and non offending family members in both Plumas and Sierra Counties by licensed therapists.
The CHAT program is a highly collaborative effort, working together with local and county agencies to aid victims of abuse, and their families, in their recovery and to ensure a better quality of life and health.
Heather Caiazzo, MFT, is the Lead Therapist and Clinical Manager of Plumas Rural Services’ CHAT Program and Domestic Violence Services. She has been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 1995 and began working with the CHAT program in 2003.
Kathleen Hughes, LCSW, is a therapist for Plumas Rural Services’ CHAT Program. She has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of California since 1991 and joined the CHAT program in January 2011.
Both Heather and Kathleen enjoy working with children and teens and employ the use of many modalities. For more information on either of our therapists, or the CHAT Program in general, please contact our office at (530) 283-3960.
What is Abuse?
There are many types of abuse including:
- Neglect
- Physical Abuse
- Emotional and Psychological Abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Bullying or Community Violence
- Witnessing Domestic Violence
- Internet Exploitation
- Financial Exploitation
- Parental Substance Abuse
What are the Issues?
Children and teens may face these issues and more:
- Anger
- Sadness and Depression
- Fear and Anxiety
- Trauma
- Eating Disorders
- Bullying
- Substance Abuse
- Risk-taking Behaviors
What are the Warning Signs of Abuse and Neglect?
Please click on the link below for useful information concerning the warning signs of abuse and neglect and how to report it.
How can CHAT Help?
CHAT can help by providing NO COST counseling sessions to child/teen victims of abuse and non offending family members with licensed therapists.
CHAT helps youth increase their self esteem and personal growth through child centered therapeutic services. Services are specific to each child’s needs.
CHAT services are available to non offending family members and/or care providers in order to support the child’s treatment plan and help the child recover from the trauma of abuse.
CHAT therapists can provide transportation for child/teen clients to and from appointments as well as meet clients in a location best suitable for them.
CHAT partners with the Victim Witness Assistance Program to provide assistance with Crime Victims Compensation claim forms.
CHAT and Victim Witness can also provide support and accompaniment through the court process.
