Community Action Team: Strengthening Families and Building Hope in Tampa
The Community Action Team (CAT) provides comprehensive wraparound behavioral health support to youth ages 11-21 and their families throughout Tampa and Hillsborough County. When traditional approaches haven't worked, our CAT Team brings care directly to your home, offering therapy, family support, and life-skills training to help youth succeed in school, stay out of crisis, and build a stronger future.
Gladys Ugarte, LMHC, CAT Team’s Program Manager with 15 years of experience in family-centered youth behavioral health, leads our multidisciplinary team of licensed therapists, case managers, and peer support specialists who understand that healing happens best within the context of family and community.
Children do better when their families are part of treatment. That’s why our Tampa youth behavioral health program includes parents and caregivers every step of the way helping kids feel supported, understood, and never alone.
Who We Help: Eligible Youth and Families
Young people and families in Tampa Bay facing serious behavioral health struggles, the CAT Team offers hope stepping in when traditional outpatient services haven’t been enough.
Youth Eligibility (Ages 11-21): Youth must meet two or more of the following criteria:
- At risk for out-of-home placement (residential treatment, group home, etc.)
- History of repeated psychiatric hospitalizations or outpatient treatment failures
- Involvement with the Department of Juvenile Justice or multiple law enforcement encounters
- Poor academic performance, multiple school suspensions, or school dropout risk
Family Commitment Required: Our approach requires active family participation and commitment, as research consistently shows family involvement is essential for successful youth behavioral health outcomes.
Comprehensive CAT Team Program Goals
Our Tampa youth mental health services focus on measurable outcomes that create lasting positive change for youth and families:
Academic and School Success
- Improve school attendance, grades, and graduation rates
- Reduce suspensions and disciplinary actions
- Increase engagement in educational activities and goals
- Provide in-school advocacy and coordination support
Family Strengthening and Communication
- Improve family and youth relationships through evidence-based interventions
- Build healthy communication patterns and conflict resolution skills
- Strengthen natural family support systems and connections
- Enhance parenting skills and behavior management techniques
Crisis Prevention and Stability
- Decrease psychiatric hospitalizations and emergency interventions
- Reduce out-of-home placements and family disruption
- Build effective coping skills and emotional regulation strategies
- Provide 24/7 crisis intervention and on-call support
Substance Use and Risk Reduction
- Address substance use and alcohol use through integrated treatment approaches
- Reduce high-risk behaviors and legal system involvement
- Promote healthy decision-making and peer relationships
- Support age-appropriate transitions and life skill development
What We Offer: Comprehensive Family-Centered Services
Our CAT Team Tampa provides individualized services based on each family's unique strengths and needs, with services delivered in your home, school, and community settings.
Clinical and Therapeutic Services
- Psychiatric Evaluation and Medication Management: Board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrists provide comprehensive assessments and ongoing medication monitoring
- Individual Therapy: Evidence-based approaches including cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, and motivational interviewing
- Family Coaching: Systemic interventions focused on improving communication, relationships, and family functioning. Monthly family activities.
- Group Therapy: Peer support and skill-building groups for youth and families
Case Management and Coordination
- Comprehensive case management services coordinating all aspects of care
- School advocacy, coordination, and tutoring support
- Legal system advocacy and coordination with courts and attorneys
- Connection to community resources and support services
Crisis Support and Emergency Response
- 24/7 Crisis Response: Licensed clinicians available around the clock for crisis intervention
- Crisis de-escalation and safety planning
- Emergency coordination with hospitals, law enforcement, and other emergency services
- Family crisis support and stabilization services
Life Skills and Development Programs
- Employment and Vocational Services: Job readiness training, career exploration, and supported employment
- Life Skills Development: Independent living skills, financial literacy, and self-care training
- Mentoring Programs: Positive role models and peer support relationships
Our Evidence-Based Approach to Youth Mental Health
Trauma-Informed Care
Recognizing that many youth in our program have experienced trauma, all CAT Team services incorporate trauma-informed principles, creating safety, trustworthiness, and empowerment throughout the treatment process.
Family Systems Theory
Our approach recognizes that youth exist within family systems, and sustainable change requires working with the entire family unit to address patterns, communication, and relationships.
Strength-Based Practice
Rather than focusing solely on problems and deficits, our Tampa youth behavioral health team identifies and builds upon existing family and youth strengths, resilience, and capabilities.
Cultural Responsiveness
We provide culturally sensitive services that respect and incorporate family values, traditions, and cultural identity into treatment planning and service delivery.
Flexible Service Delivery Throughout Tampa Bay
In-Home Services
The majority of CAT Team services are provided in your home environment, recognizing that families often function differently in their natural setting and that home-based intervention can be more effective and less disruptive.
School-Based Support
Our team works directly within school settings, providing advocacy, coordination, tutoring, and behavioral support to help youth succeed academically and socially.
Community Integration
Services extend into community settings where youth and families live, work, and play, ensuring that skills and interventions generalize across all environments.
Flexible Scheduling
Understanding that families have diverse schedules and needs, CAT Team services are available during evenings, weekends, and times that work best for your family.
Getting Started with CAT Team Services
If your family is struggling with youth behavioral health challenges and traditional approaches haven't been successful, CAT Team may be the comprehensive, family-centered support you need.
Initial Steps:
- Call for a confidential consultation and eligibility screening
- Schedule a family meeting with us to discuss needs and program options
- Complete intake and assessment process
- Begin collaborative treatment planning and together, we can strengthen your family, restore connection, and build hope for your youth's future.
Contact Information:
- Program Manager: Gladys Ugarte, LMHC
- Phone: 813-239-8453
- Email: gugarte@ibishealthcare.org
- Website: ibishealthcare.org