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Description

At-risk and underserved youth often face barriers to educational attainment, employment, and psychosocial well-being, which can limit their long-term occupational engagement. This doctoral capstone project implemented an eight-week, occupational therapy–informed program at R.I.S.E. Homes in Las Vegas, Nevada, integrating the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) frameworks. The program aimed to enhance life skills, emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and career readiness among youth in transitional living. Using a trauma-informed, client-centered approach, sessions combined didactic instruction, interactive activities, and role-play to foster skill acquisition and self-efficacy. Outcomes were measured through pre- and post-program self-assessments and qualitative feedback from participants and staff. Results indicated improved self-reported emotional regulation, communication skills, and confidence in job-seeking behaviors. Findings support the role of occupational therapy in community-based, psychosocial interventions and highlight the potential for sustainable, multi-disciplinary collaborations to address the needs of at-risk youth.

Publication Date

Summer 8-20-2025

Publisher

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

Keywords

Occupational therapy, At-risk youth, Motivational interviewing, Emotional regulation, Career readiness, Community-based intervention

Medical Subject Headings

Motivational interviewing, Youth self-efficacy, Educational attainment

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences | Occupational Therapy

Comments

Poster presented at the OTD Capstone Symposium, held online at The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences on August 20, 2025.

Use of Motivational Interviewing to Increase Compliance in Therapy to Improve Work and Education Preparation for At-Risk and Underserved Youth

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