Community Options for Youth

Community Options for Youth (COY) provides mental health support for youth ages 12 – 24 who are involved in San Francisco’s juvenile justice system — both pre- and post-adjudication. We serve young people who are at risk of out-of-home placement or reintegrating into their communities after placement. Our team partners closely with youth and their families to promote healing and long-term stability.

Traditional clinic-based therapy often requires youth to travel to hospitals or offices, creating barriers to participation. COY brings licensed therapy and case management directly into the community. This strengthens engagement and provides consistent, culturally responsive, trauma-informed care that meets youth and families where they are.

COY coordinates closely with probation, schools, and community partners. We help youth build resilience, strengthen family connections, and reduce justice system involvement. This improves long-term outcomes for both individuals and their communities.

COY is a community-based behavioral health program designed to improve client safety and stability. Our services focus on building life skills, strengthening support networks, and increasing positive engagement in education and employment.

COY services include:

• Clinical assessments
• Individualized and family psychotherapy
• Targeted, individual case management
• Therapeutic arts and recreational activities
• Crisis intervention and stabilization
• Referrals and community connections

COY staff meet our youth wherever is best. We offer flexible, community based session outside of office settings. Our collaborative approach focuses on youth and families. COY staff coordinate with schools, probation, and community partners on our client’s behalf.

COY client referral forms are available to San Francisco Juvenile Probation personnel, public defenders, and other non-profit agencies serving youth in similar target populations. Youth must be Medi-Cal eligible and not currently detained. A CJCJ therapist conducts an initial assessment with the youth and his/​her parent or guardian upon enrollment.

To make a referral or a request for services, please contact Sean Cochrun, Director of Behavioral Health.

Contact:
Sean Cochrun, Director of Behavioral Health
Tel: (415) 621‑5661 x. 109
Email: sean@​cjcj.​org