Working in collaboration with University of Chicago and Comer Children’s Hospital, therapists from La Rabida’s Chicago Child Trauma Center (CCTC) help provide trauma informed care to children through the Comer Pediatric Mobile Medical Unit. The mobile unit is a 38 foot RV that visits Chicago Public Schools, daycare centers, and community organizations on Chicago’s South Side to provide medical services to underserved and uninsured children. The services offered include everything from physicals and immunizations to mental health services and trauma informed care.
La Rabida’s CCTC has a staff of licensed therapists that are dedicated to providing thoughtful care to children and teenagers dealing with the effects of trauma and behavioral health concerns. Terae Tatum, a CCTC Trauma Therapist, works closely with the students on the Comer Pediatric Mobile Medical Unit. While the mobile unit provides services to all grade levels, Terae specializes in working with teenagers.
After students complete a teen life assessment, Terae works directly with students to pinpoint and work through any stressors or challenges they are experiencing.
“When meeting with students, I equip and empower them to manage their situations. I work to help them manage their challenges by providing them with coping skills, helping them to gain insight and possibly different perspectives, normalizing their actions and helping them to find understanding in the functioning of their behaviors,” shares Terae.
Depending on the student’s needs, sessions range between 15 minutes to an hour in length. The goal of the mobile unit is to provide care to those who are underserved. By bringing these medical services out into the community, it is possible for children and teenagers to receive the comprehensive care they deserve.
La Rabida is proud to collaborate with of University of Chicago and Comer Children’s Hospital.
This story was featured in the October 2019 issue of eCurrents, La Rabida's monthly newsletter. To view the October issue of eCurrents, click here.
