What is the Second Chance Program?

The Second Chance College Reentry Program is designed for college students between the ages of 18 and 25 who have left school or are in danger of dropping out due to mental health problems. Common diagnoses include anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. The Program offers structured therapeutic activities such as support groups, psychoeducation groups that teach practical skills, and experiential learning such as creative expression and yoga. These groups serve to bolster students’ coping skills and confidence, increase their knowledge about mental health issues and provide strategies for academic success. 

What are the goals of the Program?

The goals of the Program are to address students’ psychological and social needs in a holistic manner and to teach additional skills to facilitate their reentry into their colleges or universities.

How long is the Program? Where does it meet? How often does it meet?

The normal length of the Program is ten weeks, but the first offering will be eight weeks. Students will attend twice weekly group sessions with the primary instructor, Dr. Theresa Ford, or other qualified facilitators. Groups are held in a Metro-accessible location in upper Northwest, DC, and meet Tuesdays and Thursdays for five hours each day, totaling ten hours of programming per week

How many people can participate?

To ensure that each student receives sufficient attention, no more than ten students can participate at a time.

What is the age range of the students?

The students are between 18 and 25.

If I'm still in school this semester, can I come?

If students are enrolled less than fulltime and can manage the demands of the Second Chance Program, they will be considered.

What are the daily activities?

Students participate in structured therapeutic activities such as support groups to share experiences, gain insights and build community; psychoeducation groups that teach practical skills such as understanding mental health issues, stress management and study skills; and experiential learning such creative expression and gentle exercise. Students also have written assignments to complete at home.

Is this therapy? Can I use my health insurance? 

Although therapeutic, the groups are not therapy, so health insurance cannot be accepted. One of the requirements is that students must be involved in individual therapy at the same time they participate in the Second Chance Program. 

Who conducts the groups?

Most of the groups are led by Dr. Theresa Ford, the primary instructor. Dr. Ford is licensed professional counselor with over 35 years of experience as a mental health therapist and administrator in social services agencies and in private practice. Most of the clients in her private practice are young adults. In addition, Dr. Ford has an extensive background in higher education and worked with young people while employed as an administrator, faculty member or researcher at Virginia Tech, Howard University and Hampton University.

Other qualified professionals teach specific groups. For example, there is a certified yoga instructor and an experienced teacher of study skills.

What do students receive at the end of the Program? 

On the final day of the Program, students who have met all requirements with regards to attendance, participation and completion of assignments, will be given a Certificate of Completion to submit to their institution of higher education as part of their attempts to regain admission. Students may also request a brief letter summarizing their accomplishments in the Program. Any student who does not meet the requirements or expends minimum effort will be given a Certificate of Participation, outlining how many sessions attended and areas still needing to be addressed.

How do I know the Second Chance Program will work for me?

Due to variations in each student’s diagnosis and rate of progress, Second Chance staff cannot guarantee that every student will be ready to reenroll in school at the end of the 8 or 10-week period, but we strongly believe that students will be closer to that goal. Upon approval by Second Chance staff, students needing additional time may return for another round of sessions at a reduced price.

What are the elibility requirements?

In order to be eligible for the Second Chance Program, students must be: 

Previously enrolled in a college or university and either withdrew due to mental health problems or are in danger of dropping out.

Diagnosed with a recognized mental health disorder that would not prevent them from fully benefiting from the group sessions. Students with diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, other mood disorders or adjustment disorders may be most appropriate.

Emotionally stable enough to take part in groups and complete assignments.

Participating in individual therapy with a licensed mental health professional. A statement of support from the individual therapist is strongly encouraged.

Willing to comply with mental health medications, if prescribed.

How do I apply to the Program?

Complete the Second Chance Application Form and forward it along with a non-refundable check or money order for $150.00. PayPal may also be used. Checks should be made out to Creative Counseling and Coaching Services. The mailing address is: Creative Counseling and Coaching Services, 1629 K Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006.

Contact Dr. Theresa Ford at 240-354-3854 to request an appointment for an assessment interview.

If not referred directly from a representative at the student’s college or university, submit proof of school attendance.

Also submit supporting data such as a letter from the therapist or psychiatrist.

After the interview, Second Chance will determine whether students are suitable and can be accepted into the Program. Once their status has been determined, students will be contacted immediately. Accepted students will be required to pay the fees prior to the start of the first group.

What does the Program cost?

The nonrefundable application fee is $150.00 and covers the cost of the assessment interview. If the student is accepted, that money will be applied to the total Program costs. The standard 10-week Program is $5,000.00. An eight-week Program is $4,000.00. Payment for the is due prior to the first session.

If I have more questions, what should I do?

Contact Dr. Theresa Ford at 240-354-3854 or email her at tford@creativecounselingandcoaching.com.

Related Readings

College of the overwhelmed: The campus mental health crisis and what to do about it. by R. Kadison and T.F. DiGeronimo

Mental health issues and the university student. by D. Iarovici

Resilient: How to grow and unshakable core of calm, strength, and happiness by R. Hanson

The Campus Cure: A parent's guide to mental health and wellness for college students. by M. Morris

Advantages of Participation in the Second Chance Program

• Meet students in similar circumstances.
• Share experiences honestly.
• Learn new skills.
• Review existing skills.
• Discover resiliency.
• Gain confidence.
• Become more self-aware.
• Focus on self-care.
• Turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones.
• Prepare for a more positive and successful future.