Date

5-2026

Document Type

Capstone Project (Open Access)

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Department

Health, Human Services and Public Policy

Major

Collaborative Health and Human Services

Abstract

This capstone addresses the prominent social issue of mental health decline in Central Pacific California driven by lack of support systems for individuals. In partnership with Health Advocacy Team Support (HATS), “Chit-Chat with HATS was developed as a peer to peer group with art therapy techniques to promote emotional resilience and community connection. The primary objective of the program was to provide individuals struggling with mental health with tools to help them manage their feelings and thoughts.

The program was structured with check-ins, mindfulness techniques, and opportunities of creative expression through art therapy techniques to help participants with processing complex emotions and being able to have a space to share if comfortable. Sessions of the program ran for a month with one hour keely meetings where participation was open to members of the agency as well as members of the community. Effectiveness of the program is measured through multiple methods such as participant tracking, verbal surveying, and group comfort levels. Through this structured program and data there will be data showing if this opportunity of creative outlets, coping skills, and social supports will succeed in supporting mental health within the community.

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