About EASE

EASE, which stands for "Early Adolescent Skills for Emotions," is an evidence-based intervention designed to train non-clinical staff working with youth and with their caregivers to better manage adversity and internalizing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. EASE groups promote mental health skill-building and social emotional learning for youth ages 10-16, a key developmental stage for building resilience and emotional regulation. Staff are also trained to lead separate skill-building groups to support parents and caregivers.

The EASE NYC curriculum includes 7 sessions for youth groups and 3 sessions for caregiver groups. It tells the story of a young person and their family as they experience various hardships and also develop new coping skills and systems of support. Facilitators use interactive exercises and discussion questions to guide participants to develop skills based in cognitive behavioral therapy, including managing their own emotions, strengthening problem-solving abilities, and improving interpersonal relationships.

EASE is highly scalable and cost-efficient, allowing NYC to train frontline staff to help young people manage distress, develop coping skills, and build resilience, and to support their caregivers as well. This expands access to responsive, place-based support before distress escalates into crisis.

For more information on EASE, download the one sheet here.