CHILD AND ADOLESCENT RESOURCE CENTRE

CARC is a non-profit organisation aiming to provide timely, transdiagnostic, and youth-friendly mental health services for adolescents and their caregivers. We deliver patient-centred care with self-referral and free-of-charge services for patients. Our case managers, assigned to each patient, ensure individualised care through in-service referrals to our multidisciplinary team and cooperation with other relevant organisations.

Today CARC is the largest mental health service for adolescents in Latvia, providing state-funded short- and long-term assistance to more than 12,000 adolescents yearly. Since 2025, CARC has also been a leading implementation site for internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) in Latvia- a nationally significant shift in how youth mental health care is delivered.

TRAINING, EDUCATION & RESEARCH

CARC supports the professional development of the next generation of practitioners through student placements and in-service training. We deliver training for clinicians and other specialists and actively engage in informative and educational activities in school and other settings. We engage and lead research projects aiming to improve mental health care for adolescents and young people.

Our Values in Practice:

2. Evidence-based at every step

Our programmes are grounded in international research. We continuously evaluate our outcomes and develop our services.

3. Confidentiality

Everything shared by an adolescent and their family is treated with the highest level of confidentiality.

4. Accessible and equitable

All services are free and state funded.

5. Dignity and non-judgement

We help adolescents grow within their own lives rather than separating them from their environment. Family, peers, schools, and other relevant institutions are partners in recovery.

6. Family as a key resource

Supportive, respectful relationships with parents are among the strongest protective factors in adolescent mental health. We actively involve families in care by providing individual counselling, support groups and family therapy.