Revolutionizing Mental Health:

Our Care Model

Our Care Model stands at the forefront of innovation, born from a collaboration between youth, community partners, and seasoned therapists. With a deep understanding of the challenges facing today’s youth, we’ve reimagined mental health support to be strengths-based, engaging, accessible, and effective.

"My life's mission is to change the mental health landscape for youth, so they can thrive."

- Meagan Butler, LPC, Chief Care Model Officer

Why We Created It?

After leading mental health crisis response efforts for over 75,000 students, Meagan Butler, LPC, saw firsthand the gaps in mental health care—especially the lack of long-term, accessible, and engaging support. There weren’t enough therapists, quality care was expensive, and youth felt disconnected.

Through her transformative work with the Uvalde Love Project, Meagan witnessed the power of community connection and a strengths-based approach. These experiences inspired Lucero’s Care Model, which puts youth at the center and believes that the best mental health care should be embedded in the places where youth live, learn, and play, with people who understand their experiences.

At Lucero, we listened to youth. We strive to break down barriers to high-quality care, making it available to those who need it most. Our mission is to offer equitable, accessible, and effective mental health support that empowers young people to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

A Connected Community, Led by Youth

To thrive, youth need to feel connected and supported. Inspired by Healing Centered Engagement and Positive Youth Development, Lucero’s Connection platform surrounds youth with a radical support crew. Collective trauma demands collective healing, and youth have the vision to lead the way. With their input, we designed a system that helps youth not only feel better, but also dream bigger.

Caregivers and friends join the journey, building emotional fluency and making positive changes together.

The Science Behind It

Our Care Model is grounded in evidence-based practices that give youth the skills and tools they need to thrive. Here’s how we integrate proven approaches:

DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)

Focused on emotion regulation, mindfulness, and distress tolerance, DBT helps youth manage intense emotions and navigate life’s challenges.

CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy)

We focus on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Trauma-informed Care

Lucero creates a safe and supportive environment where youth can heal, acknowledging the widespread impact of trauma on their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.

Applied Neuroscience

We use neuroscience research to inform therapeutic interventions, helping youth rewire their brain to build emotional regulation, resilience, and self-awareness.

Regulation Strategies

Regulation strategies refer to techniques and interventions aimed at promoting emotional regulation and self-regulation skills. These strategies may include mindfulness practices, relaxation techniques, sensory modulation, and self-soothing activities to help individuals manage stress, regulate emotions, and maintain a sense of balance and control.

These strategies provide personalized, comprehensive support for youth and empower them to build a healthier future.

Gamification Approach

Lucero’s unique gamified experience keeps youth engaged by giving them voice and choice in their journey to mental well-being. Designed to intervene during a critical period of brain development, the Care Model uses game-based tools that inspire motivation and sustained participation, while offering ongoing emotional support.

Focus on Strengths

At Lucero, we don’t just focus on what’s wrong—we focus on what’s strong. We say to youth, “You are more than the worst thing that ever happened to you.” Our strengths-based approach empowers youth to build on their resilience and inner strengths, creating a personalized experience that’s engaging and supportive.

Optimal Age for Intervention

Adolescence is a time of major brain development, making it the ideal moment to intervene. At this age, the brain is highly malleable, particularly in regions responsible for emotional regulation, decision-making, and social behavior. By intervening now, we can help youth shape healthier neural pathways, equipping them with the skills they need to navigate life’s challenges effectively.

Lucero’s Care Model takes advantage of this window of opportunity, empowering youth with self-awareness, emotional regulation, and resilience to set them up for long-term mental well-being.

Together, We Are Creating a Brighter Future

At Lucero, we’re proud of the partnerships we’ve built with youth to design solutions that work for them. Our goal is to equip young people with the tools they need to navigate the ups and downs of life and emerge resilient, emotionally aware, and ready to thrive.