Skip to main content
Update Location

My Location

Update your location to show providers, locations, and services closest to you.

Enter a zip code
Or
Select a campus/region

Partners in Adolescent Lifestyle Support (PALS) THRIVE
- No One Sits Alone

Teen and adult talking

The Partners in Adolescent Lifestyle Support (PALS) THRIVE provides peer support and therapeutic intervention to troubled students and enhances leadership skills for teen leaders.

PALS THRIVE strives to prevent suicide, violence and bullying by providing an inclusive atmosphere in schools, as well as professional intervention and programming. Through peer counseling classes, therapeutic groups led by both professionals and peers, health counseling, leadership groups and targeted programming, PALS THRIVE provides an altruistic, tolerant, non-violent environment.

PALS THRIVE services are facilitated by a graduate or doctoral level students from Masters and Doctoral programs in psychology, mental health, marriage and family, and social work. These students are placed in our PALS THRIVE schools, and conduct individual counseling, group therapy, and participate in school wide clubs and campaigns, under the supervision of licensed professionals.

PALS programs are designed to provide support, enhance self-esteem, develop leadership skills, increase social skills, and develop greater problem-solving strategies for students.

  • Teens feel supported by their peers and by adults at their school and in their community
  • Troubled teens gain an enhanced sense of self-esteem and a feeling of belonging
  • Teens gain enhancement of character attributes such as empathy and compassion.
  • Teen leaders improve their leadership skills.

For parents and students

Information for parents and students about the program.

PALS THRIVE history

Gainesville teenagers Jessica and Shannon Marrero formed PALS THRIVE as a response to the Columbine High School school shooting.

Participating schools

Programs available at participating schools.

Practicum and internships

Positions are available for masters level or higher students in the Counseling or Social Work field.

Staff

Meet the staff of the PALS THRIVE program.

Donate to PALS THRIVE

UF Health Office of Development 352-265-7237

Community support

PALS Thrive thanks the Alachua County business community for their financial support.

Other major contributors include:

  • Blalock Foundation
  • Bosshardt Charitable Foundation INC
UF Health THRIVES logo