KALISPELL, Mont. — A skatepark in Kalispell launched the city's first therapeutic skateboarding program to support children and young adolescents.

Serious Juju Skatepark started the program, called the Balance Project, by combining skateboarding with evidence-based mental health practices.

The approach was designed to help participants build emotional resilience, self-confidence and healthy coping skills.

The program was developed with help from licensed mental health professionals.

It also integrated dialectical behavior therapy, bilateral stimulation and emotional regulation among other techniques.