Young Adult – Outpatient Programming

NCG believes that addictive and psychiatric illnesses are independent and interactive disorders which, together, complicate recovery efforts. Both conditions require specific interventions and young adults have special developmental needs. Substance use disorders and mental health problems are both primary, progressive, chronic, biopsychosocial processes that fit into the "disease and recovery" model for assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Services at NCG are highly individualized, based on the individual's level of acuity, severity of symptoms, and motivation for treatment and recovery.

A theoretical framework that integrates addiction and psychiatric interventions and addresses special developmental needs enhances the treatment of young adults at NCG. In addition to individual and group therapy modalities, specific interventions include referrals for medication evaluations and use of 12 Step Support Groups when appropriate. NCG clinicians are trained and skilled in both addictive and mental health disorders so that the client and family receive a uniform message about the importance of addressing both disorders. Family involvement is viewed as an essential component of the treatment process.

Case management is critical in the care of our clients. This "around the clock" activity allows our treatment staff to identify and focus on practical, concrete interventions in the client's environment. Our strengths-based approach promotes individual autonomy, accountability, and personal responsibility. These services are designed to enhance outcome in the lease restrictive setting. The young adult program also is effective during the transition period back home from residential services.

Consumers are not expected to fit into an existing program, rather, a service plan is developed in a collaborative relationship with each client.

• Treatment Components
• Comprehensive Substance Use and Mental Health Evaluations
• Drug and Alcohol Screening
• Individual and Family Therapy
• Group Therapy
• Comprehensive Education Program
• Life Skills Coaching
• Home Based Services
• Intensive Case Management
• Specialized Services for Court-Involved Young Adults
• Relapse Prevention and Recovery Planning Groups
• Domestic Violence Services
• Multicultural Issues (with services provided in Spanish and Korean)
• Attention to Gender Issues
• Young Adult Program

Comprehensive Substance use and Mental Health Evaluation

As a point of entry, the assessment session(s) determines the extent and severity of substance use and mental health problems and guides the initial treatment plan. The evaluation process is a collaborative exploration of biopsychosocial issues that will improve clients' ability to self-diagnose and enhance personal accountability. These sessions include a structured clinical interview, administration of the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory, a drug/alcohol screen, an initial action plan, and orientation to treatment services. Releases are signed to ensure professional and family collaboration. Issues of confidentiality are discussed and respected. Collateral information is collected and reviewed in addition to the initial assessment in determining the most appropriate diagnoses and interventions. Assessments can be administered on-site or off-site.

Intensive Substance Abuse/Dual Diagnosis Education

The education program is tailored to the individual's needs, history, and experience. All clients will be referred into the minimum three hour education program. NCG also provides a 12-week course that is compatible with ASAP requirements. Family members and significant others are strongly encouraged to participate. Topics include addiction and dual diagnosis dynamics, relapse prevention/recovery planning, neurochemistry and pharmacology, 12-Step Programs and principles, legal issues, family systems issues, use of treatment and community/family resources, medication management, and other related issues.

Group Therapy

Group therapy is the cornerstone of the young adult treatment program. All groups are facilitated by two clinical therapists and are 60 minutes in length. Group therapies are considered part of the Primary Phase of treatment in the Young Adult Program. The minimum length of stay is four months.

Dual Diagnosis Group:

Once a week group for young adults with mental health and substance abuse issues. Attention is given to the importance of dual recovery in the context of coexisting conditions. Groups are supportive, strengths-based, and solution-focused. The Dual Diagnosis Group is an adjunct to other treatment modalities, including medication management and psychotherapy. Group members benefit from intensive case management and close collaboration with other treatment professionals.

Young Adult Group Therapy:

Once a week group for 18-23 year-old clients. The focus is on substance use and recovery within the context of developmental issues such as separation, identity crises, independence, and college/career choices.

Relapse Prevention/Recovery Planning

The RPG is an eight-week program for young adults who have successfully completed the Primary Phase of treatment and are ready to solidify their commitment to recovery. The Relapse Prevention Program combines didactic training, and experiential learning which enable each client to develop the most concrete, practical, and focused plan of recovery possible. Continued attendance at AA/NA and/or other support groups is encouraged as deemed appropriate for the individual.

Intensive Case Management

NCG therapists are accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week as needed. Clinicians work diligently to collaborate with other providers and professionals to provide the best possible treatment. In addition to regular treatment updates and consultations, periodic joint meetings are scheduled with other involved professionals to ensure that treatment is appropriate and consistent.

Life Skills Coaching

Coaching services are available to clients who are in the Relapse Prevention Phase of treatment. Coaching involves practical assistance with everyday issues which arise at work, at home, and in social settings. The focus of this intervention may be on one particular area, such as budgeting or employment or depending on the individual's needs, a number of related issues might be worked on simultaneously. NCG interns provide Life Skills Coaching at no cost to the client.

Individual and Family Psychotherapy

Individual and family therapies (including marital and couples sessions) are provided to clients and significant others to address issues related to mental health and substance use disorders. These services may stand alone, but are often recommended as an adjunct to other NCG services to enhance participation and engagement in the treatment process.

Drug/Alcohol Screening

Drug screening is a critical component of NCG services. Contracting with American Medical Laboratories (AML), NCG provides urine drug testing for most illegal and other mood-altering substances. Our contract with AML requires that all drug screens test down to zero tolerance, so the lowest levels of substance use can be detected. Starting with regular testing, then moving to random screens, clients learn that staying substance free is expected and, that without substances, their lives become more manageable.

TREATMENT PHASES

• Assessment Phase 4-6 Weeks
• Point of Entry
• Comprehensive Evaluation
• Random Urine Drug Testing
• Intensive Case Management
• Individual Therapy as needed
• Referral into Group Therapy:
• Young Adult
• Dual Diagnosis
• Primary Phase 4 Months
• Intensive Substance Abuse/Dual Diagnosis Education
• Group Therapy:
• Young Adult
• Dual Diagnosis
• Individual Therapy
• Family Therapy
• Marital Counseling
• Random Urine Drug Testing
• Intensive Case Management
• Monthly Treatment Review Sessions
• Relapse Prevention Phase 2 Months
• Relapse Prevention & Recovery Planning Group
• Case Management
• Random Urine Drug Testing
• Life Skills Coaching
• Monthly Treatment Review Sessions
• Individual, Family, Marital therapies as indicated
• Maintenance Phase Ongoing - Individualized as needed
• Case Management
• Random Urine Drug Testing
• Individual, Family, Marital, therapies as indicated
• Follow-up and outcome evaluations

*Assessments and counseling services may be provided off site (i.e., in the home, in another institution, jail) as needed. Special circumstances will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.