Youth Services
BHS provides outpatient substance abuse treatment and mental health services to adolescents age 12 to 18. Adolescent treatment services include assessment, treatment planning, alcohol and other drug education, group, individual and family counseling and social/recreational activities. Program activities are provided after school hours and on Saturdays. The adolescent substance abuse treatment services are geared toward both adolescents identified as high risk for substance abuse and adolescents who have already developed patterns of abuse or addiction. Mental health services are provided for adolescents with co-occurring substance abuse and for adolescents eligible for Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) under the California Medi-Cal program.
The Treatment Team
The treatment team works in collaboration with teachers, school counselors, probation authorities, and an array of local service providers. The treatment team, in a case management function, either directly provides or arranges for the provision of screening and assessment, outpatient, self-help and advocacy, relapse prevention, and education regarding alcohol and other drugs. Based on the services being provided, the treatment team may include, peer counselors, certified substance abuse counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) or Psychiatrists. BHS also employs MFT and LCSW interns working under clinical supervision.
Outpatient Services
Adolescents in California may admit themselves to drug abuse treatment or mental health services at the age of 12 without their parents consent. It is the position of BHS that family involvement is critical in the success of adolescents in treatment. Every attempt will be made to educate the adolescent to this fact and obtain the client’s authorization to involve their parents in the treatment plan.
Assessment
An assessment is conducted for each adolescent. In addition to the standard assessment, the adolescent assessment includes:
- Developmental history including growth patterns and coordination
- Self reported medical history including immunization record
- Speech, hearing and vision problems
- Intellectual functioning
- School history
- Interactions with peers
- Parental/guardian custodial status
Background Checks
All staff in adolescent treatment programs have a criminal background check. The Chief Human Resources Officer will review the results of the criminal background check. Persons with a history of criminal convictions identified by the Department of Probation will be prohibited from employment in any program serving children or adolescents.