Adolescent Substance Abuse Program (ASAP)
Our Mission
The Adolescent Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) at Children's Hospital Boston is committed to providing exceptional care to adolescents who use substances and their families.
The program's clinicians are specially trained in the unique developmental and psychosocial challenges faced by adolescents, and have helped hundreds of teens with drug and alcohol problems.
Our Services Include:
| Assessment |
Treatment and Referral Options |
| Comprehensive diagnostic assessment |
12 week random drug testing program for selected patients |
| Meetings with pediatric and mental health clinicians |
Follow-up appointments/Relapse Prevention |
| Recommendations for treatment |
Science-based group therapy for adolescents and parents/guardians |
| Psychopharmacology coordination |
Family meetings with patient and parents/guardians |
| |
Recommendations for out of program services |
ASAP Staff Includes
Developmental-behavioral pediatric specialists, a psychiatrist, licensed social workers, a physician assistant and a clinic coordinator
Assessment:
The Adolescent Substance Abuse Program provides a comprehensive diagnostic assessment, with three appointments scheduled over a one to three week period.
During these visits, the adolescent and family members meet individually with both a pediatric clinician and a mental health provider. Each appointment lasts approximately 60 minutes. On the first day the adolescent will meet with a pediatric clinician. On the second day the adolescent will meet with the mental health clinician and the parents/guardians will meet with the pediatric clinician. And on the third day the clinicians and the family will meet to discuss treatment recommendations and options.
Treatment and Referral Services
We offer a broad range of treatment services. Interventions include random urine drug testing, opioid replacement therapy (Buprenorphine), relapse prevention, and group therapy.
Our group therapy program includes separate meetings for teens and parents. Adolescents can participate in psycho-educational group meetings to support their efforts at sobriety and to make healthier choices. Parents will be able to meet with other parents in order to support each other as well as learn strategies for better management at home.
In addition, we may refer patients who require intensive treatment to other resources. We help families locate appropriate treatment programs that focus specifically on adolescent substance users as a unique population.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you would like more information about the Adolescent Substance Abuse Program or to refer a patient to the program, please call
617-355-2727
|
617-355-5433