There are several well-supported, evidence-based approaches used in substance abuse treatment. Our program combines multiple interventions that are appropriate for teens and young adults and fall squarely within the scope of certified and licensed substance-use professionals. We also have psychiatry available for medication management and mental health support when needed.
Here are the core evidence-based interventions we use:
Twelve-Step Facilitation (TSF)
TSF is an evidence-based approach that helps young people engage in recovery principles, develop accountability, and build ongoing peer support. It has been validated in major research trials (including Project MATCH) as an effective intervention for substance use disorders.
Our model is developmentally modified for adolescents and focuses on honesty, behavior change, community support, and practical application. [hazelden.org], [niaaa.nih.gov]
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
A client-centered, evidence-supported method that strengthens internal motivation for change. MI helps reduce defensiveness, increase engagement, and build autonomy—crucial for adolescents who often arrive resistant or ambivalent.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – SUD-Focused
We use CBT specifically as it applies to substance use: identifying triggers, understanding patterns, developing coping skills, and interrupting cycles that reinforce use. This stays within appropriate scope because it is targeted toward behavior change and relapse prevention, not general psychotherapy or treatment of mental health disorders.
Relapse Prevention Therapy
Structured planning to identify high-risk situations, build coping strategies, reduce impulsivity, and strengthen long-term recovery skills. This includes behavioral rehearsal, trigger analysis, and developing alternative responses—all of which are squarely appropriate for substance-use counselors.
Psychoeducation
Education around addiction, brain chemistry, behavior, family systems, boundaries, emotional regulation, and recovery skills. Psychoeducation is one of the most consistently supported components of adolescent treatment and fully within scope.
Group Counseling
We offer a mix of:
- Process groups
- Psychoeducational groups
- Skills-based groups
- Recovery-focused peer discussions
Group counseling is one of the most effective evidence-based environments for adolescents, helping them practice honesty, accountability, communication, and emotional regulation.
Individual Counseling
One-on-one sessions focusing on recovery skills, behavior change, motivation, accountability, coping strategies, and preparing for triggers or challenges. This is not psychotherapy—it is structured substance-use counseling.
Alternative Peer Group (APG) Model
An emerging, evidence-supported model that uses positive peer culture, mentorship, sober social activities, and community rituals to replace high-risk peer groups with healthy, recovery-oriented connections.
Family and Parent Counseling (within appropriate scope)
Family work centers on communication, boundaries, expectations, enabling patterns, roles, and how the family system interacts with substance-use behavior. This is educational, behavioral, and recovery-focused—not mental health therapy or diagnosis.
Crisis Intervention (Non-Clinical)
Immediate support and stabilization during moments of emotional overwhelm, behavioral escalation, or relapse risk. This is not clinical crisis therapy; it is structured support aimed at safety, communication, and next steps.
Brief Interventions
Short, targeted conversations designed to interrupt patterns, increase insight, reinforce motivation, and redirect behavior. Brief interventions are widely supported for youth substance use.
Case Management
Coordinating care, communicating with families and outside providers, supporting school or legal requirements, and ensuring continuity through all stages of treatment.
Recovery Coaching & Relapse-Prevention Planning
Ongoing skill-building, accountability structures, mentoring, and long-term planning to help young people maintain abstinence and stability after treatment.
Psychiatry & Medication Management (when clinically appropriate)
We have psychiatric providers available to support:
- medication management
- evaluation of co-occurring symptoms
- coordination with our treatment team
This allows us to address mental health needs safely, appropriately, and in alignment with our abstinence-first model.
