1. Chemical Dependency & Dual Diagnosis Programs
The primary goal of our treatment program is to assist adolescents to achieve and maintain sobriety. We understand that recovery is a lifestyle that restores the adolescent’s capacity to actively and effectively participate as valuable members of their families, educational institutions, spiritual and social communities and to achieve their individual potential.
The Covenant’s Treatment Programs offer clients the opportunity to progress through three levels of care, Primary Treatment, Aftercare and Continuing Care. Clients begin with Primary Treatment for approximately ten weeks, six days a week, that includes daily academic instruction. In Aftercare, clients return to their home school for half-days and attend half-day treatment sessions five days a week. After approximately six weeks, clients enter the Continuing Care Program. Treatment sessions are scheduled after school to accommodate a full day attendance at their community school. Client contact with the treatment staff is gradually reduced to one or two counseling sessions weekly. Clients completing the three treatment programs are more likely able to maintain improved family relationships, remain in school, terminate involvement with the justice system, and find employment while continuing their efforts to maintain sobriety.
2. Assessment Programs
Chemical dependency assessments evaluate the extent of a young person’s involvement with alcohol and drugs. The assessment process requires 2 to 4 hours of individual meetings with the adolescent and parent(s). At completion of the assessment, the diagnosis is given, and treatment recommendations are made.
In cases where a clear diagnosis cannot be made and further assessment is warranted, the assessment period is expanded up to 10 days using the day treatment model. This process provides the opportunity to gather necessary additional information. The client receives basic alcohol and drug education in order to evaluate their relationship with alcohol and drugs, and participates in individual counseling and group activities. Family members participate in family intervention sessions. Upon completion, the diagnosis and treatment options are presented to the adolescent, family members, and involved others.
Chemical and mental health problems are often difficult to differentiate in teenagers. Behavior is similar for both problems— failing grades, poor school attendance, missed curfews, and hostile attitudes can signal trouble. To help parents and professionals determine which kind of treatment a teen really needs, chemical dependency, mental health, or both. These are comprehensive evaluations performed by mental health professionals who specialize in uncovering behavioral, emotional, and substance abuse problems in teens who are initially reluctant to discuss their difficulties.
3. Treatment Programs: Day Treatment, Aftercare, & Continuing Care Programs
Separate Day Treatment Programs provide services for chemically dependent or dually diagnosed adolescents. These programs are designed to help the young person recover from chemical dependency. We work with the entire family to build a framework for an alcohol and drug free lifestyle and use a comprehensive treatment approach to support long-term success.
It Takes Commitment …
Participants attend the primary Day Treatment Program on a full-time basis for ten weeks, five days during the week and a half-day on the weekend— in a supportive yet challenging drug-free environment. This intensive program combines group therapy sessions, chemical dependency lectures, art and other recreational therapy activities, as well as individual and family counseling. Family members attend lectures and group therapy sessions weekly.
Clients also participate in an on-site educational component providing daily academic tutoring so that they may continue to earn credits recognized by their home school system or GED preparation.
After ten weeks in the Day Treatment Program, client contact is reduced during the Aftercare and Continuing Care Programs. Clients return to their home school environment and attend treatment for a half-day during Aftercare, and gradually reduce the hours and days of contact with The Covenant during Continuing Care. Involvement in a Twelve-Step program is required throughout all treatment programs.
The Dual Diagnosis Day Treatment Program provides additional services to chemically dependent youth who also suffers from a mental health disorder or has other emotional or severe issues. Both chemical dependency and mental health counselors assist the young person in achieving sobriety and resolving other problems. Services and consultation from a psychologist or psychiatrist are available as needed.
Our Treatment Staff....
According to our clients, the most positive aspect of the program is the relationships that are built with the treatment staff—a dedicated group of professionals deeply involved in the young person’s life. Our staff includes chemical dependency and mental health counselors, social workers, teachers, and psychologists.
Treatment Works!
Reports from past clients and their families indicate that our Programs have a significant impact on their lives. Many remain committed to sobriety and a recovering lifestyle.
4. Substance Abuse Prevention Programs
The primary goal of The Covenant’s Substance Abuse Prevention Programs is to provide a clear and consistent message that the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other illicit drugs is unhealthy and harmful.The Prevention Programs provide awareness, education and training activities to schools and other organizations throughout the Greater Cleveland community. Services are provided to children, at no charge to their families, from pre-school ages through high school ages.
5. Community Prevention Services Program
Community Prevention Services help schools, community and religious organizations to develop there own prevention strategies. Themes include substance abuse education, social competency skills, esteem building, and community / coalition building. Activities are designed to fit the specific needs of each group.
6. Preschool Prevention Program (P3)
The Preschool Prevention Program, P3, seeks to prevent substance abuse later in life by reinforcing health habits at an early age. The victims of chemical dependency are getting younger every year—some children are using drugs and alcohol as early as elementary school. P3 is designed for preschoolers, their families, and their teachers. Services are provided in the preschools using activities to strengthen children's’ decision making skills and developing self-appreciation—key resources they will later use to avoid drugs and alcohol.
In addition to the prevention activities, P3 specialist also provides early intervention and assessment services that focus on the causes of home and classroom behavioral problems. During the assessment sessions, extensive classroom observations are conducted, as well as interviews with the child, parents, and classroom teachers. At the conclusion of these sessions, recommendations are made regarding behavioral management for the child, and effective child management for the parents and teachers.