Wedgwood Christian Services announces sessions for substance use disorder

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- An outpatient substance abuse program aimed at helping teens exiting Kent County’s court system has opened enrollment in its winter and spring sessions.

Wedgwood Christian Services' recently re-launched Intensive Outpatient Program assists teens who are struggling with substance abuse. The outpatient sessions run February 18 through March 27, and April 1st through May 14.

One in seven teens will need treatment for substance use disorders, yet in Michigan, only 5% of adolescents will get the treatment they need. Less than 10% of federally funded treatment programs are designed exclusively for adolescents and young adults. Wedgwood’s Intensive Outpatient Program is one of them.

Here is more information from a WCS news release via Clark Communications:

Wedgwood Christian Services recently re-launched Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), which assists teens who are struggling with substance as they come out of the Kent County court system, announces openings for its winter and spring sessions. Sessions run Feb. 18 to March 27 and then again April 1 through May 14. Yesterday, IOP started its first session, which runs through Feb. 13.

Often a stipulation of probation, the six-week program provides guidance, support and a plan for adolescents, young adults, and their families to rebuild lives and provide hope for the future. The sessions are held at Wedgwood’s Ekhart Counseling Center in Northeast Grand Rapids.

Each participant receives a personalized assessment and treatment plan with a fresh, young adult-friendly approach that engages individuals and creates the opportunity for reflection, life evaluation and change. Designed for adolescents with moderate to significant substance use, the goal is to intervene and provide stabilization, education and increased motivation for sobriety. Historically, IOP has stabilized 3 out of 4 clients, helping them avoid residential services.

The program's core components are intensive group therapy, structured education, and personal reflection and processing. Ongoing dialogue with an individual’s support system is encouraged, and once the adolescent is stabilized, they are referred out of the program to Wedgwood’s Individual and Family Counseling programs.

“Substance use is devastating to families,” said Nick Bayer, LMSW CAADC-DP, Associate Director of Clinical Services at Wedgwood Christian Services. “One in seven teens will need treatment for substance use disorders, yet, in Michigan, only 5% of adolescents will get the treatment they need. Less than 10% of federally funded treatment programs are designed exclusively for adolescents and young adults. Wedgwood’s Intensive Outpatient Program is one of them, so we are eager to reengage with the local court systems to help teens who need help with the treatment they need.”

Wedgwood’s IOP for teens is believed to be the only provider in Kent County and is often a probation stipulation. “These are kids who may not have the opportunity to enroll in a full treatment facility,” Bayer adds. “We now have funding that not only pays for our staff but also allows us to provide transportation for the teens to get to us.”

An individual assessment must be completed to be considered. More information is available by contacting Wedgwood at (616) 942-7294 or counseling@wedgwood.org

About Wedgwood IOP Program

Wedgwood is the state leader in transitional-aged youth substance use disorder treatment. We offer the most extensive continuum of care to the most significant volume of clients, and masters-level prepared clinicians to staff the program. Our substance abuse services provide an atmosphere of support for individuals to examine the results of their substance use. The primary goal is to help individuals take the next step in their recovery. Motivational interviewing is a significant component in earlier stages of treatment. Later stages of treatment focus on creating a new lifestyle, coping with triggers and urges, and maintaining a solid commitment to recovery.

 

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