Support

ASAP follows strict medical standards using:

• DSM-5 diagnostic criteria (diagnostic manual used by medical professionals)

• ASAM criteria for appropriate level of care

• Evidence-based assessment tools

Just as your family doctor uses specific tests to understand your health, we use proven medical criteria to guide your loved one toward the most effective treatment path through our supportive group programs.

At 9 hours of weekly treatment, our intensive group therapy offers more comprehensive care than traditional outpatient therapy through:

Peer Learning & Support

• Learn from others who understand similar challenges

• Practice new coping skills in a supportive environment

• Receive authentic feedback from peers and therapists

Intensive Level of Care

• More frequent therapeutic contact than weekly sessions

• Structured environment for meaningful change

• Adjustable support based on individual progress

It’s natural to have questions or concerns about treatment recommendations – whether you’re a young adult considering treatment or a parent processing this information about your teen. Here’s what helps people feel confident in our recommendations:

Our Assessment Approach:

• Multiple evaluation tools following established medical and mental health standards

• Experienced clinicians who understand teen and young adult challenges

• Evidence-based recommendations based on national criteria

Navigating Treatment Decisions:

• While substance use may seem common among peers, we provide context using clinical data and research

• Our IOP’s time investment now can prevent the need for more intensive treatment later

Next Steps:

• Schedule a follow-up discussion with your assessment clinician

• Get detailed explanations of our diagnostic criteria and recommendations

• Explore treatment options that fit your situation

When someone strongly refuses treatment, it’s often a sign of underlying issues – a power struggle for teens, or intense denial for young adults. This resistance is actually quite common and expected in the treatment process. Most individuals have tried to change their behavior independently without success. Their refusal often stems from a fear of change and letting go of familiar patterns, even when those patterns are harmful.

Your Role as Parent:

For Teens (Ages 12-17):

• Some decisions must be made for your teen’s wellbeing

• Short-term conflict may prevent long-term harm

• You have the authority to require treatment

• Making tough choices is part of protecting your teen

For Young Adults (Ages 18-26):

• Your role shifts over time to encouraging rather than requiring

• Share program information and the benefits you see

• Help them reflect on how the presenting issue affects their life

• Connect treatment to their personal goals and values

• Offer partnership and attend support meetings (e.g., Nar-Anon, NAMI)

How ASAP Can Help:

• We specialize in working with resistant clients of all ages

• Our team provides individualized  engagement strategies

• Treatment planning and updates can be shared with authorized family and support members

Remember: Initial resistance doesn’t predict treatment outcomes. Research shows that treatment can be successful regardless of whether participation is self-motivated, court-mandated, or parent-encouraged.

Good news: Research shows that treatment can be successful regardless of a client’s initial attitude.  Here’s what you should know:

Treatment Success Factors:

• Initial resistance is normal and expected

• Treatment success does not depend on being ready

• Most clients develop increased willingness as treatment progresses

• Success rates are similar whether participants are self-referred,  parent-encouraged, or required to participate

ASAP’s Approach:

• Specialized strategies for engaging resistant clients

• Focus on building motivation through treatment

• Collaboration with family and support systems with releases

• Alternative options if our program isn’t the right fit

We frequently hear graduates say: “I didn’t want to come here at first, but it really did help me way more than I thought it would.”

Research shows group therapy does not increase negative behaviors. Here’s how we maintain a safe, therapeutic environment:

Professional Structure:

• Experienced clinicians facilitate all group sessions

• Clear guidelines for appropriate discussions

• Individual sessions/pull outs available for sensitive issues

• Focus on positive peer support and coping skills

Program Safeguards:

• Structured group discussions in all programs

• Evidence-based treatment strategies

• Professional supervision of all interactions

The Reality:

• Clients are working toward positive change

• Group settings provide healthy peer modeling

• Focus remains on developing coping strategies

• Benefits of peer support outweigh potential risks

Recovery requires a significant commitment, much like treating any serious health condition. While this commitment can be challenging to balance with other responsibilities, ASAP offers scheduling options to help make treatment manageable.

Understanding the Commitment:

• Our IOP programs require 9 hours of weekly therapeutic support

• ASAP can help fill out Family Medical Leave Act paperwork for work excuses

• Individual sessions can be arranged flexibly, with telehealth options when appropriate

The Value of Full Participation

The 9-hour weekly schedule in our IOP programs follows national treatment standards and insurance requirements, reflecting years of research on what works best for recovery. Each session builds upon previous ones, creating a comprehensive treatment experience that maximizes success. Group dynamics and peer support develop through consistent attendance.

Managing Absences

• Illness and pre-planned vacations can be accommodated with notice

• Staff helps make up missed content when absences are unavoidable

The need for treatment isn’t diminished by a birthday. Just as you wouldn’t ignore a physical illness because your teen is turning 18, mental health and substance use issues require attention regardless of age. Research shows that the brain continues developing well into the mid-20s, making this a crucial time for intervention and support.

Understanding Treatment Options:

• Teen programs successfully serve clients through age 19

• PIVOT is for young adults (18-26) with substance use concerns

• Treatment can begin in one program and transition if needed

• All programs maintain high clinical standards and are based in principles of evidence-based care

Understanding Your Role:

• Your influence remains important even after adulthood

• Parent involvement improves outcomes at any age

The Reality of Recovery:

• 88% of our patients report significant symptom reduction

• 95% of families report improved relationships

• Treatment success rates are similar regardless of age

• Most clients develop increased willingness to participate as treatment progresses