Assessments
Assessments for substance use and behavioral concerns are available to youth, adults, and families. Assessments are usually accomplished in one (1) session with participation by the adolescent and guardian(s) and prospective adult clients. An impression is offered to the client along with service recommendations. This is the initial appointment, often called the “intake process.” Clients are assessed according to DSM V criteria.
Family Functioning Assessment
The Family Functioning Assessment is a comprehensive assessment with focus on multiple areas of an individual’s life. Clinical testing and assessment tools are utilized to assist in the process. Assessments are usually accomplished in two (2) sessions with two weeks between the scheduled sessions. Clients are assessed according the DSM V criteria. Recommendations are made based on assessment tools, collateral information, and clinical opinion. The referral sources, if appropriate and family are provided with the written recommendations.
Parenting
Infant Care
This education program highlights the topics of understanding infant developmental tasks and norms; positive development of the parent-child bond; the purposes of role play and encouragement; protecting children from potentially harmful situations; appropriate child care; the importance of routines and schedules; basic child care such as diapering, proper attire and dressing, feeding, nurturing, and coping with crying; medical care and immunizations; and the importance of parental self-care. (Ages Birth to 18 months. Classes are 4 one hour sessions).
Active Parenting 1,2,3,4 Parents
1,2,3,4 Parents is a step-by-step skills building program. A facilitator will offer discipline methods, how to prevent problems such as tantrums, ways to build a loving bond with children, ways to childproof homes, how to care for children at different ages and stages, and great ways for parents to care for themselves. (Ages 1 to 4. Classes are 4 one hour sessions).
Active Parenting Today
Active Parents Today is a structured program developed by Michael H. Popkin, Ph.D. Discussions, videos, instruction and program workbooks are used. (Targets children ages 2 to 12. Classes are 6 weekly sessions).
Active Parenting of Teens
Active Parenting of Teens is a structured program developed by Michael H. Popkin, Ph.D. This program is formatted to be attended by parents alone or parents with their adolescent. Active Parenting of Teens is recommended for families who have expressed desire for family education and growth; the program must be attended in session sequence. Discussion, videos, instruction, and program workbooks are used. (Targets children ages 13-18. Classes are 6 weekly sessions).
Parents on Board
Parents on Board is a structured video/discussion based program developed by Michael H. Popkin, Ph.D. This program provides parents with methods to support academic success. A parent program workbook is available. (Targets children ages 4-14. Classes are 3 sessions).
Youth Programs/Treatment
Adolescent Outpatient Program
The Adolescent outpatient program is designed to assist adolescents in addressing societal issues, which affect the adolescent when faced with high-risk behaviors, peer pressure, bullying, character development, and incorrigible behavior. The programs used with this population are taken from an evidenced based program.*** Topics include family roles/relationships, peer relationships, conflict resolution, trauma issues and grief and loss. Additionally, participants are provided information on alcohol/drug statistics and trends as they relate to the adolescent world today. The expectation is to enhance the adolescents’ ability to more effectively communicate their concerns, needs, or desires without the use of substance abuse or violence and intimidation actions.. Parents/guardians are expected to participate in specific portions of the program.
***Caring About People utilizes Helping Teens Overcome Problems with Alcohol, Marijuana and other Drugs in conjunction with Violence Intervention Support Group Youth at Risk for Aggressive Behavior, both published by Insight Class Program Curriculum
Shoplifting Deterrent Program
The shoplifting and Theft Deterrent Program’s target population are youth who are shoplifting or stealing or associating with persons involved with this act. This program is designed to deter further gateway activities and provide accurate information to families. The adolescent and parent/guardian are required to attend together. This is a one session 2 hour course.
Adult Programs/Treatment
Adult Substance Abuse Programs
Caring About People provides a comprehensive experience for individuals over 18 to address substance abuse issues that may be impeding them towards better functioning in life. Our programs have 3 different levels of care and are followed by Relapse Prevention Therapy (8 to 16 weeks minimum) for those that are in need of relapse care. All programs in our Substance Abuse program are evidenced based.
Level I include PRIME for Life. This program designed to gently but powerfully challenge common beliefs and attitudes that directly contribute to high-risk alcohol and drug use. The content, process and sequence for PRIME for Life are carefully developed to achieve both prevention and intervention goals. The program goals are: to reduce problems caused by high-risk drinking or drug use; to reduce the risk for long-term health problems and short-term impairment problems; to help people successfully protect the things they value. Instructors use a variety of teaching approaches, including interactive presentations and small group discussions. Participants use work books throughout the course to complete a number of individual and group activities. Participants are required to attend support meetings and provide alternate support while involved in the program.
Level II includes PRIME for Life and a minimum of forty hours of group, individual and significant other treatment. This level is based on progress. This level is for persons who continue to consume alcohol and drugs despite the knowledge that continued consumption poses significant social or interpersonal problems. The programs used at this level include: Twelve Step Facilitation Therapy Manual (Volume1) Motivational Enhancement Therapy Manual (Volume 2) Cognitive-Behavioral Coping Skills Therapy Manual (Volume3), a series of programs published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (SAMHSA). Focus is on self-destructive behaviors that have placed them in group. The process includes discussions, videos, and therapy for other related problems (i.e. career, family, intimacy, etc.). This is in conjunction with the issues of chemical use and addiction. The Outpatient Group provides ways to stop use and improve lifestyle. Participants are required to bring a person in their life who offers positive support to an individual appointment. Participants are required to attend support meetings and provide alternate support while involved in the program. Participants may be given out of group assignments to process and share with group.
Level III is a minimum of fifty-two treatment hours of group, individual and significant other treatment. This level is based on progress and includes services from Level I and Level II programming. Participants who continue to consume substances drugs despite adverse consequences or persons, who have had multiple treatment attempts, are placed into this program. This program meets a minimum of two times a week and is followed by a minimum of eight weeks of Relapse Prevention Therapy. This program utilizes the manual “Treating Alcohol Dependence: A Coping Skills Training Guide” in addition to materials used in level II. Participants may be given out of group assignments to process and share with group. Participants are required to bring a person in their life who offers positive support to an individual appointment. Participants are required to attend support meetings and provide alternate support while involved in the program.
Aftercare and Relapse Intervention Program (Adults)
This group focuses on the needs of individuals who have relapsed or who are in need of services after they have completed a Level III program. This program utilizes “Commitment to Sobriety – A Relapse Prevention Guide for Adults in Recovery” a relapse prevention manual and “Relapse Prevention Therapy” a behavioral guide. Topics will include, but not be limited to; developing a personal relapse prevention plan, improving communication skills, anger management skills, family/significant other relationships, and developing a healthy coping system. Requirements for this program are that the individual must have completed a formal substance abuse treatment program within the last year. This group consists of eight to sixteen sessions with the option for additional groups or individual sessions as needed.
Theft Intervention Program
The theft intervention program’s target populations are adults who are shoplifting, stealing, corrupt business operations, check deception, criminal mischief or associating with persons involved with these offences. This program is designed to intervene and deter further criminal activities and to provide individuals with accurate information regarding the behavior involved with these types of offenses. This is a eight session, two hour per session course attended in sequence.
Anger Management
Caring About People uses “Anger Management for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Clients,” a manual published by the, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. This program is a cognitive/behavioral intervention platform, theoretically unified by social learning theory. Its efficacy is statistically supported by meta-analysis studies performed by San Francisco Veterans Affairs medical Center and San Francisco General Hospital and has been statically determined to be efficacious. This program assists participants in discovering the irrational and faulty thinking that often supports an inappropriate response. By learning how to control such thinking, participants are able to choose a more effective approach to conflict resolution.
Individual and Family Counseling offered In Office and In Home
Family and individual therapy are available as recommended or needed. This service is provided by trained clinicians holding such credentials and degrees such as: LMHC, LCAC, LSW, M.S. and Master’s level Interns. Home-based treatment can be utilized on a contractual base. This program has been developed to intervene with individuals and families that are in need of improvement in personal functioning. This service is designed to meet each person in a holistic manner to assist them with trauma issues, mental health concerns, life adjustment issues, difficulty managing or coping with stress, relationship concerns, family or marital relationships, parenting or child development concerns, general anxiety and depression concern, grief or loss issues, communication items and other interpersonal problems. The goal in Individual and Family counseling services is to provide individuals and families a caring and safe environment to address their personal and unique issues concerning them.
Thinking for a Change
An integrated cognitive behavior change program prepared under authorization from the National Institute of Corrections, US Department of Justice. The program uses a problem-solving approach integrating cognitive restructuring and social skills interventions to increase one’s awareness of self and others. Through self-insight and interpersonal skills, one learns how to report on situations that could lead to high-risk behavior; and, to identify their thoughts, feelings, attitudes and beliefs that may lead them to the high-risk behavior.
During this 22-lesson program, individuals apply problem-solving steps to problems in their own lives, and use role-play, problem scenario discussions, and homework applications to emphasize the lessons. The goal is to effect change in thinking, so that behavior is positively impacted.
Beyond Trauma
Beyond Trauma: A Healing Journey for Women (Stephanie S. Covington, Ph.D., 2003) is based on theory, research, and clinical experience. The program uses cognitive behavioral skills training, mindfulness meditation, experiential therapies psycho education, and relational techniques to help women understand the different forms of trauma, typical reactions to abuse, and how a history of victimization interacts with substance use to negatively impact lives. While working with the client, the therapists use a strengths-based approach with a focus on personal safety to help clients develop effective coping skills, build healthy relationships that foster growth, and develop a strong, positive interpersonal support network.
The Beyond Trauma program consists of 1.5-hour sessions that occur once or twice each week. The curriculum consists of 11 sessions organized around 3 domains: (1) Violence, Abuse, and Trauma; (2) Impact of Trauma; and (3) Healing From Trauma.
Father Engagement
This program is designed to assist fathers in strengthening the relationship with their children and promoting positive relationships within families. A primary goal of the program is to eliminate barriers inhibiting fathers from fulfilling their important parental role. Services focus on engaging fathers in improving connection, safety, stability, well-being and permanency for their children. Services are delivered in a neutral-valued culturally competent supportive manner using behavior and language that demonstrates respect for socio-cultural values, personal goals, life-style choices, and complex family interactions. The Caring About People staff providing this service have an understanding of male learning styles, male help seeking behaviors, practice effective techniques for father engagement. The staff approaches each client with a non-judgmental, holistic viewpoint regarding father/child relationship. The focus is placed on the child and father bond by encouraging communication and contact with one another, as well as understanding the duties and responsibilities expected from each other within the family unit. The Father Engagement Program uses coaching and information to develop attitudes and social skill needed for improved family relations and personal responsibility related to their needs and the needs of their children. Staff will assist in developing client advocacy with public agencies including the children’s schools, education/case management on substance abuse, anger management, increasing parenting skills, understanding of the effects of substance abuse and abuse and neglect on their child’s and family development. Currently this program is funded through referrals from DCS. However, self referrals and interagency referrals are welcomed on a fee for service basis.
***Caring About People’s staff have been trained in the evidenced based programming: Bring Back the Dads, Inside Out Dads, and Bridges Out of Poverty
Drug Testing
Urine specimens and saliva samples are collected at the office or designated location. If appropriate, a 10 panel instant screens are available with results in 5 minutes. Caring About People, Inc. sends screens out for confirmation to a certified and licensed laboratory by CLIA, and the American Association of Bio-analysts. Caring About People has the ability to test for EtG (alcohol confirmation), K2 (Spice) and bath salts in conjunction with or separate from the standard 11 panel screen. Positive findings are confirmed through further testing with quantitative results provided on an 11 panel testing. Results are received at our office within (48) forty-eight hours upon receipt at the lab. Caring About People reviews results with the client and the appropriate referral source, if appropriate release of information is signed. Some contracts that Caring About People include urine drug screens or saliva screens that are completed in their office or home of consumer.