Adolescent Program Services
Early Intervention Services
Some youth may not have a substance use disorder but are at risk for developing one, or may be coping with substance use in their family. For these students, Linn County Alcohol and Drug offers Early Intervention services following an initial assessment.
Based on individual needs, services may include:
- Counseling – Individual or family sessions, available at school or in one of our clinics.
- Skill-Building Groups – School-based groups that focus on strengthening resilience, coping skills, and healthy decision-making.
- Drug Testing – Urine drug testing when appropriate.
Early Intervention services are provided at no cost to families and are designed to give students the tools and support they need to stay on a healthy path.
Adolescent Outpatient Treatment Program
The Adolescent Treatment Program at Linn County Alcohol and Drug provides outpatient services for middle and high school youth who are struggling with substance use. Families are encouraged to play an active role in the process, recognizing the importance of support at home.
After an initial, in-person assessment, counselors work with the youth and their family to recommend a treatment plan that fits their needs. Services may include individual and family counseling, group counseling, skill-building activities, urine drug testing, and referrals to residential treatment when appropriate.
Specialized groups include:
- Skills for Life – A mixed-gender group focused on building practical skills to support healthy choices and a substance-free lifestyle.
- Equine Therapy – Horse-assisted therapy at a local facility, co-facilitated by a certified substance use counselor and equine specialist.
- Gender-Specific Groups – Separate groups for young women and young men, providing a more comfortable space to discuss personal challenges and needs.
- Summer Leisure Skills Group – An eight-week summer group in which youth experience fun, substance-free activities to support their recovery.
Transportation to Linn County Alcohol & Drug groups are available from several schools in Linn County. Treatment services are also provided at many Linn County high schools and middle schools.
School-Based Services
For many youth, school is the place where they feel most comfortable asking for help. Linn County Alcohol and Drug counselors are available in many high schools and several middle schools across Linn County to provide support and treatment when needed.
Services include:
- Screening and Assessment – Identifying each student’s unique needs.
- Early Intervention – Helping students who may be at risk for future substance use or who are coping with addiction within their family system (see “Early Intervention” below).
- Consultation – Working with school administrators around suspensions or expulsions related to substance use, or with the Juvenile Department when youth are on probation.
- Education and Support – Offering guidance to students, parents, and teachers on alcohol and drug issues.
- Treatment Services – Outpatient counseling and support for students with established substance use concerns.
- Youth Services Teams – Participating in school-based teams to ensure coordinated support for students.
Contacts for Adolescent Counseling Services
Andi Goff, CADC I
South Albany High School, Albany Options School, Albany middle schools: Calapooia & Timber Ridge Middle Schools
Eva Arndt, CADC I
Sweet Home Junior & Senior High School, Sweet Home Clinic, Lebanon Clinic, Lebanon Ralston Academy & Teen Center
Kyle Rowton, CADC I
West Albany High School, Central Linn Junior & Senior High School, Harrisburg Middle & High Schools
Hannah McCallister, CADC-R
Scio Middle & High Schools, Santiam Junior & Senior High School, Lebanon Middle & High Schools, Albany middle schools: Memorial & North Albany
Heide Kizer Aranda, LCSW, CADC III
Youth Outpatient Treatment Team Supervisor
How does the referral process to Linn County Adolescent Outpatient work?
Youth and families are referred in a number of ways.
- Youth can seek services on their own or be referred by a family member.
- Many youth are referred by Linn County Juvenile Department or Oregon Youth Authority.
- Youth may be referred by their schools.
- Youth are often referred by another health care provider (mental health, residential alcohol and program, family physician, etc.).
Regardless of the referral process, the first step is for the youth or family member to call our office to complete a phone screening with one of our supportive clerical staff. If criteria are met during the screening, then staff will help you schedule your assessment appointment. Please call 541-967-3819 to complete your screening.
What if my youth does not want to go to treatment or does not think they need treatment?
When a person is abusing substances, he or she is likely to feel ambivalent about treatment. On the one hand, they may recognize the need to make some changes, or simply do not like some of the negative consequences from their substance use. While on the other hand, he or she does not feel ready to quit. Ambivalence is normal. Our team is trained to utilize Motivational Interviewing to help youth identify what they do want to change, help them build on their strengths, and develop a treatment plan that best meets their needs.
How can our family get support?
There are many good resources for family members who have a child or teen who is suffering from substance use disorders or other mental health disorders. Below you will find some links to some of these resources. Additionally, our team is committed to including families in every part of the treatment process. Research informs us that family involvement significantly improves long-term outcomes for adolescents in recovery. Family therapy is an integral part of our program, as is providing family members with educational and community resources.
Local Resources
National Resources
Don’t hesitate to reach out.
Visit one of our substance support offices.
Find a mental health training.