Designed specifically for youth who are experiencing mild to moderate problems associated with alcohol or other drug use, Hazelden Betty Ford’s Teen Intervene Program provides education, support, and guidance for teens and their parents. In this comprehensive screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment (SBIRT) model of care, youth work one-to-one with their counselor in identifying and changing their choices and behaviors, as well as developing a road map for future needs if necessary.

Helps young people learn to make healthier choices

Maybe they’ve been caught drinking or smoking marijuana. Maybe they are beginning to experience problems at school or home as a result of their alcohol or other drug use. They aren’t addicted, but some type of intervention is needed. Our research-based Teen Intervene Program helps youth identify the reasons they have chosen to use alcohol or other drugs, examine the effects of substance abuse in their lives, and learn to make healthier choices.

Because Teen Intervene is designed to help youth who have experienced mild to moderate substance abuse, an assessment must first be completed to rule out a chemical dependency diagnosis. This assessment may be completed within the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation or through another program. If the assessment is completed by a program outside the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, a 60-minute introductory session with our counseling team is held to discuss program goals and expectations.

Providing a personalized approach

Each young person has his or her own reasons for using alcohol or other drugs and individual teens differ greatly in terms of their willingness to change. By focusing on individual goals and personalized feedback, Teen Intervene effectively addresses each young person’s specific needs. Based on the SBIRT model, Teen Intervene consists of three 90-minute sessions with their individual counselor.

The admissions process for Teen Intervene:

• Referral: Anyone who is concerned about a teen’s chemical use can refer him or her toTeen Intervene. This could be a parent, school professional, law enforcement official or a concerned person. To begin the process or to obtain more information, call 1-866-831-5700.
• Assessment: Teen Intervene is geared to help teens who have experienced mild to moderate chemical use. A chemical use assessment must be completed to rule out a diagnosis of addiction.
• Program Sessions: The program consists of three 60-minute sessions with a counselor. The first two sessions occur one-on-one between the teen and the counselor. Parents are invited to join the third session to address issues as a family.

Teen Intervene is a full SBIRT program and may be covered by insurance. Please check specific policy and state regulations.