Published: July 15, 2007 10:59 pm            

ASAP employs family therapy approach to substance abuse

Youth & Family Services recently was awarded a contract through Oklahoma Depart-ment of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to provide a treatment program for local adolescents and families struggling with substance abuse.

The Adolescent Substance Abuse Program (ASAP), uses a multidimensional family therapy approach.

“MDFT has been recognized by mental health professionals as one of the most promising interventions for adolescent drug abuse,” said Justin Simmons, YFS executive director. “We are excited to have the opportunity to implement a program using this cutting-edge approach, which has demonstrated effectiveness in several clinical trials.”

Simmons said YFS requires family participation in ASAP as a criteria for admission into the program because adolescent drug treatment works best with the support of family, peers and community.

ASAP will operate as an intensive outpatient program. Youth in the program will receive appropriate treatment services, while their parents and family members are offered support through parenting groups.

“The goal for youth completing ASAP is for them to stop abusing substances while learning to have positive peer relationships, developing a strong self-identity, and improving relationships with their parents and other adults,” said Simmons.

“But we also want parents to benefit by increasing their ability to help their adolescent overcome substance abuse while improving their relationship and communication with their child,” said Simmons.

According to Simmons, the program also aims to help parents learn more about setting limits, monitoring and evaluating their child’s behavior and granting autonomy to their adolescent in an appropriate manner.

Marie Gundlach, who is a licensed professional counselor and currently is under supervision to become a licensed alcohol and drug counselor, is serving as director of ASAP.

“Unfortunately there is quite a need for substance-abuse treatment services for youth in North Central Oklahoma, but an extreme shortage of providers,” said Gundlach. “We are glad at YFS to have the resources to offer what we believe will be an effective solution.”

ASAP is open to the general public and currently is accepting referrals. For information about the program or to inquire about treatment, contact YFS at 233-7220.

Youth and Family Services of North Central Oklahoma, founded in 1974 by Thelma Gungoll, is an Enid-based nonprofit agency that provides therapeutic foster-care placement, counseling and other family-centered services to children and families. The agency primarily serves Garfield, Grant and Major counties, and currently operates the only emergency youth shelter in northwest Oklahoma.