Support ACS! 
Adolescent Counseling Services is a charitable organization pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the
Internal Revenue Code. ACS' Tax Identification Number is 51-0192551
|
Esther's Pledge
Substance Abuse Prevention Workshops
Parents and Teens Join Us!Young Adults
(ages 15-21)
1st Thursday
of every month
Parents of Youth
(ages 10-14)
3rd Thursday
of every month
Starting January 17, 2013
Workshops will be held at Palo Alto Family YMCA:
3412 Ross Rd, Palo Alto, CA
Workshops are free thanks to the generosity of Elizabeth & Mark Schar, but space is limited.
To reserve your spot, please contact:
(650) 424-0852 ext. 200 or info@acs-teens.org
|
Substance Abuse Information Line
S A I L
650-384-3094SAIL is a confidential information, resource, and referral line for any teens, parents, or community members with questions regarding substance abuse Staffed Mondays - Fridays from 5pm to 7pm by local professional treatment counselors who are trained in crisis management
|
|
|
Greetings!,
Our hearts break with the victims, their families, and the entire community of Newtown, Connecticut. It is difficult to grapple with the thoughts and emotions that follow a sad and tragic event. Not only are we distressed about those who lost their lives, but also those who lost their innocence and may struggle to feel safe on a school campus again. In reflecting on last Friday's horrific incident, my mind went to the importance of affordable and accessible mental health services. I believe that a healthy mind in a healthy body make for better, more functional members of society. At Adolescent Counseling Services, we are proud to serve the Santa Clara and San Mateo County communities with free or affordable mental and emotional care services. Through our On-Campus Counseling Program, we provide free counseling to students and family members at eight secondary schools on the Peninsula. By eliminating travel and removing the cost of treatment, as barriers to seeking help, we make it as simple as possible for teens to find a listening and supportive ear in our staff of trained therapists. In both our Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment Program and After-School Counseling Program, we have a sliding scale as low as $5 per session and are open Monday through Saturday to ensure teens and families have easy access to our professional assessments, treatment, counseling, and preventive education. With your support, we can make sure local teens and families have affordable and accessible services available in their own community. Make a gift to Adolescent Counseling Services today and join us in removing the barriers to leading mentally and emotionally healthy lives. 
Sincerely, Dr. Philippe Rey Executive Director |
Join ACS and Make Adolescence Easier!
Take advantage of our 2:1 Challenge Grant from the Sobrato Family Foundation. They will match your new, lapsed, or increased gift - times two - up to $71,750 if received by December 31, 2012.
There are so many ways to give - online , via stock , or by mail.
No matter what size gift you can afford, your contribution demonstrates your commitment to local teens and families. Thank you for your generosity - they count on you!
Thank you!
|
|
Teens and the Holidays
With the holidays quickly approaching, many parents wonder how to survive this time of year with their troubled teens. Here are some words of advice from Adolescent Counseling Services' experienced program directors:
Roni Gillenson, LMFT
On-Campus Counseling Program Director
In my work with teens and families over almost 20 years, probably my favorite moments have been when I've seen the two come together and share empathy and love, even if they don't completely understand one another. Let's face it; the teen years are filled with several opposing pressures, hormones, deep friendships/relationships, etc. And, in thinking about the holidays approaching, it's always best practice to be even more patient, have structure but leave room for some flexibility, open up dialogue (one of the best times can be in the car, shopping side by side) and take advantage of more "down time" you have with your teens while being on a school break.
Connie Mayer, LMFT
Outpatient Counseling Services Director
For the past 30 years I have worked with youth and families and one theme remains constant - no matter what the struggle, teens and parents continue to love one another through thick and thin. In our substance abuse program teens are asked "what is the worst thing that has happened to you as a result of using drugs or alcohol?" and much of the time the answer is "hurting and disappointing my parents". During this time of year at ACS we help parents understand and keep boundaries with their teens, increase their communication, look for red flags of their teens use, and keep families strong.
The message we also give families is to enjoy the moments of the holiday for themselves because they too deserve the healing of the holidays. In drug and alcohol recovery, a common saying is "one day at a time." At ACS we say to our families "one moment" at a time. Try to stay present in the moment and enjoy your moment with your teen - he or she is more than their recovery!
|
|
ACS and Outlet Collaborate!
 Adolescent Counseling Services and Outlet, an organization that provides support, education, and advocacy for LGBTQQ youth, have teamed up to provide support groups at Gunn and Palo Alto High Schools. These support groups make resources more easily accessible to youth who are questioning their sexuality. A strict confidentiality policy is maintained in order to protect the privacy of all participating youth. The groups began meeting at the end of October and meet twice a month at each school.
Read more about Outlet here! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
