July 2014

the guide

e-newsletter: helping teenagers find their way.

New Look

Adolescent Counseling Services has streamlined its e-newsletter in an effort to make it easier to read and more informative. We would love to hear your feedback! If you have a moment, please email Lindsey Leason, Advancement and Marketing Associate, at lindsey@acs-teens.org, with your opinions on the new look!

Blog: Teen Talk

Co-Occurring Disorders: Diagnosis

By: JoAnn Kukulus, M.S. Clinical Psychology

ACS Outpatient Program Intern

Increasingly at Adolescent Counseling Services

we are encountering clients who are struggling with both alcohol or substance use/abuse and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, and the effects of trauma (PTSD). The intersection of these conditions is rapidly gaining recognition in the treatment field and is called co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis. For an individual with a dual diagnosis, both the mental health issue and the alcohol or substance use/abuse issue present unique symptoms that interfere with one's ability to function, handle life's challenges, and relate to others; the co-occurring disorders often interact and affect each other, as well. Mental health issues left untreated frequently exacerbate alcohol or substance use/abuse, and continued or increased alcohol or substance use/abuse usually results in deteriorating mental health.

Continue reading the article here.

ACS 411

ACS continues to provide services for teens and families throughout the summer:

On-Campus Counseling Program offers summer therapy for students who received treatment during the school year at the 9 secondary schools ACS serves.
After-School Counseling Program continues to serve youth at the 3 Boys and Girls Club Peninsula clubhouse locations, and therapists are available to see teens at ACS offices.
Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment Program continues intensive outpatient treatment and professional assessments for teens and families.
Outlet Program youth groups are actively meeting every week. Learn about dates and times here.

College Support Group meeting every Wednesday during the summer from
6 pm - 7:30 pm @ ACS offices. This a peer support group for students on their way to college in the fall. Learn more here.

$20 per session (scholarships provided if necessary)

Contact: info@acs-teens.org or by phone 650.424.0852 ext 104

Adolescent Substance Abuse Workshop will be held on Wednesday, July 23,

from 8:30 am-9:30 am @ ACS offices. Join Director of Outpatient Counseling Services, Connie Mayer for breakfast and an informative discussion of substance abuse. Learn more here.

Workshops are free but space is limited. To reserve your spot, please contact:

(650) 424-0852 ext. 200 or info@acs-teens.org

Did You Know?

This school year ACS is happy to report:

On-Campus Counseling Program served 13% more clients than in 2012-2013
After-School Counseling Program served 38 clients, a significant number classified as "low-income," with 217 hours of therapy.
Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment Program reached 815 individuals via outreach and education this year. This was a 31% increase over the prior year (which reached 620).
Outlet Program opened 2 new support groups in San Mateo and an additional support group in Palo Alto

Events

Save the Date! Out to Eat is an annual event raising funds to support the Outlet Program and their work with LGBTQQ youth. The event is on Friday, October 10, 2014 from 6-10 pm at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View. Tickets on sale soon!

Stay Connected

Adolescent Counseling Services | 1717 Embarcadero Rd, Ste 4000 | Palo Alto, CA 94303

(650) 424-0852 | www.acs-teens.org