FRESH START

Fresh Start

 …a chemical dependency treatment program and turning point for young women age 12 through 17

 Fresh Start is an Intensive Inpatient program for adolescent girls whose alcohol and/or drug use has damaged their lives or kept them from reaching their goals.  Many of our clients are Pregnant or Parenting and many are not. 

 Our 60-day program is designed especially for the teenage population dealing with substance abuse and related issues.  Our clients learn new communication and coping skills to help them deal with life on life’s terms. 

 We coordinate with all types of outside services including:  CPS/DCFS, Juvenile court/probation, Mental Health counseling, At-Risk-Youth/CHINS Petitions, as well as many others.  Our clients come from all races and economic backgrounds.  Some are on probation or have CPS/DCFS involvement.  Many are self or family referred, and others are referred by their schools. 

 Each client is assigned a primary counselor and participates in group treatment throughout the day.  Education is also provided to our clients off-site by the Tacoma School District.  Many of our clients are able to continue working on schoolwork from their home school as well.

 Group Treatment includes groups that discuss:

• Chemical Dependency as a whole

• Alcohol & Drug Information

• Family Systems

• Life Skills training, including self-esteem and anger management

• Self-Awareness & Adolescent Development

• Relapse Prevention

• PTSD, Depression, and other issues related to addiction

 We also provide Nursing services and health education.

 We strongly encourage family involvement for any family member that is willing and able.  Youth addiction affects the family as well as the addict themselves.

 Each client can receive weekly visits and phone calls and is allowed to send and receive mail. 

 Many clients are resistant to entering residential treatment.  The staff at Fresh Start does their best to provide a caring and structured environment that allows each young woman to be herself while learning about herself.  Our clients share many past experiences and are able to learn from one another new coping skills to keep them from returning to alcohol and drug use.

 Below you will find the items that each client may bring with her to make her stay more comfortable.  Visitors are allowed to bring additional items, as necessary, once approved by staff. 

What to pack          What to expect your first day          Visiting information

Request More Info  –  Seattle: (206) 223-1300  –  Tacoma: (253) 475-2500  –  TTY: (206) 366-0529