Chestnut offers a wide array of addiction counseling and treatment for adolescents. An assessment determines the appropriate level of service.

Our treatment utilizes a research-based system, The Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA), that provides age-appropriate behavioral treatment for adolescents. A-CRA was developed and tested by Chestnut’s research and training division, Lighthouse Institute, and has been proven effective for adolescents in multiple research studies.

Each young person has an individualized treatment plan based on his or her diagnosis and needs. 

Intensive Outpatient (IOP)

Young people take part in weekly individual and group counseling at Chestnut locations in Belleville or Bloomington Illinois. This level of care is appropriate for those young people who:

  • are experiencing significant substance abuse problems, and  
  • are willing and ready to make thought and behavior changes.

A young person typically is advised to attend nine hours of individual or group counseling each week while still living at home, attending school, and sharing in family activities. The length of treatment is determined by the assessment, the individual’s needs, and how much support each person needs. IOP can serve as step-down care after inpatient treatment. It can also serve as a step-up program if outpatient services are not appropriate. 

Each counseling group may help the young person work on communication/decision-making skills, drug education, leisure education, life skills, stress management, self-esteem, and relapse prevention. Each individual and their families are encouraged to participate in family programs.

Outpatient

Individual and group services are offered at Chestnut locations in Belleville, Bloomington, and Peoria Illinois. Outpatient counseling is appropriate for young people who are struggling with an addiction and are:

  • ready to take the necessary steps to learn to abstain from substance use, 
  • motivated for change, and 
  • have a supportive home life.

Each individual is recommended to attend one to six hours of individual or group counseling each week while still living at home, attending school, and sharing in family activities. The assessment and individual needs will determine the length of treatment. 

Group counseling focuses on communication, decision-making skills, drug education, leisure education, life skills, stress management, self-esteem, and relapse prevention. Young people and their families are encouraged to attend family programs.

School-Based Substance Abuse Services in McLean County Illinois

School-based substance abuse services are available to all McLean County Junior and Senior High Schools. The school-based services can work with any enrolled Junior and Senior High student who is experiencing issues with drugs and/or alcohol or substance-related life problems. 

The school-based services offered include:

  • Onsite substance abuse assessments.
  • Limited individual substance abuse intervention sessions.
  • Classroom presentations about drug education or other substance-related issues.
  • Classroom presentations about substance abuse triggers, such as bullying, cyber-bullying, depression, family problems, mental health concerns, etc. 
  • Outpatient and Intensive Outpatient services at the Chestnut Health Systems facility in Bloomington.