09/13/2019

New Youth Substance Abuse Program at Oesterlen

Oesterlen Services For Youth, Inc, a Lutheran mental health agency in Springfield, OH, affiliated with the Northwest Ohio Synod, Northeast Ohio Synod, and the Southern Ohio Synod, is pleased to announce a new program to assist youth and their families struggling with substance abuse.

The Youth Substance Abuse Program (YSA) is an outpatient level of care promoting treatment of individuals with a range of substance use history. It combines peer to peer support and individualized treatment through group and individual counseling. Utilizing an evidence-based practice, the YSA program encourages increasing motivation for change, peer support through the development of healthy relationships, and behavior changes to develop a healthier lifestyle. By branching out with community partners and increasing healthy activities and access to supports in the community, youth involved in the program are provided unique opportunities for expanding their community involvement and access to healthy activities.

Individuals may join the YSA at any time and complete the 12-week program.  Currently the program meets for group sessions two times per week and one individual session per month for a total of 90 hours of treatment.  Currently, the YSA program is accepting clients on Medicaid and private insurance.  For anyone who needs assistance paying for treatment, sliding scale services may be available. Please contact the Brooker Counseling Center at 937-399-6101 for more information.

For more information about Oesterlen’s restorative programs for children, youth, and adults; to support this ministry;  or to arrange a congregational visit, please contact Pastor Rachel Tune, rtune@oesterlen.org, or go to www.oesterlen.org.

Oesterlen Services for Youth, Inc. is an ELCA social agency in the SOS, NWOH, and NEOS mission territories that, on behalf of the church, and in witness to Christ, serves children and adults in need to promote their mental social, physical and spiritual wellbeing.