Integrated Treatment Options

By understanding “referral to treatment,” SBHCs are uniquely positioned to address the issue of limited, adolescent-specific, developmentally appropriate substance use treatment options in a variety of ways.

In this respect, depending on screening results and levels of use, referral to treatment may include:

• Treatment services provided within the SBHC; building provider capacity to offer developmentally-appropriate evidence-based substance use treatment, which may include psychoeducation, motivational interviewing, and programs such as Teen Intervene;
• Support services or activities available in the school setting that build self-esteem and positive social connections (e.g., mentoring, sports teams, clubs, after school programs/activities, etc.);
• Community services including more traditional treatment options (outpatient therapy, medication-assisted treatment, inpatient treatment, etc.) or community programs and activities to promote self-esteem and positive social connections.

In the video below, two practitioners describe the Teen Intervene curriculum and share lessons learned about implementing the curriculum in school-based health centers.