Substance Abuse Counseling Program_Take Home Message

Problem Solving

• Evaluate the problem

• Diagnose the problem

• Utilize known information about the diagnosed problem

• Evaluate client resources/strengths

• Determine the best course of treatment

• Implement the treatment

Problem

Problem Solving

Solution Building• Determine the desired goal• Assist the client in creating a detailed

description of the goal• Assist the client in evaluating where he/she

is in relation to the desired goal• Assist the client in evaluating times in

which he/she was successful in moving toward the desired goal

• Work backward to discover keys to success

Problem

Solution Building

Provide Basic Substance Abuse Treatment Services

• Up to 8 hours of service per week

• Full evaluation

• Groups

• Individual sessions

• Family sessions

• Abstinence monitoring (urine screens, breathalyzers)

Animal Assisted Activities/Therapy Program

• Program began in the fall of 2003

• Now have 2 therapy dogs

• Each have designated work days

• Both dogs are credentialed as Reading Education Assistance Dogs

• Both dogs are Nationally registered through the Delta Society

Jasper

Rocky

Benefits of Using Animals

An animal’s very presence has been shown to:

• Decrease blood pressure

• Lower heart rate

• Decrease amount of medication needed

• Speed recovery times

Use of Therapy Dogs at JCPH

• Used primarily in the Substance Abuse Counseling Program with treatment client

• Dogs visit JCPH staff for stress relief

• Visits take place in quiet settings (not main clinic waiting room)

• Children must have parent’s permission

• Children must be sitting down and quiet during a visit