Alternative Adult & Adolescent Treatment Program
OUTPATIENT SERVICES
Alternatives Program is a medically supervised drug free outpatient program service that began by serving the Criminal Justice community in 1990 and has expanded services to include many other populations. Between all sites the program has a census of about 1,000 clients, many of whom are referred by NYC Probation, NYS Parole, Brooklyn and Manhattan Drug Courts, US Parole, and other branches of the Criminal Justice system. Referrals from other sources and self-referrals are also accepted. Services are offered in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens.
Bio-psychosocial assessments, physical examinations, vocational assessments and referrals, urine testing, life skills, HIV/AIDS and other Health Education, coping skills, relapse prevention, emotion management, conflict management, and group and individual counseling are offered to these clients on a daily basis. Clients are given a light meal and tokens to help defray the cost of their daily attendance.
Psychiatric, psychological, and social work services are available on site and by referral to Narco Freedom's Community Counseling Center. Primary medical care, intensive HIV/AIDS case management, intensive case management for women at risk of losing their children to TPR, and all of the HIV and Perinatal services of Narco Freedom are available to the patients of this program.
Alternatives has received the highest ratings possible upon inspection by regulatory agencies, (e.g., New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, U.S. Center for Substance Abuse Treatment). In addition, Alternatives was used as a model for New York City Department of Probation when they were developing group counseling capabilities for their probation officers.
A staff consisting of CASACs, Counselors in training for licensure, a Registered Nurse, a Psychiatrist, and a CSW provide services to Alternatives clients. Staff are culturally and linguistically similar to the clients served
Borough Contact Person and contact information
Brooklyn Malynda Jordan, 718-246-2430
Bronx Wendy Polanco, 528 Morris Avenue, 718-402-9000
Queens Joyce Edwards, 37-18 34th St., 718-786-9609
About 1,000 patients participate in treatment at the Alternatives programs.