Alternative Adult and Adolescent Treatment Program

Alternatives is a medically supervised, '822' drug-free outpatient program that was originally set up to serve the criminal justice community. The program's success has resulted in the expansion of services to many other populations. Referrals for Alternatives typically come from NYC Probation, NYS Parole, drug courts and other branches of the criminal justice system. Referrals from other sources and self-referrals are also accepted.

The program:
Phase I:
Upon entering the program, the client goes through an orientation phase. During this time, the recovery process is described and the client is helped to understand the benefits of counseling. Another objective of Phase I is to help clients stabilize their lifestyle. Phase I lasts approximately two (2) weeks. After completing orientation, the client begins attending groups five (5) times weekly.

Phase II:
The phase involves extensive assessment. While some aspects of assessment begin in Phase I, it is in Phase II that the counselor explores the client's strengths, areas in need of supportive change and aspects of the client's treatment that may need assistance from outside resources. Assessment includes an evaluation of the client's drug use history, medical status, psychosocial functioning, mental status and vocational/educational needs. This phase lasts about one (1) month.

Phase III:
This phase focuses on relapse prevention. During this phase the client attends groups regularly. Rap sessions, HIV education and prevention and life skills training are available to each client. Monthly individual counseling sessions allow the counselor to assess the client's progress and determine the length of stay in this phase. Most clients will be in Phase III for about six (6) months.

Phase IV:
This phase prepares the client for discharge. During this phase the client focuses on vocational/education issues, plans for further treatment if indicated, and access to resources to meet mental health, training, entitlement or other referrals as indicated by the individual's treatment plan.

Locations:

Bronx
528 Morris Avenue
Bronx, NY 10451
Tel: (718) 402-9000
Fax: (718) 993-0490

Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Contact: Wendy Polanco-Harris

Brooklyn
134 Van Dyke Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231
Tel: (718) 246-5840
Fax: (718) 596-8679

Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Contact: Gerald Bethea

Queens
34-18 34th Street
Long Island City, NY 11101
Tel: (718) 786-9609
Fax: (718) 786-2116

Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Contact: Joyce Edwards
Admission Criteria:
- Individual must have a current or past history of drug abuse

Accepted Payment*:
- Self pay - sliding fee scale
- Medicaid
- Most insurance plans
* Clients are provided with light meals and Metrocards to help defray the cost of daily attendance.

OUR SERVICES