Helping Youth Heal, Rebuild & Thrive

Saint Luke’s Hospital Crittenton offers a specialized Adolescent Substance Use Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for young people ages 12 to 19 who are struggling with substance use and its impact on their lives. Serving middle and high school students across the Greater Kansas City area, this program helps youth—and their families—reclaim control, build healthier relationships, and foster long-term recovery.

At Crittenton, treatment extends beyond the individual. Families, schools, and communities all play a role in a young person’s healing journey, and the program is designed with this wider circle in mind.

Who We Serve

The young people who enter the IOP often face serious challenges beyond substance use. Many are dealing with trauma, legal issues, academic struggles, and family conflict. More than 80% have engaged in illegal activities linked to their drug use, and a significant number also report issues related to anger or violence.

Crittenton provides culturally competent care that meets youth and families where they are. The program is especially accessible for clients with financial barriers—such as those who have lost insurance coverage, are facing incarceration, or have limited income—thanks to vital support from COMBAT (Community Backed Anti-Drug Tax) funding.

Our Treatment Approach

Crittenton’s program uses evidence-based treatment models proven effective for adolescents:

• Hazelden’s Matrix Model for Teens and Young Adults

• Hazelden’s Co-Occurring Disorders Model

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

• Motivational Interviewing and Enhancement

Treatment is comprehensive and includes a wide range of services:

• Screening and assessment

• Individual and group therapy

• Family counseling sessions

• Education on substance use and recovery

• Random drug testing

• Case management

• Expressive and recreational therapies

• Homework and reflection assignments

Each client works with a counselor to develop a personalized recovery plan. Written treatment components include a Using History, Recovery Plan, and Relapse Prevention Plan. Clients also complete educational activities, readings, and written exercises to build skills and strengthen commitment to their recovery.

Addressing Trauma and Mental Health

Many participants have experienced significant trauma—before and during their substance use. The program addresses this head-on by providing therapy and education that helps clients process and heal from past and ongoing trauma. Youth also receive support for co-occurring mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, as well as anger and stress management training using tools like SAMHSA’s Anger Management for Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Clients Workbook.

Support Beyond Treatment: Aftercare Services

Recovery doesn’t end when the program does. Crittenton offers an Aftercare Program for all graduates of the Intensive Outpatient Program. This voluntary recovery support track helps clients stay focused and connected as they continue to navigate life post-treatment. Services include:

• Group and individual counseling

• Family therapy as needed

• Continued self-help support

• Ongoing drug testing

Aftercare helps young people maintain the progress they’ve made and build a sustainable recovery plan for the future.

Community & Family Involvement

Healing happens best when everyone is involved. That’s why Crittenton works closely with families, schools, and other partners. With appropriate consent, the team regularly communicates with:

• Parents and guardians

• School staff and counselors

• Case managers and mental health providers

• Probation officers and drug/family courts

• Independent living facilities

This collaborative approach ensures continuity of care and helps improve outcomes for each young person.

What We Teach

Clients participate in education sessions on a wide range of topics to deepen their understanding and strengthen their life skills, including:

• Effects of drugs and alcohol

• Strategies for recovery and relapse prevention

• Recognizing triggers and managing cravings

• Healthy communication and relationship skills

• Anger and stress management

• Coping with grief, trauma, and loss

• Building a positive support network

• Finding meaningful, substance-free leisure activities

These sessions are interactive and often include writing, discussion, and group sharing to encourage personal growth and accountability.

Building Skills For Life

In addition to addressing substance use, the program helps teens develop vital life skills like self-awareness, emotional regulation, decision-making, and goal-setting. These skills are critical for long-term success in school, work, relationships, and community involvement.

Risk & Protective Factors

Crittenton’s work is grounded in an understanding of the many risk factors that can contribute to adolescent substance use, including:

• Family conflict or trauma

• Academic struggles or school disconnection

• Legal problems or incarceration

• Exposure to community violence

• Early initiation of drug use

• Lack of positive peer influences

Conversely, protective factors—like strong family bonds, school engagement, community support, and involvement in extracurricular activities—can significantly reduce a young person’s risk and support their recovery. The program emphasizes strengthening these protective elements whenever possible.

Our Goals & Outcomes

Crittenton’s Adolescent Substance Use Program aims to:

• Reduce substance use and related legal issues

• Improve family relationships and communication

• Support mental and emotional health

• Develop healthy coping skills and recovery strategies

• Increase school attendance and academic success

• Foster positive community connections

With the right support, young people can and do recover. Crittenton’s mission is to walk alongside them—and their families—on the journey to a healthier, more hopeful future.

Locations

Click on the window icon (upper right corner) of the map below to expand. List of all program locations is included with expanded view of map. Locations are also listed on this page below the map.