Richmond, VA – September 26, 2022: Hallmark Youthcare is bringing in several new enhancements to meet teens and their families wherever they are in their treatment journeys. Like many areas in the United States, Virginia has experienced a surge in the need for substance abuse treatment services for young people. Dr. Jeri Cox, Clinical Director at Hallmark Youthcare, deploys her 12 years of adolescent treatment experience to enhance the substance abuse treatment program and meet the ongoing demand for care.
The Need for Greater Treatment Access Is Clear
Underlying mental health issues are key contributors to substance abuse in youth, in addition to trauma, exposure to substances, sexual orientation, and gender identification. Dr. Cox notes that many programs do not include an educational component, which can limit patients’ ability to get the extensive treatment they need to address their substance use and underlying conditions.
That’s what makes Hallmark different—the ability to help patients and families understand the “why” and “how” behind substance abuse so they can engage in more effective treatments and preventions.
“Using the Sanctuary® model and cognitive behavioral therapy, we mold the treatment plan, goals, and interventions to meet that individual's specific needs. We also provide education and engage the family to help the youth and their family understand the ‘why’ behind the substance use.”
Addressing the Growing Need for Youth Substance Abuse Treatment
Using evidence-based approaches to meet each youth where they are allows Hallmark to encourage their commitment and motivation to sobriety during 6-8-months of residential treatment. “Hallmark has a long history of being very successful at reuniting patients with their families and communities,” Dr. Cox shares. Hallmark is now enhancing the program to offer more intensive therapies and broader treatment options.
These expanded capabilities include achieving an ASAM 3.5 license, one of the highest levels of care for substance use treatment. Hallmark is also planning to implement the Seven Challenges curriculum and other substance disorder treatment enhancements, including focus groups, CSAC-certified therapists to assist in treatments, and a partnership with OWL Health to track each youth’s progress during treatment.
Many of these enhancements are being implemented now, with a full rollout expected by the end of 2022.
About Hallmark Youthcare
Hallmark Youthcare is a short-term residential treatment program for boys and girls ages 11 through 17 with mental health, behavioral, and substance abuse challenges. For more information on treatment services and making referrals visit www.hallmarkyouthcare.org