Prevention

For any young person in need of education on how to deal with the pressures of alcohol/other drug use so they can make better decisions.

Outreach’s Choices program is designed as an opportunity to help families find answers. Our aim is to reduce substance abuse among adolescents by supporting families and educating teens.

The Choices program does not assume that every teen entering it has firmly set upon the road to addiction. The goals of this educational program are to help prevent re-occurrence of the previous behavior, helping teens make better decisions in the future.

If the teen was referred by a judge, Outreach will inform the magistrate of enrollment, successful completion and other relevant information.

Schedule for Teens

Teens sessions are the third Saturday of every month,
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Registration is mandatory – no walk-ins.

Schedule for Parents

A separate parent session is held on the same Saturday as the teen session,
Noon—1:00 p.m.
Attendance by one or both parents is highly recommended.

Fee

$175 is due before the first class.

Registration

(412) 561-5405 or info@outreachteen.org

Register Online

You can also register in person at the Outreach office:
615 Washington Road, TL-6, Pittsburgh, PA 15228

Office hours: M-Th, 8:00 am– 3:00 pm and Friday, 8:00am – 12Noon

Class size is limited.

Participants’ Quotes:

I learned about what the long-term effects of drugs and alcohol, rather than the short-term, “in the moment” effects that’ll make me reconsider drinking/doing drugs.

I learned how dangerous and serious even small amounts of drugs/alcohol are. All of the consequences aren’t worth it.

We reviewed various types of harmful drugs. It has made me realize that I have to think twice before I decide to do something that can be potentially harmful to me. At first I was dreading the class but it was actually kind of fun.

Parents’ Quotes:

The facilitator was very conscientious and knowledgeable and was of great help in understanding the dangers of underage drinking.

I would love to see [this program] as a mandatory high school requirement.

The instructor was very knowledgeable and easy to understand. The kids in this class are getting a good education!

Outreach provides counselors on-site at schools to serve the students who are having behavioral or emotional problems which disrupt the educational process for themselves and others in the classroom. Currently, Outreach has counselors at Chartiers Houston School District and Bishop-Canevin High School.

Nothing is more tragic than the loss of a loved one to suicide, especially a child. Outreach has implemented this training for individuals working with youth, either in a school or community setting. Our certified counselor will train participants to teach the QPR Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention so participants can gain competence and confidence to teach others how to save lives and help prevent suicidal behaviors.  Curious about how it works? Check out this video from QPR Gatekeeper Training.

Due to the generosity of a local family recently affected by such a tragic loss, the training for this program will be free for 2022.

To find out more, contact Maggie Zangara, mzangara@outreachteen.org.

Rapid Adolescent Prevention Screening© (RAAPS©) is a validated youth risk assessment and counseling system used by hundreds of mental health professionals throughout the United States to identify and prevent risky behaviors with more than 45,000 youth each year. RAAPS© is recommended by leading healthcare organizations including the National School Based Health Alliance, the Society of Adolescent Health and Medicine and the US Department of Health and Human Services.

(This program takes the place of TeenScreen.)

Want to learn more? We’ve got you covered!!!
Click here to find out more from Possibilities for Change’s pamphlet.
Parent FAQ for Risk Screening can be accessed here.
Let’s RAAP information sheet can be accessed here.

If you are interested in finding out more, or bringing RAAPS to your school or organization, please contact Maggie Zangara, mzangara@outreachteen.org.

Questions to Consider:

• Has your drinking or drug use caused problems at school, work or home?
• Has your drinking or drug use resulted in legal issues?

Outreach Teen and Family Services offers a substance abuse evaluation (drugs and alcohol) for teens and adults. This confidential and evidence based evaluation may be completed in one session at our Mt. Lebanon office. Experienced, masters-level therapists administer the evaluation tool and provide treatment recommendations.

Fee: $75
Advanced registration is required.
Call 412-561-5405, or email at info@outreachteen.org.

No referral is required.