Assessment The initial assessment, or evaluation, is the first step in receiving most services from Avenues. The assessment involves a comprehensive clinical interview with a counselor, in addition to completion of an assessment packet. The counselor develops a diagnostic impression regarding substance abuse and mental health issues. This impression, with the client’s expressed wishes and needs, allows the counselor to recommend an appropriate “level of care", available either at Avenues or elsewhere. The appointment typically lasts 2 hours.
In the assessment of adolescents, the child’s legal guardian must be present at the appointment, is interviewed by the counselor, and is included in the communication regarding the counselor’s recommendations.
Assessment appointments are available Monday through Thursday 9am-9pm or Friday and Saturday 9am-5pm.
Intensive Outpatient Treatment for Adults (IOP) The Intensive Outpatient Program meets 5 days a week for 2 hours each day, with typical program length of 4 to 5 weeks. This level of care is appropriate for individuals who are using excessive amounts of drugs or alcohol on a regular basis, have a moderate to long history of alcohol and/or drug abuse, and have experienced significant consequences related to their use. IOP may serve as the client’s primary treatment, or as a step-down from a more intensive level of care such as detox or residential treatment.
IOP offers a highly structured setting to support daily efforts to remain clean and sober. The curriculum includes topics such as Drug/Alcohol Education, Relationship Issues, Life Skills, Family Issues, and Relapse Prevention. Each day, part of the session is dedicated to education and part to “process”, or group counseling. After completing the Intensive Outpatient Program, clients step-down to the Supportive Outpatient Program and attend groups two days a week. Following completion of both IOP and SOP, the client will be eligible for "graduation" from services.
IOP meets Monday through Friday 10am-noon. In addition, clients receive individual counseling every other week as scheduled with their counselor.
Supportive Outpatient Treatment for Adults (SOP) The Supportive Outpatient Program meets two evenings a week for 1 ˝ hours, with typical program length of 7 to 10 weeks. This level of care is appropriate for individuals who are in the early to middle stages of drug/alcohol abuse, or are stepping down from a higher level of care such as Intensive Outpatient or residential treatment.
Clients in SOP often are still able to hold a job and have a relatively stable home environment with some level of support for sobriety. Clients utilizing SOP as continuing care from a higher level of treatment often need support in locating and/or maintaining employment, preventing relapse, and readjusting to a responsible role in the home and the community.
SOP clients attend group twice a week. They may choose EITHER every Monday and Thursday from 7-8:30pm, OR Wednesdays 7-8:30 pm and Saturdays 2-3:30pm. In addition to group, clients receive individual counseling two to three times a month as scheduled with their counselor.
Individual Counseling Individual counseling can be effective, alone or in conjunction with group, to address substance abuse, dual diagnosis (mental health and substance abuse together), and related life issues. Individual counseling offers a safe place to explore and resolve feelings, thoughts and/or behaviors that are causing stress in a client's life. Clients typically meet with a counselor once a week or once every 2 weeks. When an adolescent is in individual counseling, the counselor will occasionally meet with the parent(s) for a “parent consult” session to ensure family awareness of general counseling progress.
Individual Counseling appointments are available Monday through Thursday 9am-9pm, Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 9am-6pm.
Family Counseling Family Counseling is often an important part of effective treatment and recovery. Family services frequently focus on improving communication patterns, educating family members about substance abuse, and helping the family re-establish appropriate roles and boundaries.
Family Counseling appointments are available Monday-Thursday 9am-9pm, Friday 9am-5pm, and Saturday 9am-6pm.
NorthSTAR Enrollment Avenues is an official enrollment site for NorthSTAR, the public funding system for substance abuse and mental health services. A financial eligibility application is filled out for NorthSTAR and a consent form is signed for ValueOptions, the insurance company that administers the NorthSTAR program. Within one to two days, ValueOptions determines eligibility for NorthSTAR, or requests more information from the individual. Both children and adults are eligible to apply for NorthSTAR.
To apply for NorthSTAR, ValueOptions requires the following: proof of residency (such as a utility bill) and proof of income (last two pay stubs or last tax return). If the client is unemployed, he/she will complete a form that requires the signature of any person providing shelter or financial assistance.
NorthSTAR applications are done on a walk-in basis Monday through Thursday 9am-9pm, Friday 9am-5pm, and Saturday 9am-6pm.
201 W. Louisiana Street | McKinney, Texas 75069 | Phone: 972-562-9647 | Fax: 972-562-2383
