Youth Substance Use Treatment Services

The Children, Youth and Family System of Care at the Behavioral Health Services Department (BHSD) offers a continuum of substance use treatment services for youth and young adults ages 12-21.

Youth Substance Use Treatment Services (YSUTS) are provided by licensed and pre-licensed therapists specialized in serving clients who struggle with both mental health and substance use needs. Services may include individual, family, and group counseling. Psychiatry and care coordination services are also available. Many clinical staff are bicultural and fluent in county threshold languages.

All services provided are confidential and at no cost or low cost. Treatment services are provided throughout Santa Clara County, particularly at schools, County clinics, and community agencies.

Service Types:

Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment services are offered at centrally based clinics and particular school sites throughout Santa Clara County. Sites offer educational, individual, group, and family counseling. Care coordination services are available to support youth and young adults with social, educational, and vocational needs. The frequency of services is based on the client’s needs. Treatment services are offered to youth without mandated parent involvement. We do encourage parents to be involved, as treatment is more effective when there is family or caregiver encouragement.

Intensive Outpatient Treatment
Intensive outpatient treatment is offered to youth and young adults with higher levels of need. This level of treatment helps youth and young adults focus on positive relapse prevention skills and the effects of substance use in their lives. Sessions are at a minimum of 6 hours per week through individual, group and/or family therapy.

Residential Treatment
Residential treatment consists of structured and live-in programs at licensed facilities for youth of any gender ages 13-17 to assist them in recovery from substance abuse. Services include individual, family, and group counseling in a supportive setting. Youth are connected to medical, dental, and mental health services as needed.

Recovery
Youth and young adults can receive on-going support after treatment through individual and group counseling, recovery monitoring, and linkage to support groups to assist in their recovery. Services are offered within the community, by phone, or in clinic locations.​