The Mount Sinai CARES (Comprehensive Adolescent Rehabilitation and Education Services) Program provides crucial support for adolescents facing emotional, behavioral, and substance abuse challenges. Recognizing the unique needs of teenagers, CARES offers two specialized tracks designed to foster growth and recovery in a structured and nurturing environment.
Adolescent Alternative Day Program (AADP)
The Adolescent Alternative Day Program (AADP) is tailored for teenagers grappling with social skills deficits, anxiety, and mood fluctuations. AADP offers a distinct educational setting compared to traditional high schools, prioritizing a focused, individualized, safe, and respectful atmosphere. Beyond academics, the program integrates therapy, leveraging specialized expertise in addressing severe emotional difficulties and school truancy. AADP aims to re-engage teens in their education and equip them with essential coping mechanisms for emotional well-being.
Comprehensive Addiction Program for Adolescents (CAPA)
For adolescents struggling with substance abuse, the Comprehensive Addiction Program for Adolescents (CAPA) provides targeted intervention. Working in collaboration with the Addiction Institute of Mount Sinai, CAPA caters to youth across the spectrum of addiction – from those in active recovery to individuals currently using substances and seeking treatment. This program is intentionally structured to provide the necessary framework for teenagers to receive intensive support while continuing to reside within their communities. CAPA’s holistic approach extends beyond addiction, addressing co-occurring issues like depression and other mood disorders, academic difficulties, and legal challenges that often accompany substance abuse.
Therapeutic Elements of CARES
A cornerstone of the CARES program is its multidisciplinary approach to therapeutic services. Recognizing that emotional and behavioral issues can significantly hinder academic success, CARES assembles a dedicated clinical team. This team collaboratively develops individualized treatment plans for each student. Crucially, all therapeutic services are accessible both in-person and via video telehealth, ensuring consistent support.
The comprehensive treatment plans within CARES encompass a range of essential components:
- Individual, family, and group therapy: Providing different modalities to address individual needs, family dynamics, and peer support.
- Medication management: When necessary, psychiatric medication is carefully managed as part of a holistic treatment strategy.
- Substance abuse treatment: Specialized interventions for adolescents dealing with drug and alcohol addiction.
- Milieu therapy: Creating a therapeutic environment within the program itself to promote positive behavior and social learning.
- Life skills training: Equipping students with practical skills needed for independent living and navigating daily life successfully.
- Community meetings: Fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility among students.
Educational Elements of CARES Academy
CARES Academy, the educational component of the program, offers a comprehensive, full-time high school curriculum leading to a diploma granted by the New York City Department of Education. Acknowledging diverse student needs, some individuals can opt for a High School Equivalency (HSE) curriculum tailored to their specific requirements and preferences. Aligned with New York State Education Department mandates, the diploma program allows students to earn credits and prepare for Regents exams. Both the diploma and HSE programs are administered through the Department of Education Re-Start Program. Department of Education teachers lead daily academic classes, and CARES clinical staff maintain close collaboration with the educational team. This daily interaction ensures students attend classes, engage constructively with teachers and peers, and participate to their fullest potential. To enrich the academic experience, field trips are occasionally integrated into the coursework.
