Synergy/ARTS Program

Synergy is a treatment program for male and female adolescents aged 13-18 with a substance use disorder.  Conduct disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and depression are frequently co-occurring conditions.  Synergy’s program, which includes residential, day treatment, and outpatient services, aims to facilitate a positive peer culture and hierarchical reward structure to change clients’ behaviors in a positive manner.  We provide on-site schooling, random urinalyses, individual and group counseling, family therapy, and case management services.  Each client receives an intensive evaluation.

Goals of Training Program:
1)   Training in the assessment of adolescent substance abuse and comorbid psychiatric conditions
2)   Acquisition of knowledge of empirically-based therapies for these disorders and training in the delivery of these therapies.

Objectives of Training Program:
1)   Development of competence in the assessment and treatment of adolescent substance use disorder and related conditions
2)   Development of consultation skills in working with a multidisciplinary team
3)   Demonstration of an ability to synthesize information from a variety of sources to develop appropriate treatment recommendations and produce clear written reports.

Specific Training Activities:
Interns can choose to focus on assessment experiences only or they can combine their diagnostic assessments with therapy experiences.  Assessment responsibilities include participating in a comprehensive, standardized diagnostic assessment on new intakes to the program that includes gathering information from other clinical staff and completing a report for referring agencies with treatment recommendations.  Interns can also participate in forensic assessments of individuals facing criminal sentencing.  Therapy experiences could include performing case management, individual, group, family therapy, and/or substance abuse counseling.  Interns may also attend and present at weekly staff meetings and case conferences.  This rotation can be structured around the individual interests and skills of each intern.

Supervisors:
Elizabeth A. Whitmore, Ph.D., The University of Iowa (1993), adolescent substance use, assessment, family therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy.