APEX

Phoenix Programs, Inc., in Columbia, Missouri. Our Work is Treatment and Treatment Works.

What is Project APEX?

For over 30 years Phoenix Programs, Inc. has offered treatment to adults for substance abuse and help for families. The agency now builds on those decades of experience with Project Apex—an outpatient treatment program for young people.

Project Apex serves adolescents ages 12-20 years old who meet the criteria for a substance use disorder (SUD) and/or co-occurring substance use disorder with a managed mental health diagnosis. Project Apex will serve adolescents from the rural region of mid-Missouri.

How Can Youth Get Help Through Project Apex?

Adolescents may be referred for help from a variety of sources. Here are a few examples:

• schools, • law enforcement, • faith communities, • doctors, and • other area agencies.

Parents, adult caregivers, other concerned family members or friends can contact the agency about an adolescent who seems to be facing substance abuse challenges.

What makes Project APEX different?

In many traditional adolescent therapies…..	Project APEX is different because….
the counselor often chooses the goals of treatment.	the adolescent chooses the goals of treatment with the support of the counselor.
clients feel punished.	clients experience positive situations that can help them learn to live without using drugs.
counselor contact with clients is limited to scheduled sessions.	counselors may check in with clients between sessions.
clients must admit they have a problem with substance abuse for treatment to work.	counselors usually avoid direct confrontation choosing to focus on areas of life the adolescent wants to improve.
treatment focuses on "drug problem."	treatment encompasses strengths and interests of youth as a whole person.
usually includes adolescent group therapy sessions	youths seeking treatment receive one-on-one sessions for skill building in order to help choose and support recovery
treatment continues indefinitely.	treatment is a three month intervention coupled with three months of follow-up or continuing care
only the adolescent receives help—sessions for other family members may simply be an "add on."	parents/caregivers receive their own sessions with the counselor and youth and separately as part of the treatment package.
the youth or family is responsible for follow-up or continuing care services	the counselor can actively help the client with school situations, employment, medical appointments, positive activities and other community engagement.
clients can only receive help in an office setting.	clients will usually receive therapy sessions in office sessions, but continuing care can occur in a more comfortable place such as the youth's home, a public place, such as a park or restaurant.

The Mission of Phoenix
Programs Inc.

The mission of Phoenix Programs is to reduce the adverse effects of alcoholism and other drug addiction in our families and our community by providing treatment, support and educational services.

What are the Results of

Project Apex?

Research indicates clients who have completed similar six month programs have been more likely to

- improve psychological stability and decrease psychological distress.

- reduce substance use and abuse.

- improve educational level and employment.

- increase health functioning.

- decrease legal involvement.

Information for health-care professionals: Project Apex is an evidence-based, best practice model. This approach uses cognitive behavioral treatment, social skills training and assertive case management.

Project Partners Include:

University of Missouri Wellness Resource Center

Central Missouri Community Action

Family Health Center

¨Columbia Public Schools

MO Division of Family Services

MO Division of Youth Services and Juvenile Office

Columbia Parks and Recreation Department

The Intersection

Boone County Community Partnership

Voluntary Action Center

YC2 (Youth Community Coalition)

Centro Latino de Salud, Education y Cultura

Certified by the State of Missouri Department of Mental Health Division of
Drug and Alcohol Abuse since 1974

Phoenix Programs, Inc. Is sponsored In part by
United Way
City of Columbia Office of Community Services
Department of Health and Human Services
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Missouri Foundation for Health
Private Donations

The name Apex symbolizes the high point or summit of a mountain worth climbing.

" it is not the mountain we conquer,

but ourselves."

—Sir Edmund Hillary

(first man to climb Mt. Everest)

How Much Does it Cost?

There is no cost to Project Apex clients. This program is funded through a grant from The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Services (SAMHSA).

Other recommended links:

http://www.drugfree.org/teenbrain/

http://www.nrepp.samhsa.gov/programfulldetails.asp?PROGRAM_ID=149

409 Vandiver West • Building 7, Suite 101 • Columbia, Mo. 65202
Phone: 573/875-8880 Fax: 573/442-8095