New Connections Programs and Services Overview

Drug and Alcohol SET – Screening, Evaluation & Testing (SET) Services For Youth and Adults
New Connections offers a range of screening and evaluation services that feature convenient testing, immediate results, counseling, referrals for appropriate follow-up services, and reporting as needed for other parties. These services are available for both youth and adult clients at our conveniently located counseling centers throughout Contra Costa County, in Concord, Pittsburg or Richmond.

BEGINNINGS – Intensive Outpatient & Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment Program For Adults
New Connections provides intensive outpatient and outpatient treatment services for adults and their families at our offices in Central (Concord) and East (Pittsburg) Contra Costa County. All service providers are experienced counselors who specialize in the treatment of chemical dependency.

CHOICES – Adolescent Outpatient Treatment Program
Choices is a mental health and substance abuse outpatient treatment program for Contra Costa County youth, conducted by professional mental health therapists who specialize in chemical dependency. Many program participants are also involved in the West Contra Costa County Juvenile Drug Court and have weekly court appearances; their criminal charges are dropped upon successful completion of the Choices program.

HIV/AIDS Services – For Youth and Adults
New Connections is the only provider of substance abuse recovery services for people living with HIV/AIDS in Contra Costa County. New Connections is also the largest provider of psychosocial case management services in Contra Costa County, and we are the only such provider located in all three regions of the county. We are the primary provider of these services for monolingual Spanish speakers, in coordination with Familias Unidas, a mental health services provider organization located at our counseling center in Concord. Comprehensive support and advocacy for HIV/AIDS-diagnosed participants, as well as education and respite care for their family members and other caregivers is provided through the Tranquillium Center in Richmond. In collaboration with other AIDS service providers and community-based organizations, this unique day treatment center has served as a refuge and support facility for over 12 years.

PATHWAYS TO RECOVERY – Intensive Outpatient Substance Abuse and Mental Health Treatment Program For Youth and their Families
Pathways to Recovery is offered at our offices in Central Costa County (Concord) and East County (Pittsburg). Services are provided by professional counselors who specialize in the treatment of both chemical dependency and mental health problems.

REUNION – Perinatal Substance Abuse Day Treatment Program
Reunion is designed to support the successful recovery of pregnant women and mothers with young children. The program includes counseling, van transportation, childcare and comprehensive family support. Mental health treatment can also be provided for those individuals who are determined to be eligible for the Victim Compensation Program.

SCHOOL-BASED PROGRAMS:

• Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Prevention
  New Connections has provided school-based “primary prevention,” mental health and substance abuse counseling services for over 14 years. In a wide variety of settings, including comprehensive middle and high schools, continuation high schools and community day schools, New Connections’ counselors aim to educate high-risk youth and those working with youth to intervene in the destructive cycle of addiction and related behaviors.
• Substance Abuse Intervention and Counseling
  New Connections counselors and prevention specialists, in coordination with school staff, provide assessment and screening for level of substance abuse, provide crisis counseling and intervention counseling, and refer addicted or abusing youth to our treatment services when needed. They also provide psycho-educational groups for youth on current critical issues for each school community, such as anger management, conflict resolution, stress management, and coping with stressed, at-risk and/or alcoholic home environments.

MORE ABOUT NEW CONNECTIONS:

New Connections is an innovative, award-winning 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization specializing in community behavioral healthcare, serving Contra Costa County families since 1972. Honors include:

• Program of Excellence Award from Association of California School Administrators.
• Honor Roll “Best Practices” Award from Children and Families Policy Forum.
• Superior Achievement in Prevention Award from California Department of Alcohol & Drug Programs.
• Named as one of the top 20 programs in the United States by the National Association of State Alcohol & Drug Abuse Directors and the National Prevention Network.

New Connections has been recognized for our commitment to delivering successful, outcomes-oriented services for our clients. For example, during 2002-2003, the Contra Costa County Health Services Department conducted client outcome and client satisfaction evaluations of New Connections’ services. The results included:

• 96% of case management clients reported improved quality of life, 100% were better able to take care of themselves, and 100% were helped by their case managers to receive needed services, such as benefits, legal services, food, or transportation.
• 78% of clients stopped using alcohol or drugs, and 11% reduced their alcohol and drug use after working with their substance abuse recovery counselor.
• 99% of clients were very satisfied or satisfied with the courtesy, cultural sensitivity, ability to obtain needed financial support, and the overall assistance received from their case managers or substance abuse counselors.