SHORT TERM ADOLESCENT RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT
(S.T.A.R.T.)

Description

The START Program is an all-female, sixteen-bed residential drug rehabilitation program located in the western part of Walker County, serving clients between the ages of thirteen to eighteen. The program is operated under the auspices of the Northwest Alabama Mental Health Center and certified through the Department of Mental Health/Mental Retardation Services Substance Abuse Division.

Clients live in a supervised treatment home where responsibility for self is emphasized in a structured environment. Each client is expected to participate in all aspects of the program, and is responsible for completing all assignments and chores. Clients receive a mix of services including individual, group, and family therapy, drug education, treatment films, didactics, written assignments, school, and recreation. Aftercare and other services are offered or referred. The length of stay is ninety days.
Referral Sources

Service providers, juvenile courts, court referral, DHR, schools, parents, relatives, physicians or the potential client may make referrals to START. To make a referral, a PsychoSocial Assessment or psychological evaluation, a physical TB, and pregnancy test are needed to determine the appropriateness for the program.

Costs

The only costs to the consumer are a one-time nonrefundable $100 admission fee and a $20 over-the-counter medicine fee. Each client is responsible for her own personal items needed at the program. All medical costs, including medication, is borne by the client or her family. Clients are also responsible for any damage to property.
Eligibility
  • Must be willing to participate in treatment program.
  • Primary Axis I substance abuse diagnosis.
  • Between the ages of 13-18.
  • Alabama resident.
  • Social Security number.
  • Ability to maintain in a supervised structured living environment.
  • Physically able to participate. Individuals requiring medical care should have needs taken care of before admission.
  • Medications must be approved prior to admission. Some psychotropic medications and medication requiring blood levels would preclude admission.
  • Must not be in the first or third trimester of pregnancy.
  • No acute suicidal or homicidal ideations.
  • START does not discriminate on the basis of race or religion.

Items to Bring

Nonrefundable $100 admission fee

1 toothbrush & toothpaste
Nonrefundable $20 over-the-counter medicine fee 1 bar of soap or bodywash
1 pair of jeans 1 bottle of shampoo/conditioner
1 sweater/sweat shirt 1 wide-tooth comb/brush
4 sweat pants (no white) 1 tube of hand/body lotion
1 jacket 1 deodorant
4 crew neck t-shirts 1 wax facial hair remover (no tweezers)
4 pairs of socks 1 electric razor
2 pairs of knee length gym shorts limited personal makeup (no mirrors)
7 panties feminine products
2 bras (white) 1 liquid laundry soap
2 nightgowns/pajamas 1 2-inch binder ($6 if we provide)
1 pair of sneakers loose-leaf paper
1 pair of slippers envelopes/stamps/stationery
No jewelry except watches 1 phone card
insurance card/id card/drivers license current prescription medication blister packed (one refill requested on current meds)
Do Not Bring Items Containing Aerosol or Alcohol

IItems Needed To Make A Referral

· Psychosocial Assessment (may be completed on site if necessary)
· Recent physical, TB, and pregnancy test
· List of all medications and reasons for medications
· Name and number of contact person


To make a referral, forward the above information to 205-924-1663 or 1-800-489-3977

Or mail information to
START,
9558 Highway 124
Carbon Hill, Alabama 35549

For more information contact admissions at 205-924-4133 or 1-800-489-3977.