The CARES program at Mount Sinai offers specialized pathways designed to meet the diverse needs of adolescents facing emotional, behavioral, and substance use challenges. Recognizing that teenagers require tailored support, CARES provides two distinct tracks: the Adolescent Alternative Day Program (AADP) and the Comprehensive Addiction Program for Adolescents (CAPA). Each program is meticulously structured to provide a nurturing and effective environment for young people to thrive.
Adolescent Alternative Day Program (AADP)
The Adolescent Alternative Day Program (AADP) is designed for teenagers grappling with social skills deficits, anxiety disorders, and mood instability. AADP distinguishes itself from traditional high school settings by offering a more individualized, secure, and respectful academic atmosphere. This program uniquely integrates education and therapeutic interventions, boasting specialized expertise in supporting teens with significant emotional difficulties and school attendance issues. AADP provides a focused and supportive environment where adolescents can address their challenges while continuing their education.
Comprehensive Addiction Program for Adolescents (CAPA)
For adolescents struggling with substance abuse, the Comprehensive Addiction Program for Adolescents (CAPA) offers a robust path to recovery. Collaborating closely with the renowned Addiction Institute of Mount Sinai, CAPA caters to youth at all stages of substance use challenges, from those actively seeking treatment to those in aftercare. This program is intentionally structured to provide the necessary framework for teens requiring substantial guidance, enabling them to receive intensive treatment while remaining within their home communities. CAPA’s holistic approach extends beyond addiction, addressing co-occurring issues such as depression, mood disorders, academic difficulties, and legal concerns, ensuring comprehensive support for each adolescent’s well-being.
Therapeutic and Educational Elements
At the heart of the CARES program is a commitment to multidisciplinary therapeutic services. A dedicated clinical team collaborates to develop individualized treatment plans for each student, delivered through in-person sessions or convenient video telehealth. Therapeutic components encompass individual, family, and group therapy, medication management, targeted substance abuse treatment, milieu therapy to foster a supportive environment, and essential life skills training.
Complementing the therapeutic services, CARES Academy provides a comprehensive high school education curriculum, authorized by the New York City Department of Education, enabling students to earn a diploma. For students with specific needs, a High School Equivalency (HSE) curriculum option is available. Aligned with New York State Education Department standards, the diploma program allows students to accrue credits and prepare for Regents exams. The Department of Education Re-Start Program oversees both diploma and HSE tracks, with daily academic classes taught by Department of Education educators. Close collaboration between clinical and educational staff ensures students actively participate in classes, engage positively with teachers and peers, and maximize their learning potential. Enrichment through occasional academic field trips further enhances the educational experience within the CARES program.
