Nicasa, NFP

A clinically-managed, low-intensity, extended residential treatment center for adults who are in need of substance abuse recovery and maintenance support. This transitional program (categorized as a SUPR III.1 Level service) is for both men and women who are experiencing difficulties with substance abuse. Individuals enter the program via referrals from other substance abuse providers (e.g. higher end residential or hospital settings), Lake County and McHenry County Drug Courts, Lake County Mental Health Court, and other local area providers. The site contains 20 beds total, with two that can accommodate differently abled individuals (ADA compliant) , and is staffed 24/7/365 for supervision and support. All services are provided in English and Spanish. The focus of the program is to support individuals through the recovery process and provide them with skills, tools, and connections that will lead to stability in order for them to move on and enjoy substance-free living while becoming productive members of society.

All individuals residing here must be free from any substances for at least 30 days before entering and are expected to remain substance-free throughout their time in the program. Additionally, individuals are expected to be responsible for general chores and treat the building as if it were their own home (e.g. weekly scheduling of meals, cleaning, and etc.). An initial down-payment is required upon entering the program to cover the first 28 days of treatment. Co-pays are then required in order to remain in the program.

Programming within this treatment center requires individuals to attend a minimum of 1 hour of therapy per week, 5 groups per week, participate in drug testing, daily meditation, substance abuse counseling, identify and communicate with a sponsor, and engage in either school, work, or volunteering for at least 3 days per week. There are also healthy recovery activities that are offered for positive social engagements, as well as opportunities for family visiting days and family therapy. Some examples of groups and activities include Art Impact, Bible Study, Community Group, Family Group, Peer Recovery activities, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and more.

In addition to the general programming outline, there is also the ability to provide individualized treatment. Some approaches and modalities that support the independent and strengths-based environment include cognitive behavioral
therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Matrix Model, motivational interviewing, and other evidenced-based models.

Individuals typically stay in the program for 90 days (case-by-case determinations are required in order to extend their time). Upon discharge from the program, staff connects individuals to other internal programs to assist with housing and/or securing a space in a sober living facility/location, as well as external services and supports.

Participating police departments refer juvenile offenders (ages 10-18) in order to address the root cause of their offense, change their behavior, and reduce recidivism in the future. This voluntary program, based on balanced and restorative justice, allows a youth to admit guilt and commit to learning from their mistake from a sentence determined by a jury of peers. Services include activities that result in learning, understanding, and implementing behavior change. Any child with a drug or alcohol offense is required to be evaluated by a Nicasa counselor and follow through with recommendations. All services are provided in English and Spanish.

Advocacy, case management, information, and referrals for families in crisis that have children under the age of 18. A Family Advocacy Center Facilitator meets with individuals to assess for needs of themselves and their family, provide parenting education, and coordinate services and connections to necessary resources. Areas of need that the program can help coordinate with include parenting, insurance (Medicaid), housing, substance abuse, mental health, immigration, education, some transportation (as it relates to identified services), emergency assistance (like locating an open shelter), and more. All services are provided in English and Spanish.

Parenting education is provided in either individual or group formats for an average of 6-8 weeks. Parent-education and support programming is designed to build on strengths and empower parents to improve family communication and functioning while decreasing family conflict.

*No housing vouchers.*

A collaboration with middle schools in Waukegan, Mundelein, and Wauconda. The program is offered in English and Spanish. The schools offer time during the day to deliver the program to the students. The teachers often remain in the classroom during sessions to reinforce what is being discussed with the class. A multi-sector Community Advisory Board tracks the successes and progress of the program as well.

We use the "Too Good For Drugs" curriculum, which is designed to reduce risk factors for alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD). Protective factors in this program are enhanced via lessons on decision-making, pro-social connections, identification and management of emotions, and positive communication. The curriculum is proven to diminish ATOD among participating students and positively impact the risk and protective factors surrounding youth alcohol and drug abuse. This evidenced-based model program requires 10 sessions and 5 boosters implemented in 30-60 minute segments.

Gambling addiction counseling and intervention programs, including self-exclusion. Consultations, evaluations, assessments, education, and treatment for youth and adults experiencing problem gambling. Individuals are assessed and recommended for treatment based on severity and other identified needs. Services are provided in individual or group modalities (including telehealth). Counselors can address co-occurring gambling, substance abuse, and mental health disorders as well. All services are provided in English and Spanish. There are also recovery support groups (e.g. Gamblers Anonymous) available for individuals and their family members, as well as various outreach efforts across the community. Nicasa Behavioral Health Services is 1 of only 9 state-licensed facilities in all of Illinois to provide these services, and it is the only provider of its kind in northern Illinois.

Nicasa is the only problem gambling service provider in northern IL, and is one of only nine state-funded providers in all of Illinois.

Consultations, assessments/evaluations, and outpatient mental health treatment for youth and adults covering a wide range of diagnoses and concerns. Services begin with a 2-hour assessment and then treatment is provided in individual, family, and group modalities (depending on the needs of the primary individual). Staff can address co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders as well. Anyone requiring psychiatric care and/or medication monitoring is referred out accordingly. All services are provided in English and Spanish, and there is a focus on treating those who are uninsured, under-insured, and/or undocumented.

Offers comprehensive treatment, early intervention, and recovery support services to Transitional Age Youth (18-25 years old) with substance use disorders and/or co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders, and their families/caregivers. The program provides a free tablet to complete online learning components and offers reduced co-pays for behavioral health treatment received at Nicasa. Services include substance abuse and mental health treatment, assistance with enrolling in Medicaid and/or the insurance marketplace, integration with primary healthcare, employment assistance, connections to address other identified needs, trauma-informed programming, family/caregiver education and socialization, recovery activities, connection to the recovery community, and more. All services are provided in English and Spanish.

Offers a connection to stable, permanent housing, behavioral health treatment, peer recovery support services, and employment assistance to individuals and families with serious mental illness or co-occurring disorders (mental health, substance abuse, and/or developmental disabilities) that are homeless or are at risk of homelessness. This is a free program in collaboration with PADS Lake County. Additional services include integration with primary healthcare, enrolling in Medicaid and/or the insurance marketplace, connections to address other identified needs, trauma-informed programming, and more.