In effort to improve treatment access, services, and outcomes for Texas’ youth ages 12-18 that have been diagnosed with substance use disorders and/or co-occurring mental health disorders, the Texas Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Treatment Planning Initiative will design an extensive strategic plan in partnership with the Texas Department of State Health Services and Texas System of Care Consortium.

This two-year project will identify funding sources and workforce expertise regarding adolescent substance abuse treatment and recovery services, develop a three-year state-wide workforce training implementation plan grounded in evidence-based practices, expand programs promoting family and youth involvement in treatment and recovery, create strategic communication plans encouraging service efficiency, and provide methods to increase access and quality of treatment services for adolescents. By building on existing infrastructure and involving state stakeholders, Texas Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Treatment Planning Initiative hopes to support greater coordination between state and local services and youth and families in recovery to provide a fully integrated system of care.

This project will improve the quality of treatment and recovery services for adolescents with substance use disorders and/or co-occurring mental health disorders, and significantly benefit Texas youths and their families by increasing access to cost efficient and effective care.