Great Lakes Recovery Centers Inc - Adolescent Services Center

Substance Use Treatment With Co-Occurring Support

Treatment includes two group therapy sessions every day, along with weekly individual and family therapy guided by each teen’s primary counselor. Counselors monitor progress, adapt goals, and keep caregivers consistently informed. Teens participate in evidence-based therapy, including cognitive and motivational approaches, relapse-prevention strategies, and trauma-focused care. Teens with mental health conditions receive medication education and management as needed, along with clinical support for symptoms such as anxiety, mood instability, or trauma responses. Medical and dental needs are addressed on site through integrated primary care.

On-Site School and Educational Continuity

The year-round classroom is a full school environment with individual workstations, laptops for academic use only, and tools like a smart board to support different learning styles. A certified special education teacher and a counselor maintain close supervision and individualized academic support, while a school psychologist can provide IEP development or assessments. School districts send records at admission so teachers can match curriculum and maintain credit progress. Weekly school reports help families and counselors track engagement, and teens can also access GED testing, academic materials, and all necessary transportation.

Experiential, Creative, and Equine Therapies

Weekly art projects — including mask-making, clay work, trauma-focused pieces, and mandalas — help teens explore identity, calm overwhelming emotions, and communicate experiences that may be difficult to verbalize. Music expression sessions introduce instruments, songwriting, lyrical analysis, and music-based mindfulness. Seasonal equine-assisted therapy involves grooming, feeding, haltering, and leading horses under the supervision of an equine therapist and specialist. These activities give adolescents hands-on experiences with problem-solving and relationship-building.

Recreation and Community Connection

Teens participate in extensive recreational programming, from gym workouts and hiking to seasonal activities such as kayaking, swimming, tennis, skiing, ice-skating, snowshoeing, sledding, and Ultimate Frisbee. The Through Our Eyes photography program pairs teens with local photographers for monthly themed hikes across campus. The Bridges program connects teens with seniors in assisted living for weekly activities that build empathy and social confidence. Service-learning includes community gardens, reading to children, helping seniors with special needs, and participating in the on-site greenhouse.

Holistic Health and Aftercare

Holistic services complement clinical treatment with aromatherapy, guided visualization, meditation, foot baths, herbal teas, and optional chiropractic referrals. On-staff Acupuncture Detoxification Specialists provide ear-based auricular therapy to support relaxation and ease detox-related discomfort. As teens prepare to return home, counselors guide discharge planning, coordinate follow-up care, and encourage ongoing engagement through outpatient sessions and community involvement.