
For many teens, substance use starts small — often as curiosity, stress relief, or a way to fit in — but it can quickly grow into something more serious. At Imagine Boise, our teen substance use disorder (SUD) treatment program helps young people break that cycle and begin healing in a safe, structured environment.
Our approach focuses on uncovering what’s driving the behavior and helping teens build lasting habits that support recovery. Each day in treatment helps teens learn how to manage emotions, make healthy choices, and stay connected to the people who matter most.
How Our Substance Use Disorder Treatment Works
The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) at Imagine Boise offers the balance teens need between structure and independence.
Designed for ages 12–17, sessions are held three times a week for three hours each. This schedule allows teens to continue school and family life while getting consistent support.
During the program, each teen receives:
- Individual therapy and ongoing progress updates
- Regular monitoring and care coordination
- Medication management and psychiatric oversight when needed
- Family therapy to rebuild trust and communication
- Coordination of care with external and internal providers
This mix of structure and flexibility helps teens stay accountable without feeling cut off from daily life.
Building Skills and Confidence Through Therapy
Recovery is about more than stopping substance use — it’s about helping teens understand themselves and strengthen emotional resilience. Therapy gives teens the tools to navigate challenges with SUD and make better decisions.
Therapy Focus Areas Include:
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Emotional Regulation and Mindfulness
- Distress Tolerance and Interpersonal Skills
- Healthy Relationships and Communication
- Relapse Prevention Planning
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Trauma Therapy
Each session gives teens practical ways to handle stress, express emotions, and stay grounded as they recover.
Why Families Choose Imagine Boise
Parents trust us because we focus on what works for teens—empathy, structure, and accountability. Our clinical team specializes in adolescent care, combining evidence-based treatment with a compassionate, family-centered approach.
As part of Northpoint Recovery, we’re able to connect families to a full continuum of care across the region. This means your teen can continue receiving consistent support, even after outpatient treatment ends.
At Imagine Boise, recovery isn’t just about treatment; it’s about helping teens rediscover confidence, hope, and purpose.
Addressing Both Substance Use and Mental Health
Substance use often develops alongside emotional challenges like anxiety, depression, or past trauma. Our integrated care model treats both at once, helping teens heal mentally and physically.
By addressing these challenges together, we reduce the chance of relapse and help teens develop tools for lifelong stability. Our licensed clinicians guide each teen toward balance, self-awareness, and emotional strength.
If your teen needs support for both substance use and mental health, explore our co-occurring disorder treatment program to learn more.
FAQs: Teen Substance Use Treatment
1. How can I tell if my teen needs substance use treatment?
Watch for changes in mood, school performance, or social circles. Your teen might seem withdrawn, secretive, or less interested in activities they used to enjoy. If you’re unsure whether substance use is part of the issue, a professional evaluation can provide clarity and next steps.
2. Will my teen need to stay overnight?
No. Our outpatient model allows teens to take part in therapy during the day and return home afterward. This helps them stay connected to family and school while still receiving structured, consistent care.
3. Can parents join therapy?
Yes, and we encourage it. Family therapy is an important part of recovery because it helps rebuild communication, strengthen relationships, and create stability at home. When parents are involved, progress tends to last longer.
4. What if my teen doesn’t want treatment?
It’s normal for teens to resist help at first. Our team understands how to meet them where they are—with patience, empathy, and support. We focus on building trust so your teen feels safe enough to engage and see the benefits of making changes.
5. How is school handled during treatment?
We design the program around school hours to keep education on track. Our team also communicates with teachers or counselors when needed to make sure your teen gets the support they need both in and out of treatment.
6. What happens after the program ends?
Recovery is a process, not a finish line. After treatment, we help families create a plan for continued therapy, relapse prevention, and community support. Our goal is to ensure your teen leaves with confidence, structure, and the tools to stay on the right path.
Help Your Teen Take the Next Step
Your teen deserves a chance to feel in control of their life again. At Imagine Boise, we help teens rebuild confidence, strengthen family bonds, and move forward with renewed hope.
Our caring team is ready to walk with your family from the first call through long-term recovery. Contact us today to learn more about our teen substance use treatment program today.