Substance Abuse Counseling & Education
Sober School Programs
Our school programs, Youth Experiencing Success (Y.E.S.) in Santa Cruz and Escuela Quetzal in Watsonville, provide sobriety-seeking teens with the information, skills and support necessary for establishing and maintaining a clean and sober lifestyle. Operated in collaboration with the County Office of Education (COE) and Children’s Mental Health, both fully accredited schools provide academic coursework geared toward high school graduation. Students are expected to actively participate in all classroom activities and attend counseling groups as a core part of the school day. Escuela Quetzal also has an afternoon program for teens still struggling with the challenges of making a long-term commitment to sobriety.
Who Qualifies? Any junior high or high school teen aged 14 – 19 who has the desire to be successful but is experiencing difficulties functioning in a traditional school environment.
What is the Cost? Services are free thanks to partnerships with County Office of Education, Santa Cruz County Children’s Mental Health and community donations to Youth Services. Donations are encouraged.
What is expected of participants? Youth are expected to participate in daily on-site schooling through County Office of Education and to attend mandatory group, individual and family counseling sessions with Youth Services counselors. Families of youth are strongly encouraged to participate in weekly Parent Support groups and to attend regular family counseling sessions. Youth are required to remain clean and sober while in this program and to attend 12-Step support meetings.
Contact Info:
Y.E.S. program (831) 429-8350 ext. 113
Escuela Quetzal (831) 688-8856 ext. 109
Tyler House - Residential Substance Abuse Treatment
Tyler House is a co-educational 6-month therapeutic residential program that provides substance abuse treatment for adolescents. We provide teens and families’ support and guidance to intervene in the cycle of addiction and create a foundation for ongoing sobriety. Residents attend Escuela Quetzal clean and sober school.
Tyler House
- Is a supportive, safe learning environment
- Promotes honesty
- Teaches life skills
- Builds self-confidence
- Develops sense of community
Tyler House Youth
- Live in a clean and safe house under 24-hour supervision
- Learn to understand and effectively communicate their thoughts and feelings
- Learn teamwork by assisting one another with daily responsibilities
- Learn to enjoy recreational and social activities that do not involve substance use
- Attend school at Youth Services’ Escuela Quetzal school, a clean and sober school program
- Learn to build strong, healthy relationships with family and friends.
Who Qualifies? Adolescents with drug and alcohol issues aged 14 – 17. Must reside in Santa Cruz County. At least one caregiver must be willing to participate.
What is the Cost? Federal, State and County funding support Tyler House. Families are expected to pay a share of cost based on income and family resources. Cost is generally small and varies by family.
Contact Info: Call (831) 688-6293
Substance Abuse Education/Assessment Services
Youth Services provides drug and alcohol education, intervention and treatment services to youth that are experiencing difficulty as a result of their drug and alcohol use. Treatment is largely accomplished through group counseling. Individual and family counseling is also included. The services are provided at our Mission Street office, San Lorenzo Valley High School and in the high schools of Santa Cruz City School District. Youth are referred to this program by teachers and administrators, Juvenile Probation and self-referrals.
Who Qualifies? Youth with a substance abuse issue ages 12 – 17
What is the Cost? Free of charge
Contact Info: Call (831) 429-8350
