The Intermountain Health Grand Junction Integrated Addiction Medicine Clinic announced it will launch the Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), beginning in June. The program supports teens aged 14-18 in their journey toward better mental health and personal growth.

The program will run for eight weeks and includes a pair of two-hour group sessions, individual therapy sessions and a family component each week.

Dr. Jessica Stephen Premo, Intermountain Health behavioral health coordinator, said family involvement is crucial, so the program will have family therapy sessions and multi-family group sessions to help everyone stay connected and supported.

“The Adolescent IOP is a significant step toward addressing the mental health needs of adolescents in our community,” Stephen Premo said. “By providing structured support and therapy, the program aims to empower young individuals to navigate their mental health challenges and build a foundation for long-term recovery.”

Alcohol consumption among adults and teens caught the attention of the 2024 Mesa County Community Health Needs Assessment, which identifies obstacles to improving the health of community members.

The curriculum in the Adolescent IOP covers a wide range of topics including the impact of addiction and the role of neurobiology, managing emotions, understanding the connection between thoughts, feelings and behaviors, stress-reduction strategies, building healthy relationships and skills to prevent relapse and maintain long-term recovery.

The team will begin to accept referrals as of May 1.

The Integrated Addiction Medicine Clinic recently moved to 2643 Patterson Road, Suite 603, in Grand Junction.

For more information, call 970-298-3801.

This initiative was funded in part by a nearly $1 million in grants from the State of Colorado, Mesa County’s Opioid Abatement Council and The Steadman Group, It’s aimed at addressing substance use and mental health disorders in Western Colorado and for adolescents. These grants were instrumental in enhancing the clinic and providing critical support to families who previously had to travel to Denver or Salt Lake for similar services.