Johnson County Mental Health Center’s Adolescent Center for Treatment (ACT) is a small residential substance use treatment program for teens in Olathe, Kansas. The county describes ACT as an 11-bed, 24/7 staffed residential facility for adolescents who are experiencing problems related to alcohol or other drugs and who need a structured environment to begin recovery.

ACT notes that its approach is trauma-informed and supported by licensed clinicians, case managers, and direct care staff. The program’s stated goals include helping teens understand the impacts of substance use, strengthening family relationships, improving school functioning, and addressing legal or behavioral consequences connected to use. The center also notes attention to co-occurring mental health concerns, which can matter for adolescents whose anxiety, depression, or trauma symptoms are intertwined with substance use.

Eligibility on the county’s information page includes adolescents ages 12–18 and an assessment indicating the need for residential treatment. Families considering ACT should ask what the assessment process involves, how quickly admission can occur, and what the typical length of stay is for most residents. It’s also helpful to clarify what therapeutic groups, individual sessions, and family meetings look like during an average week, as well as how progress is measured during treatment.

Discharge planning matters as much as admission. ACT states that clients are encouraged to participate in outpatient services upon discharge. Families can ask what step-down options are recommended, how recovery planning is coordinated with school and community supports, and what relapse-prevention planning looks like for the teen and caregivers when returning home.

To learn more, families can review Johnson County’s ACT information and contact the program to discuss assessment requirements, program structure, and whether this residential level of care fits their teen’s needs.