Program Overview

Our Philosophy

The YMCA’s programs are based around several key beliefs, developed from our extensive history of treating and preventing alcoholism and substance misuse. While specific treatment plans will vary from client to client, there is a guiding principle that drives our services:

We treat families, not just individuals.

We maintain open communication with every involved person who is willing and able to offer support to our clients. From children, to high-risk teens, to persons in recovery, we serve not only the client themselves, but also the people around them - their parents, siblings, children and family members.

• Counseling Service Brochure (PDF)
• YMCA Counseling Service Prevention Programs (PDF)

The Family Association

The Family Association — a key component of our service — is open to the community and is a network of parents, spouses, guardians, and other family members. This group meets weekly, providing a supportive venue where family members can learn new skills for dealing with the complex issues associated with addiction. Family Association is an especially critical component of our youth services, and for clients in these programs, parental participation is mandatory.

At the same time, we provide support and counseling to co-dependents (people whose relationships with the substance misuser have prevented him or her from focusing on themselves), and for anyone who is impacted by living with a chemically dependent person.

We address each client’s unique situation.

At the YMCA we recognize that because no two individuals are the same, no single treatment method works for everyone. During our initial evaluation, we look at every aspect of a client’s life, working to better understand the unique circumstances that underlie their problems. Our counselors “meet you where you’re at,” guiding each client to the best course of treatment for their current situation.

We draw on what works.

Because we are committed to providing the right care to the right person, our services are not based around a single treatment philosophy. Instead, we draw on over 25 years of experience with a wide range of clinical methodologies to develop plans that meet the specific needs and motivations of each client. Our diverse staff includes licensed social workers, licensed mental health counselors, credentialed alcohol and substance misuse counselors, a psychiatrist, nursing staff, and other trained advocates, some of whom have overcome their own struggles with addiction.

Our Services Include:

• Individual counseling
• Group counseling
• Crisis Intervention Services
• Drug Screenings
• Family therapy and family skills training
• Vocational services and referrals
• Positive alternative activities
• Referrals to legal counseling
• Referrals to alternative treatment programs
• Intervention with the criminal justice and child welfare systems

The YMCA’s services include three programs specially tailored to address different aspects of drug and alcohol misuse.

Our children’s and adolescent services are based on prevention and treatment models, and designed to help youth who, while not yet dependent on drugs or alcohol, are at high risk for future substance misuse problems due to their current negative behaviors. Our adult services focus on clients for whom chemical dependency has already taken control of their lives.

Although these programs are grouped into specific age ranges, we recognize that individual circumstances are more important than age in determining the proper course of action. Evaluation and monitoring are important aspects of our youth programs, and we work to ensure that our younger members are referred to the program that best fits their specific needs.

Community Education

Our Community Education program offers a variety of services, including visual displays, literature distribution, and our Speaker’s Bureau, which provides speakers for schools, community agencies, church groups, or any other interested community organizations. Presentation formats and topics can be tailored to meet the needs of any group.

Please contact the Administration Office at 718-948-3232 to find out more about bringing the YMCA’s community education services to your school or organization.

In-Network Insurances

• Aetna
• Affinity by Molina Healthcare
• Empire BCBS Healthplus
• CARELON
• Emblem Health/HIP/Prime HMO
• Medicaid
• Optum Health/Empire Plan
• United Healthcare/United Behavioral Health
• Oxford
• Fidelis
• Fidelis Care Silver
• Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield
• Health First
• MetroPlus Health Plan

Although we may not be in network with your insurance company, you may have out-of-network benefits. Please contact your insurance company to determine information about benefits and eligibility. Treatment is important and recovery is possible. Ability to pay should not be a barrier from seeking needed services.

At the YMCA Counseling Services, because of support from OASAS and our Annual Campaign, financial assistance is available and no one will be turned away from treatment because of an inability to pay.

Our Community Partners

• Tackling Youth Substance Abuse
  An initiative of the Staten Island Partnership for Community Wellness
• Vanderbilt Avenue Moravian Church 
• Talk to Prevent
• Partnership for Drug Free Kids