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Words from Participants

"She didn't tell me what to do, she gave options and didn't lecture me, she understood me." - ASTRA

"ASTRA" is the Latin word for "Star"

Program Features

The goal of the ASTRA program is to move youth towards reducing or abstaining from all problematic substance use. Treatment Approach ASTRA uses a cognitive-behavioural and bio-psycho social orientation that matches people to programming based on their needs and/or "readiness to change."  Our treatment approach is built around the trans-theoretical model of change (Prochaska and Diclementi).  This Model conceptualizes changes as the process of moving from pre-contemplation (I don't have a problem) to contemplation (maybe I have a problem) to action, and then on to maintenance.  A relapse is viewed as a predictable aspect of the change process and can happen at any stage in the change process. Additional information about us:  Motivational interviewing (Miller and Rollenick) and goal-focused contracting Program staff are accessible by cell phone and engage in community outreach.  Messages can be left for counsellors at any time.  Calls are normally returned within 24-48 businss hours. Aftercare and follow-up counselling services for youth who have attended residentail programming,the Youth Detention Centre and the Detox Centres ASTRA counsellors are not crisis workers.  If youth are in crisis, they can call 310-1234 or 1-800-668-6868.  Parents who would like immediate support can also phone the Parents Help Line, at 1-888-603-9100 Contemplative Youth are offered one-on-one counselling, support groups encouraging insight and behavioural change Action Stage youth are offered referral, residential, group support, and peer leadership training (if appropriate) Maintenance Stage youth are offered clean and sober support groups and peer leadership training Confidentiality Policy ASTRA guarantees confidentiality to our clients.  Professional referral sources will not receive any treatment or assessment information without the express permission of the youth.

Who is Eligible?

Youth aged 13 to 24 (those who are 19-24 will be screened and accessed for appropriateness to the program.  Based on individual need, some may be referred on to adult addictions counsellors) Have demonstrated problems with alcohol and/or drug use Self-referred youth Professionally referred youth Youth who are required to attend counselling as a condition of probation or continued school enrollment

Fees For Service

There are no fees for this program

Access

ASTRA accepts referrals from all sources.  We ask that referral forms be completed and faxed to the appropriate contact number listed below.  Catchement Area and contact numbers for ASTRA Counsellors:                           Chilliwack Cell: (604) 798-1418 Fax: (604) 795-5225 Delta/Ladner/Twassawen/White Rock/South Surrey:   Cell: (604) 836-6218 Fax: (604) 598-8443 Langley/Aldergrove/Cloverdale:    Cell: (604) 312-5866   Fax: (604) 534-8802 Pitt Meadows/Maple Ridge: Cell: (604) 836-6580   Fax: (604) 463-9684 North Surrey      Cell: (604) 836-6241    Fax: (604) 951-4882                                                                                                                                Referral Form

Contact Information for ASTRA

Melita Caissie, Supervisor of Addiction Services            Tom Hetherington, Manager Cell: 604-836-6197                                             OR      Cell: 604-329-5556 Fax: 604-465-6198                                                         Fax: 604- 523-2498 email: mcaissie@pcrs.ca                                                email: thetherington@pcrs.ca

Program Funding

ASTRA is funded by the Fraser Health Authority