ASTRA

The ASTRA Program assists youth aged 13-24 who have demonstrated problems with alcohol and/or drug use.  The goal of the program is to use one-to-one outreach counselling to help youth towards reducing or abstaining from all problematic substance use.  Some group counselling services are also available.

ACCESS

The ASTRA Program referral form is available here.

ASTRA accepts referrals from all sources.  We ask that referral forms be completed and faxed to the appropriate contact number listed below. 

Catchment Area and contact numbers for ASTRA Counsellors:

Chilliwack Phone: 604-798-1418 Fax: 604-795-5225	Delta, Ladner, Tsawwassen, White Rock, South Surrey Phone: 604-836-6273 Fax: 604-598-8443
Langley, Aldergrove, Cloverdale Phone: 604-312-5866 Fax: 604-534-8802	Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge Phone: 604-836-6580 Fax: 604-463-9684
North Surrey Phone: 604-836-6241 Fax: 604-951-4882

 

PROGRAM FEATURES

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 business hours.
• Aftercare and follow-up counselling services for youth who have attended residential 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
  

1. Contemplative Youth are offered one-on-one counselling and support groups encouraging insight and behavioural change
2. Action Stage youth are offered referral, residential, and group support, and peer leadership training (if appropriate)
3. Maintenance Stage youth are offered clean and sober support groups and peer leadership training