Breakthrough serves the needs of adolescents who have a history of chemical dependency that has resulted in serious problems in social, educational and vocational adjustments.

In helping teens confront and overcome their substance abuse problems, Breakthrough provides a combination of alcohol/drug abuse treatment, mental health treatment, education, competency-based skill development and mentoring in an environment which promotes a transition to a successful, clean and sober lifestyle.

A Success Story: Carlos Beats the Odds

Assessment and Evaluation

• Assessment and evaluation of adolescents for schools, health plans or juvenile courts
• Consultation services from psychological and psychiatric staff

Outpatient Services

• Serves adolescent boys and girls ages 13 through 18 years
• Individual and family therapy tailored to the unique treatment issues of each adolescent
• Alcohol/drug group education and treatment including the AA and NA 12-step model of recovery

Off-Site Outpatient Services
The Breakthrough staff works in collaboration with other human service organizations to provide off-site, outpatient alcohol and drug treatment to adolescents currently seeking treatment for other issues or problems. These innovative partnerships have helped to expand the number of teens receiving A&D treatment.

Day Treatment Services

• Serves adolescents ages 13 to 18 years who are involved with the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) or the court system
• Group-centered program which utilizes the positive peer culture model, emphasizing personal accountability and responsibility to others
• Skills training for adolescents to foster social, vocational, and recreational competencies
• Skills training for parents to foster competencies in supervision, communication and behavior management
• Education in on-site school, staffed by Portland Public School instructors

Proctor Program
Therapeutic foster care for youth in treatment who are unable to reside with their families.

Sample data from Breakthrough Five Year Report 1992-1997

What type of youth does Breakthrough serve?

• 83% have been arrested five or more times
• 53% have been victims of one or more forms of child abuse
• 72% are children of alcoholics or drug abusers
• 91% have been expelled or suspended from school

What outcomes does Breakthrough produce?

• 99% of youth said Breakthrough helped them deal effectively with their problems
• 86% would recommend the program to others