Matrix Model for Teens and Young Adults

Adolescents with substance abuse disorders

The Matrix Model for Teens and Young Adults is an intensive outpatient treatment approach for substance abuse and dependence. The program uses research-based techniques in an approach comprised of relapse-prevention groups, separate parent and adolescent substance education groups, individual sessions for parents and adolescents, family sessions, social-support groups, and urine and breath testing delivered over a 16-week period. New alternative drug-free recreational activities are reinforced. Patients learn about addiction and relapse, and receive direction and support from a trained therapist. The program uses a cognitive/behavioral approach imbued with a motivational interviewing style and supplemented with contingency management.

Donna Johnson, JD, ICADC II, ICCJP, ICCDP-D, LADC

• Title: Director
• Agency/Affiliation: Clare|Matrix Training Institute
• Website: https://www.clarematrixtraininginstitute.org
• Email: donna@cmtraininginstitute.org
• Phone: (877) 422-2353

The overall goals of the Matrix Model for Teens and Young Adults are:

• Abstain from or decrease alcohol or other drug use
• Understand addiction and relapse
• Learn relapse prevention skills
• Develop pro-social behaviors

The essential components of the Matrix Model for Teens and Young Adults include:

• Using manualized Matrix Model materials
• Providing 2 Relapse Prevention groups with 8-12 participants and 2 Family Education (client and parent) per week
• Providing 2 Early Recovery Skills groups per week in first month
• Requiring weekly urine/breath testing
• Using cognitive/behavioral references
• Reading and discussing a topic in each group

Child/Adolescent Services

Matrix Model for Teens and Young Adults directly provides services to children and addresses the following:

• Substance abuse

Parent/Caregiver Services

Matrix Model for Teens and Young Adults directly provides services to parents/caregivers and addresses the following:

• Being the family of a substance user

Recommended Intensity

3 visits per week; 3 hours per visit

Recommended Duration

16 weeks

Delivery Settings

This program is typically conducted in a(n):

• Outpatient Clinic

Homework

This program does include a homework component.

Adhering to scheduled activities

Resources Needed to Run Program

The typical resources for implementing the program are:

• One full-time counselor per 25 clients.
• Adequate space for group of 12
• One room large enough to accommodate clients and families for family/education (25-30 people)
• DVD or VHS player

Prerequisite/Minimum Provider Qualifications

Receive initial 2-day training followed by 2-day "key supervisor" training.

Manual Information

There is a manual that describes how to deliver this program.

Training Information

There is training available for this program.

Training Contact

Training Type/Location:

Both onsite and at the Los Angeles clinics.

Number of days/hours:

2 days standard training plus 2 days Key Supervisor training.

• There are currently no published, peer-reviewed research studies on outcomes with the appropriate target population for the topic area(s) in which Matrix Model for Teens and Young Adults has been reviewed.

• McCann, M. J. & Stimson, J. (2008). The Matrix Model for Teens and Young Adults: Teen-ASI outcomes. Presented at the Joint Meeting on Adolescent Treatment Effectiveness, Washington, D.C.