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Programs & Services

Step Up Step Down

Step Up Step Down (SUSD) is a voluntary program that provides youth and their families/caregivers with intensive treatment and community support to assist reintegration into home, school, and community.

SUSD is an Alberta Health Services program supporting youth aged 13-17 who have significant mental health and/or addiction concerns. They are engaged in care from a clinician in the community and they need additional support.

The program includes a high level or caregiver participation to help youth succeed at home, in school and in their community.

There are two streams for this program; Live-in treatment and Intensive outpatient.

Live-in treatment: Youth live onsite in a safe and therapeutic environment. Program staff support youth and family while they work towards their treatment goals. Considered a family treatment program, SUSD requires the active involvement of at least one family member or caregiver. Typical stay is approximately 3 months.

Intensive outpatient program: Youth will continue to live at home while additional programs and supports are provided to the client and their caregivers. Includes group sessions and psycho-educational programming for both youth and family/caregivers. Program length may vary but will typically last 8 weeks.

Drop in groups: Virtual group sessions and psycho-educational programming are provided for both youth and family. Does not require full application package, however a clinician referral is still necessary.

Contact Details

Michener Fire Marshal Building

Address
24 Michener Street
Red Deer, Alberta
T4P 0H6
Telephone
403-406-7517
Hours of Operation
Available
24 hour service
Access
Service Providers May Include
licensed practical nurses (LPNs), mental health aides, occupational therapists (OTs), psychiatrists, psychologists, registered nurses (RNs), social workers, teachers, therapists
Eligibility

Services targeted to:

  • children 13-17 years residing in central zone
  • Must be working with a mental health professional
  • Has a complex or multiple addiction & mental health diagnoses
  • Engaged caregiver to participate in treatment
  • Voluntary program requires consent from youth and legal guardian
Service Access

Healthcare providers should consult the Alberta Referral Directory for service referral information.

Internal Addictions and Mental Health referral required.


Wait Times

Wait time is dependent on bed availabiity.

Also Known As
Acronym
SUSD