Nicasa’s youth services begin with a comprehensive assessment that reviews all aspects of the youth’s life, including school, family, work, friends, etc. From this assessment our counselors are able to make recommendations to the services appropriate for his or her unique situation.
All youth services have been given 3-year accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), certifying Nicasa’s commitment to outcome-driven, client-centered care, fiscal responsibility, and programmatic excellence.
Youth services are provided at Nicasa’s Round Lake, Waukegan, Highland Park, Buffalo Grove, and Zion offices.
Youth services are provided with funding from the Illinois Department of Human Services, United Way of Lake County, townships, community organizations, individual donors, and fundraising events.
Nicasa offers a sliding scale of fees based on family income. For current fees and information regarding applying for reduced fees, please contact us.
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Services
Nicasa’s youth substance abuse and behavioral health services provide a variety of programs that capitalize on individual strengths and skill-building to give today’s youth the tools they need to succeed and develop healthy lifestyles. Whether he or she needs a little guidance to avoid risky behaviors, life-skills to make good decisions and take responsibility, or more in-depth treatment for mental health and/or substance abuse issues, Nicasa has the experience to meet the needs of today’s youth. These services include education, life skills, early intervention, and outpatient and intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment and mental health counseling.
Components of these programs may include or address:
• Responsibility
• Decision-making
• Problem-solving
• Anger management
• Risks of drug/alcohol use
• Relapse prevention
• Positive alternative activities
Mental Health Services
Nicasa provides consultations, evaluations, and psychotherapy for a wide variety of mental health concerns including (but not limited to) depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and cutting and self-harm behaviors. Mental health services begin with a 2-hour assessment. Services are overseen by master’s level and licensed mental health therapists.
Nicasa offers a sliding scale of fees based on family income. Youth Mental Health Services are available at Nicasa’s Round Lake, North Chicago, and Zion offices. Day, evening, and weekend appointments are available. Services are available in English and Spanish.
Mental Health Services are funded in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County.
For more information on mental health services please contact us.
Teen Court
Teen Court is an alternative to the traditional justice system for first time youth offenders ages 10 – 18. Based on principles of balanced and restorative justice, Teen Court sentences are determined by a volunteer jury of teen peers. Successful completion prevents the youth from having a court record for the offense.
The program targets juvenile offenders of misdemeanor crimes such a theft, curfew, trespassing and possession of drugs or alcohol. The offender’s sentence consists of community service hours and a TRACK class (Taking Responsibilities and Accepting Choices through Knowledge), and may include letters of apology, essays, or other tasks.
Referrals to Teen Court are made by arresting officers in collaborating Police Departments. To participate in Teen Court the youth must have no gang affiliations, be between the ages of 10 and 18, and admit to their offense. The fee for participation in the Teen Court program is $50.
Nicasa operates Teen Courts in partnership with the following Police Departments: Zion, Winthrop Harbor, Gurnee, Round Lake, Round Lake Beach, Round Lake Heights, North Chicago, Waukegan and the Lake County Sheriff’s Department. There are currently 6 courts across the County: 2 in Round Lake Beach, 1 each in Waukegan, North Chicago, Gurnee and Round Lake. Teen Court sessions are held one evening per month in each community Teen Court.
Nicasa’s Teen Court is the largest in the state of Illinois and has been in operation since 1995.
