National Youth Advocate Program Dayton

Dayton, Ohio, is known as the “Birthplace of Aviation” because the Wright brothers invented the first airplane there. The city has a rich history of invention and innovation. I love that another of their nicknames is “Patent City, USA.” Dayton is also where you’ll find one of the National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP) offices.

NYAP provides counseling, treatment and support for youth and families to reduce at risk behavior and keep families together. For services with a fee, they accept Medicaid and may take other insurance plans as well.

Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Use Services in Dayton

For youth and families struggling with mental health, addiction or both, NYAP offers outpatient care. They have access to a family case coordinator and services are available in the home, community or clinic.

Treatment includes crisis support, comprehensive assessments, individual and group therapy and access to medical care. Substance use treatment also provides regular drug testing.

Case management services depend on the needs of the youth and family. They could include educational support, help with basic needs and connections to recovery support groups and other resources.

Functional Family Therapy for Strong Home Environments

One specialty program that caught my eye is Functional Family Therapy (FFT), which focuses on family dynamics and ensuring that the home environment is safe and healthy for everyone.

FFT is for families of youth ages 11 to 18 with a behavioral health disorder and at risk activities. The program is high intensity and lasts about four months. I like how the NYAP team looks at behaviors that may be contributing to a youth’s actions and teaches healthy communication, conflict management, rule enforcement and more.

With this support, the goal is that the family unit will be able to function in a healthy way and avoid out of home placement, or that the youth will transition back to the home productively and avoid future issues.