Open to all CT residents, we’re offering 10 weeks of free counseling for alcohol and/or other substance use (including marijuana), from occasional to chronic use, for ages 14-21.
This free, confidential, evidence-based substance use counseling is offered in person (Farmington, CT campus) and virtually.
It does not require health insurance and compensates up to $250.
Treatment may begin as soon as 1–2 weeks after a quick 15-minute phone screening.
Program Eligibility
- Connecticut residents ages 14–21
- Ability to speak and read English (parents/guardians don't need to be fluent)
- Use of alcohol and/or other substances (including marijuana), from occasional to chronic use
Free Treatment Includes Virtual & In-person Options:
- 2 individual MET (Motivational Enhancement Therapy) therapy sessions prior to 8 weekly group sessions using CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
- OR 10 weeks of MET and CBT with twelve-steps treatment incorporated
- Facilitated by licensed, experienced clinicians (LCSWs) using a structured manual
Additional Details
- Participants complete baseline and follow-up research assessments at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months for a total compensation of up to $250 in gift cards
- Treatment may begin within 1-2 weeks after the first call/phone screen to determine eligibility (about 15 minutes)
- No study medications, bloodwork, or invasive procedures
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Directed by Dr. Yifrah Kaminer
Dr. Kaminer is happy to provide presentations/workshops, podcasts for your organization or school at no cost.
Directed by Dr. Yifrah Kaminer (full profile), who was featured in the media recently: Fentanyl is in Our Backyard - Connecticut and Parents Take Action - UConn Today
Federally Funded Free Treatment Study at UConn
To increase access and research, Kaminer and UConn School of Medicine is collaborating with Mass General Hospital and Harvard for a federally-fund study treating young people ages 14-21 with substance use disorder.
“Our study is a win-win offering high quality treatment free of charge to youth in need whether in-person or virtually,” he says about the program which offers free outpatient treatment and psychotherapy to youth who are abusing alcohol or substances like marijuana.
“Please spread the word of our free program to local youth who may benefit from our free, highly effective research treatment for alcohol and/or substance use, including marijuana, whether ranging from occasional use to heavy use,” shares Kaminer.
Kaminer also volunteers to provide free educational presentations to schools or organizations at no cost.
“We need to remove the stigma of drug addiction,” he says. “It is a health disorder, and we need to deal with it and make it a top priority to get more people, especially our young people, the help they need now and to save their lives.”
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Dr. Kaminer has been engaged in clinical substance use treatment for 30+ years and research collaboration with Wheeler Clinic, The Bridge, DCF, The Village in Hartford, Catholic Charities, Root Foundation, several universities/colleges, many high-schools and Juvenile Justice System/agencies throughout CT.
Please send this information to any interested parties.
For more info, please contact:
Phone: 959-529-4538 or
Email: YouthRecoveryProgram@uchc.edu
Website: Youth Recovery Program | Department of Psychiatry
*All calls and emails are confidential*
Please mention the InTEGRA Program.
IRB # 024-054-1
For more information, contact: Marla Genova at YouthRecoveryProgram@uchc.edu