EPIC is proud to be able to offer public programs that aim to educate children, adults and families on recognizing mental illness and substance abuse. Our counseling and prevention programs provide the youth of our community a second chance by providing alternatives to involvement in the justice system. Most of our programs are offered by referral or appointment, so please call ahead for more information.
We offer substance use education programs for teens and adolescents who are experimenting with alcohol and other drugs. We focus not only on the health implications, but on the legal, social and personal implications of their drug-using behavior. We also focus on the choices made at home, at school and in their community through a series of life skills classes.
These programs are designed for those who have been referred by:
- Johns County School District (SJCSD)
- SJCSD Athletic Code of Conduct
- SJC Law Enforcement
- The State Attorney’s Office Diversion Program
- Teen Court
- Self-referred
- The Department of Juvenile Justice
EPIC provides this program in partnership with SJC for all eligible youth. Most prevention services are free of charge for those interested.
Think! For SUCCESS
This program is designed for those adolescents who may be:
- Experimenting with alcohol and other drugs
- Would like to learn the legal, social and personal implications of their drug-using behavior
- Interested in learning coping skills for the problems that lead to substance abuse
- Curious about the tools for refusing and abstaining from further risky behaviors
Think! For SUCCESS includes:
- 1 Assessment session
- 8 group sessions
- 1 Individual session
- 1 Family session
- 2 Parenting for SUCCESS sessions
- 1 Exit session
- Random Drug Screens (based on referral source or pre-payment)
Juvenile Tobacco Citation Education Class
EPIC offers the St. Johns County approved Juvenile Tobacco Citation Education Class. Attending this class is a requirement for individuals who have received a tobacco citation. Teens can also be self-referred to the educational class. There is a $30.00 class fee for all participants. Please visit www.epicbh.org/tobacco for registration information.
Parent Education
Parenting is not an easy job. EPIC offers free parenting programs that provide support, information and education for parents/guardians. Parents are most effective in preventing their children from engaging in dangerous behaviors when they are trained and motivated.
Parenting Education Programs include:
Parenting for SUCCESS: Provides parents of students enrolled in the Think! for SUCCESS program with the knowledge and skills needed to assist them in keeping their kids from getting further involved with alcohol or other drugs.
Active Parenting Program: Reduces family conflict and child behavior problems by improving parenting skills, enhancing family communication and increasing supervision and discipline. Two levels: one for parents of young children and one for parents of teens.
Mentoring
EPIC is the sponsoring organization of Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Johns County (BBBS). BBBS has been offered by EPIC since 1994 and offers traditional community-based mentoring as well as site-based mentoring. BBBS/mentoring is an evidence-based practice proven to prevent the onset of alcohol or drug use among children mentored. For more details on BBBS of St. Johns County, please visit www.BBBSstjohns.org.
Suicide Prevention
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 (or 1-800-273-TALK) or to text “Talk” to 741741.
EPIC is part of the Talkable Communities Project which is comprised of five Northeast Florida non-profits all offering suicide prevention training. As part of this project, EPIC offers three well-known and evidence-based mental health/suicide prevention trainings. These trainings are offered to residents/organizations at no cost and can be virtual or in-person. These trainings are:
Question, Persuade Refer (QPR) Gatekeeper Training – trains people to learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to respond.
It’s Time to Talk about it (ITTAI) – teaches family members, care givers, and other invested community members who interact with young people how to recognize the warning signs and risk factors of suicide in youth.
Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) – teaches how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents.
If you are interested in any of these trainings that are open to the community, please visit Talkable Communities to see a schedule of all the trainings that are offered.
If you are interested in hosting one of these trainings for the community or would like to schedule a private training for your organization/group (virtual or in-person), please contact us at [email protected].
Anger Management
Anger management is a procedure of acquiring the skills to recognize signs that you are becoming angry, and taking action to deal with the situation in a positive way.
Anger Management includes:
- 1 intake session
- 4 individual sessions with our Anger Management Counselor
- Exit interview upon completion
There is a $200 fee for this program (4 group sessions, 1 intake assessment and 1 exit assessment).