The Academy at Ambrosia · Ages 13 to 17
Adolescent Substance Use Treatment in Florida
The Academy at Ambrosia provides substance use disorder (SUD) treatment for teens ages 13 to 17 in Port St. Lucie, with residential, partial hospitalization (PHP), and intensive outpatient (IOP) care.
About this program
Adolescent substance use treatment
Finding out that a teenager is using alcohol or drugs can leave a family unsure where to begin. The Academy offers a dedicated adolescent setting to discuss what is happening, understand treatment needs, and plan the next step with clinical support.
The conversation includes the young person's own experience as well as the concerns of parents or caregivers. Substance use, emotional health, relationships, prior treatment, and school all belong in the assessment. Families can ask for help without first choosing a diagnosis or program.
The Academy combines adolescent substance use treatment with individualized education support. Its program is designed around teenagers and their families, with a plan shaped by the clinical assessment.
Start with an honest assessment of substance use
When speaking with admissions, describe what is known about alcohol, cannabis, vaping, prescription medication use, or other drugs. Include when use began, recent use, and any previous treatment. It is okay to say that some details are unclear; the point is to begin a useful clinical conversation.
Also describe the concerns that prompted the call, such as changes at school, conflict at home, or worries expressed by the teen. These observations provide context. They do not establish a diagnosis on their own.
Mental health belongs in the same conversation
The Academy is Ambrosia's adolescent substance use disorder program. Mental health concerns also belong in the substance use assessment. If a teenager already sees a therapist, takes prescribed medication, or has a mental health diagnosis, share that information with the assessment team.
Ask how the recommended plan will address the concerns together and how existing providers can contribute. Families whose main concern is emotional or behavioral health can also explore the dedicated adolescent mental health page.
- Adolescent mental health treatment
Explore Neuroscience Institute for Adolescents (NIA), Ambrosia's adolescent mental health program in Port St. Lucie, with residential, PHP, and IOP care.
Residential, PHP, and IOP at The Academy
The Academy offers three levels of adolescent substance use care. Assessment helps the family and clinical team identify the appropriate starting point and plan for changes in support as treatment progresses.
Residential substance use treatment
A live-in setting with around-the-clock support and a structured treatment routine. Ask how therapy, family participation, and education fit into the stay.
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
Structured daytime substance use treatment. Discuss the schedule, living arrangements, transportation, and the support needed outside program hours.
Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
Scheduled treatment sessions with more flexibility around daily life than PHP. Discuss how care will fit with school and family responsibilities and how progress will be reviewed.
What treatment at The Academy can involve
- Individual and group work
The adolescent program includes therapy and practical coping skills. Discuss how sessions will address the teen's substance use, goals, relationships, and everyday challenges.
- Family involvement
Family sessions create space to work on communication and the support needed at home. Ask how parents or guardians participate and how the team includes the teenager's perspective.
- Education support
The Academy provides individualized education support, including an onsite teacher in its day program. Confirm how schoolwork and coordination with the teen's school will be arranged.
If detox needs to come first
Tell admissions about recent substance use, previous withdrawal, and any immediate medical concerns before planning a start at The Academy. The team needs that information to discuss the appropriate assessment and setting.
Midwest Detox at Ambrosia in West Palm Beach serves adults and adolescents with 24/7 medical supervision by physicians and nurses. It is a separate location from The Academy. Ask about age eligibility, clinical assessment, and coordination of any recommended next stage of care.
- Midwest Detox in West Palm Beach
Learn about the medically supervised setting and questions to ask before admission.
Plan for home, school, and continued support
The next stage deserves attention while treatment is still being planned. Ask how continued therapy, family support, follow-up appointments, and school arrangements will be discussed before the program ends.
A useful conversation includes practical details: who will provide ongoing care, how parents or caregivers will stay involved, and whom to contact with concerns. The length of treatment and next level of support should reflect the assessment and progress rather than a fixed promise.
Questions to ask before admission
- Is the recommended program appropriate for my teen's age and current clinical needs?
- What assessments and parent or guardian documentation are needed?
- How are mental health concerns addressed alongside substance use?
- What are the treatment schedule, living arrangements, transportation needs, and family expectations?
- How will schoolwork and the return to school be coordinated?
- What does insurance cover, and what personal costs should we expect?
Immediate help and family resources
In a life-threatening emergency, call 911. For suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, call or text 988. An admissions inquiry or website form is not a way to obtain emergency care.
- NIMH guidance for parents and caregivers
Read about youth mental health evaluations, treatment conversations, and immediate help from the National Institute of Mental Health.
Ready to talk with admissions?
Admissions is available 24/7 to answer questions about mental health and substance use treatment options.