Impressions - Peer Services

Peer Services is on Davis, between the Metra and El trains. It's the second floor of a 60s era building, with lots of twists and turns and rooms carved out of the space. While clean, it's not very attractive. The walls and doors are cheap looking, with white paint and stick on labels on the doors. It definitely looks like they're not spending money on the decor.

When I got there, C was already waiting for D, who was talking to the counselor. I could hear occasional comments and phrases, but not very much. (D did go into some detail about why he stole the scales. At least from what he said that I heard, he's not into dealing at all. Yet.)

After about an hour with the counselor, we all got together. Maiko (the counselor) went over what comes next: They'll do a test on D. He'll get the results. C and I won't. Since D is 18 (an adult) he gets to control this. We're not happy about this.

When she knows the test results, we'll get together again to discuss the recommendations: Weekly one-on-one counseling; participation in an intensive outpatient program (IOP) for 4 days/week 3 hours/day after school; inpatient care someplace; ???. C & I would be responsible for the costs. Insurance will pay for some of it, although not all and I'd have to find out what the limits are.

I raised a question about the drug test results. D had a weird (smug? satisfied? defiant? ) expression on his face as Maiko stated the facts about D getting to decide. I asked how we could go forward without honesty and openness? Maiko said that was something that would have to be discussed later. D was silent the whole time.

Maybe because D knew the place / people, he felt more comfortable, more in control.
I felt David Cohen was better at confronting D about his choices and consequences. Also he was willing to restate / reframe my concerns, rather than just say they had to wait.

I'm guessing Maiko isn't a prior user; David C is a prior user and can bring that background into the relationship.