Know what to bring, when to arrive, and what happens during your first SUD visit. Learn how to prepare for in-person and telehealth appointments at The NATIVE Project.
To schedule an appointment, contact us at (509) 483-7535.
Substance Use Disorder Services (SUD)
The NATIVE Project’s Children & Youth Services team provides substance use treatment and recovery supports for youth in a structured, supportive setting. Services are offered at multiple ASAM levels of care based on clinical need.
Who we Serve
- Children and youth ages 9–18
- Services are designed specifically for youth and are offered at multiple ASAM levels of care based on clinical need.
We offer
- ASAM 2.1 – Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): 5 days per week
- ASAM 1.0 – Outpatient Treatment: 3 days per week
- ASAM 0.5 – Aftercare: ongoing recovery support and relapse prevention
- Assessment and referral to inpatient treatment if clinically appropriate/needed
What to Expect at Your First SUD Appointment
Welcome to The NATIVE Project. We want you and your child to feel supported, respected, and informed at every step. You are an important part of your child’s care team—please ask questions at any time.
Quick Checklist
Before you come
- Complete any forms/questionnaires we send (if available through our patient portal).
- Write down your top questions and your child’s symptoms/concerns.
- Gather records you want our team to review (referrals, school forms, outside test results, immunization records, etc.).
Day of the appointment
- Please arrive 15 minutes early for check-in.
- Bring insurance/ID (if applicable) and your child’s medication list.
After the visit
- Confirm next steps and follow-up appointments.
Before Your Visit
1. Patient Forms (if available)
- Complete pre-visit forms or questionnaires
- Confirm your contact and insurance information
2. Insurance, referrals, and paperwork
- If your plan requires a referral or prior authorization, start early—these can take time.
3. Plan for siblings
- Some visits are short; some take longer than expected. If you bring siblings, consider bringing another adult to help supervise so you can focus on the appointment.
4. Help your child feel ready
A few simple things can help:
- Tell your child what to expect in a calm, age-appropriate way
- Reassure them they didn’t do anything wrong
- Bring a comfort item (small toy, book, music + headphones)
Day of Your Visit
Arrive early
Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to check in. You may also want to allow extra time for parking and finding the right area.
If your child is sick
If your child develops a fever, rash, or other new symptoms right before the appointment, call us so we can guide you (and decide whether to keep the visit in-person or switch plans).
What to bring
Bring what applies to your family:
- Insurance card (if applicable)
- Photo ID (if applicable)
- Completed forms (if you didn’t submit them online)
- Legal/guardianship paperwork (if needed for consent)
- A list of medicines your child takes (including vitamins, supplements, traditional medicines, and herbs)
- Outside records (recent labs, imaging reports, school paperwork, etc.)
After the Appointment
Before you leave, make sure you understand:
- What we’re treating and why
- What the next steps are
- What follow-up is needed (and when)
The NATIVE Project encourages families to ask questions before leaving and to confirm changes in care and follow-ups.
If questions come up later, contact us at 509-325-5502.
Ongoing Appointment Lengths
Group sessions
- 1 hour
- Typical time: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Individual sessions
- 30 minutes
Telehealth appointments (video visits)
Telehealth can be a great option for some visit types. A typical telehealth setup includes:
- A smartphone/tablet/computer with camera + microphone + speakers
- A reliable internet connection
- A private, quiet space with good lighting
Telehealth note: Patients must be physically located in the state of Washington at the time of the telehealth appointment. If your telehealth visit uses a patient portal for privacy and check-in, you may need to complete check-in first, and you may only see the “begin visit” button close to the start time.
Interpreter Services
If you’d like an interpreter, tell us when you schedule the appointment. Professional medical interpreters may join in person, by phone, or by video so you can fully understand your child’s care and treatment.
Need to cancel or reschedule?
Please call us as soon as you can so we can offer that time to another family and help you find a new appointment.
- Call: 509-325-5502
- Hours: M–F 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I arrive?
Plan to arrive 15 minutes early for check-in.
What should I bring?
Insurance/ID (if applicable), forms, medication list (including supplements/herbs), and any outside records. Comfort items/snacks can help if the visit runs long.
Can siblings come?
They can, but there must be an adult to help supervise so you can focus on the appointment.
What do I need for a telehealth visit?
A device with camera/mic/speakers and stable internet in a private space.