Substance Misuse and Referral to Treatment (SMART) Choices

SMART Choices is a free support program in southwest Pennsylvania for adolescents with substance use concerns and their parents or caregivers.

Teens, up to age 20, and parents can take part in the program either together or separately.

Parents will meet with our parent support partner and teens will meet with the adolescent support partner.

Parent Support for Their Child's Substance Misuse

Parents or caregivers of a teen using substances can:

  • Receive support even if their child isn't ready to join the program.
  • Meet with our parent support partner who has lived experience of raising a child with substance use concerns.
  • Gain tools to improve their knowledge of substance use, self-care, communication, positive reinforcement, and natural consequences.

To take part in the SMART Choices parent support program, call Children's TiPS at 1-844-972-8477. Your child's doctor, therapist, or school counselor can also refer you for parent support.

Adolescent Support for Substance Misuse

Teens meet one-on-one with our adolescent support partner to discuss substance use concerns and their desire to change their substance use. This goal-focused support program helps increase their motivation to change.

Parents and caregivers can join part of the support sessions if their child is willing to have them attend.

Your child's doctor, therapist, or school counselor must refer your child to the SMART Choices teen support program. Have them call Children's TiPS at 1-844-972-8477.

SMART Choices Team Members

Along with our parent and adolescent support partners, SMART Choices team members include a:

  • Nurse coordinator.
  • Program director.
  • Medical director.

SMART Choices FAQ

Is SMART Choices the same as substance use treatment or therapy?

No. SMART Choices is not a replacement for substance use treatment or therapy.

If you feel your child needs treatment or therapy, find Pennsylvania-based substance use resources.

What insurances cover SMART Choices?

You do not need health insurance to take part in the SMART Choices support program.

It's free to teens and their parents or caregivers who live in southwest Pa. and have substance use concerns.

What are SMART Choices core services?

We offer:

  • Parent support.
  • Adolescent support.
  • Care coordination.
  • Training and education.

When can I call for SMART Choices support?

To speak with someone at SMART Choices, call 1-844-972-8477, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Outside of business hours, you can leave a message and we'll call you back the next business day.

SMART Choices is not open on holidays or weekends.

What information do I need when I call?

When you call SMART Choices, we will need the:

  • Full name of the person who wants support.
  • Date of birth of the teen if someone is referring them to our program.
  • Reason for the call (parent support, child support, or both).
  • Type of substances the teen uses, if known.

Can families call for SMART Choices support?

Parents can call to request support for themselves.

Your child's doctor, therapist, or school counselor need to refer your child for support. Ask them to call us at 1-844-972-8477.

Do providers need patient or parent consent to refer them to SMART Choices?

Yes. You must get consent from the teen or parent you're referring for support before calling the TiPS line.

What are the possible outcomes of adolescent support?

Based on how severe your child's substance use is, a SMART Choices support partner can refer them for further treatment or services.

SMART Choices for Teens (PDF)

SMART Choices for Parents (PDF)