Our role in this community is to provide and make available effective counseling and educational services to people who typically can’t afford or do not have access to programs that address substance abuse and domestic violence.

As a behavioral healthcare center, APDS has continuously provided innovative and effective counseling and prevention programs for over 22 years.

Since “day one” our number one goal has consistently been to provide excellent service to our customers and that goal is still our driving force. Additional goals are to:

• Help clients gain a firm understanding of addiction, its' consequences and the recovery process
• Support clients to maintain sobriety and develop solid support systems for continued sobriety
• Encourage clients to set healthy boundaries and develop an internal locus of control
• Provide clients with the innovative model of Duluth Domestic Violence Intervention Education
• Hold clients accountable and ensure program compliance
• Have clients take responsibility for their behavior and consequences
• Provide education and support to motivate clients for positive behavioral change
• Provide prompt, accurate and detailed reporting to probation departments and referring agencies as we collaborate to keep our communities healthy and safe

We consistently review the new research and findings in our behavioral healthcare industry.  Our staff continues to enhance the efficiency of our operations.  Over the last year we have instituted several technological improvements allowing APDS to transition to a leaner management structure and shift more resources into direct service.  We will continue to measure the effectiveness of APDS by the success our clients, efficiency of our operations, and reliable stewardship of public and private resources.  We value and explore the input we receive from our clients, funders, partners, and citizens in general.  Equally as important, we value the input from our staff and volunteers and place strong emphasis on providing a supportive yet challenging work environment.

Our dedicated, experienced, and energetic staff and visionary board of trustees are committed to be and to be nationally recognized as an innovative and preeminent behavioral healthcare center specializing in substance abuse treatment and domestic violence intervention education.