specializes in the outpatient treatment of adolescents and young adults with substance abuse and mental health issues.
He offers a counseling process that involves individual counseling on a weekly basis, along with a parent/guardian education component. Each session has a specific purpose in the structured process of guiding a person toward recovery.

It is recognized that almost all drug-users begin treatment without the motivation to change. The first task of counseling is to help a person develop a greater recognition of their problem, and to support a growing motivation for change.

Jon co-authored the 2006 book "How to Help Your Child Become Drug Free." Currently, he instructs a graduate school course on chemical dependency for the University of San Francisco. He has been an instructor for UC Davis and Sacramento County Probabtion. In addition to teaching, Jon has given multiple local and national television and radio presentations regarding substance use issues.

As the recipient of the 1998 Youth Program Award by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, he was honored for his design and implementation of a intervention curriculum. In addition to his dedication counseling adolescents, young adults and their families, Jon provides presentations to schools, parent groups and community forums.

is the founder of New Directions Program. As the administrator of a successful outpatient program for 20 years, he developed a highly effective model of treatment for adolescents. Trained at the esteemed Hazelden Foundation's Chemical Dependency Counselor Training Program, David has worked with adolescent, young adult and adult clients since 1977. His book, Effective Outpatient Treatment for Adolescents, (Learning Publications, 1994) details this innovative program and the results oriented tools developed over many years in the addictions field.

In addition to teaching courses in local private and public universities, David is a popular keynote speaker at both the state and national level, providing training for mental health and chemical dependency professionals, school staff and business organizations. Recognized as a leading expert in the field of adolescent treatment, David has provided technical assistance to major treatment programs across the country.