Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Services for Asians (ODASA)

6181 Mission Street
Daly City, CA 94014
415-337-0140
Fax 415-337-0411
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Program Director: Joe Laping

Substance abuse is a complex, multi-faceted problem that affects the whole person. It creates an imbalance in one’s physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual life and demands attention in order to move forward with a healthy lifestyle. There is a growing awareness that substance abuse is a severe and increasing problem in the Asian/Pacific Islander communities. Most treatment programs have not been very responsive to the unique cultural needs posed by this abuse.

ODASA is an outpatient program which provides culturally sensitive treatment services to the Asians and Pacific Islanders with alcohol and/or drug problems. ODASA’s goal is to initiate a process of recovery from substance abuse by assisting clients in making behavioral and emotional changes through the use of individual and group sessions.

The admission criteria for clients are that they must be 18 years or older and should demonstrate some initiative for change. Client fees are based on each person’s ability to pay—no one is turned away for lack of funds.

This program has bilingual (Tagalog and English) staff who are trained in current therapeutic approaches and have an understanding of the social and cultural realities of Asian American clients. The staff assess each client to ensure that proper treatment/referrals are provided. They also facilitate individual and group counseling sessions in which the clients receive support and relapse prevention education. Aftercare services include aftercare support groups, community service, and vocational school/training.

ODASA’s approach is similar to accepted treatment practices in that treatment is essentially learning new self-perceptions, coping skills, and healthier perspectives on the world. What distinguishes ODASA from most other drug and alcohol programs is that there is an emphasis on reinforcing important cultural strengths that each client possesses, which help them in coming to terms with themselves and their environment.

The ODASA office hours are Monday to Friday from 10:00am to 6:00pm. ODASA is funded by San Mateo County Alcohol and Drug Program.