Green Crescent Counseling Center (YEDAM)

The Green Crescent Counseling Center (YEDAM) is a counseling and support center established under the Turkish Green Crescent Society to combat addictions. The center provides free psychological and social services to individuals and their families struggling with tobacco, alcohol, substance, gambling, and internet addiction. YEDAM operates in all 81 provinces of Türkiye and in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, offering confidential, personalized support to its clients. Expert psychologists at the center guide clients through therapy processes, while social work specialists help strengthen their reintegration into social life and daily living skills. YEDAM offers counseling through the hotline number 115 to individuals at risk of addiction, their families, and anyone seeking information. Following initial consultations, clients are referred to local YEDAM centers where appointments are scheduled.

YEDAM aims to identify the needs of individuals who are addicted or at risk of addiction, provide them with psychological and social support, and assist them in rebuilding their lives. The center seeks to enable individuals who recognize alcohol, substance, or gambling use as problematic to achieve a healthy lifestyle and overcome addiction through expert guidance.

YEDAM operates in alignment with the Green Crescent Society’s vision of making Türkiye a model and leading country in the fight against addiction. The center’s vision is to enhance counseling and social support services, contribute to national policies, and lead Türkiye’s success story in combating addiction.

YEDAM operates on a psychosocial counseling model. Expert psychologists and social work specialists are assigned to provide psychosocial support during the recovery and cessation process to reduce the risk of relapse. Existing addiction support models in Türkiye and worldwide have been reviewed, and with the guidance of the Green Crescent Science Board, a psychosocial support system tailored to Türkiye has been developed. Individual sessions are structured based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing techniques, and Mindfulness therapy. Group therapies are implemented separately for adults, adolescents, and families, following the SAMBA program as a reference. The YEDAM team participates in weekly scientific meetings and case discussions guided by the philosophy of lifelong learning and professional development.

The Green Crescent Counseling Center (YEDAM) offers multidimensional services designed to meet both the psychological and social needs of individuals in their fight against addiction. The center operates in various areas including telephone counseling, individual and group therapy, child and adolescent counseling, family support programs, and workshops aimed at improving social adaptation and professional skills.

^YEDAM(Anadolu Agency)

YEDAM provides services through the 115 helpline to individuals with addiction, their family members, and anyone seeking information about addiction. Psychologists on the helpline offer guidance on issues related to alcohol, tobacco, substances, gambling, and internet addiction, provide accurate referrals, and encourage clients to seek professional support. Following consultations, clients in need are referred to local YEDAM units where appointments are arranged.

Specialized programs have been developed for individuals aged 12 to 18. Psychosocial support is tailored to the age and needs of children and adolescents. In cases of low motivation or reluctance to continue sessions, external sessions involving family or close relatives may be conducted. During these sessions, families are informed about the addiction process and recovery methods. Services are offered at designated centers, and detailed information can be obtained by calling the YEDAM 115 helpline.

Individual sessions are conducted with adult clients. Counseling services cover tobacco, alcohol, substance, gambling, and internet addiction. Psychological support is provided by clinical psychologists, while social support is delivered by social work specialists. All sessions are conducted under strict confidentiality, and client information is never shared with third parties.

Individual therapy services are offered to address addiction and related mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and anger management. Psychologists aim to equip clients with coping strategies for addiction, techniques to manage high-risk situations, and essential life skills.

Social work specialists assist clients and their families in managing leisure time, developing healthy friendships, accessing education, securing employment, and addressing health and economic needs. Guidance and direction are also provided to enhance social adaptation.

Recognizing that addiction affects the entire family, counseling services are provided to family members. Families receive expert support on how to approach the addicted individual, methods to motivate them toward treatment, actions to take in emergencies, and managing their own mental health concerns. Family sessions are conducted in accordance with the principle of confidentiality.

If a client refuses to attend sessions, information is provided to their close relatives. During these sessions, family members or relatives are informed about the addiction process and available support methods. If necessary, the client is referred to the local YEDAM unit.

The BAK program, developed by YEDAM, is a secondary prevention initiative targeting children aged 0 to 16 in families affected by addiction. The goal is to protect children from alcohol and substance use and to support their development into mentally healthy individuals. The program is delivered in a single session lasting 45 to 50 minutes.

Group therapy at YEDAM brings together individuals facing similar or different addiction issues to facilitate experience sharing and collaborative problem solving. Conducted within the framework of the SAMBA program, group therapies focus on enhancing motivation for change, managing anger and stress, and improving communication and problem-solving skills. Group therapies are specially designed for adults, adolescents, and families.

The YEDAM Workshop functions as an outpatient rehabilitation center aiming to improve social adaptation and professional skills. Clients are kept away from high-risk environments by engaging them in productive use of leisure time, reducing psychological distress, and strengthening social abilities. The workshop includes activities related to vocational training, social adaptation, and relapse prevention. Current workshops include painting, handicrafts, cooking, sports, graphic design, and horticulture.

YEDAM provides outpatient services only; inpatient treatment is not offered. All services are completely free and based on the principle of confidentiality. Each client receives an individualized plan and is served through an appointment system.