Categories
Anniversary Blogs Recovery Service Treatment

Nick Riefner: Recovery Mentor

Nick Riefner is one of our beloved Recovery Mentors. He has been with Visions since 2011. Nick spends his time at our Residential and Outpatient facilities, carrying with him a sincere, honest dedication to working with teens. Coupled with his passion for being of service, his genuine kindness and a commitment to quality care, Nick  is someone to celebrate.  He’s playful when he needs to be; he’s serious when he needs to be, and he has a keen ability to relate to the clients in a way that they can genuinely relate to. Working with teens is an adventure; Nick is skillful at navigating the terrain with a sense of humor and relatability. Nick not only cares for the teens he works with, he shows the same level of compassion for those he works with every day. For Nick Riefner, helping others is more than a job; it’s lifestyle.

 

Check out what some of the staff had to say when I asked them about Nick:

 

“It is an absolute honor working with Nick. I met him when I walked into Latigo for my first night shift and he immediately made me feel comfortable. There’s just something about him- everyone loves him. I’ve learned a lot from Nick and so have the clients. He’s a prime example of what recovery looks like.” Ashley Harris 

Nick is an amazing recovery mentor because of his passion for his work and ability to relate to clients. He openly acknowledges that recovery is a day by day process, which helps clients see the silver lining of their storm cloud. – Corinn McWhinnie

 

The moment I met Nick I knew he was special. He is a calming, kind, and supportive soul. One of Nick’s best qualities is his ability to level a room with his passion and sincerity. Nick truly has what it takes to work with teens. Every day when I get to work, Nick is right there checking in to see if I need any help. I feel honored to work with such a great guy whom I trust and depend on.  – Noelle Rodriguez, Psy.D

“Dude… that’s gnarly bro”!!  When talking to the kids about an issue that they are having a rough time with in their lives. And that language the kids get, they 100% relate to what Nick is saying and he is being genuine and real. – Koreema J. Walden, MA., MFTI

 

And last, but certainly not least are Nick’s answers to Visions 10 questions:

 

1: Sand, Sea, or Surf?

Sand.

2: What made you decide to work with adolescents?

I decided to work with adolescents because my journey and experience began when I was an adolescent.

3: Would you rather be Gonzo or the Cookie Monster?

Cookie Monster all the way.

4: What is your favorite way to give back?

My favorite way to give back is listening to someone who needs to be heard or who wants to be heard.

5: Who inspires you and how are you like them?

Who I am inspired by would definitely be my co-workers.  I strive to carry out the same love and compassion given to both myself and the residents in my personal life on a daily basis.

6: Would you rather have Morgan Freeman narrate your life or have Chuck Norris narrate your life?

Morgan Freeman.

7: A nice cuppa tea or a locally sourced pour-over?

Locally sourced coffee for sure.

8: What superhero power do you have?

My secret super power is I can instantly make roller skates appear on whomever I want.

9: What piece of advice would you offer someone scared and newly sober?

I would suggest they embrace the possibility that change might be a good thing and to learn how to start embracing love.  Especially for themselves.

10: Why do you choose to work for Visions?

I choose to work at Visions because I feel the care given to clients and the dedication to seeing they are set up for a successful life are amazing. Most of all, the care for given to each other not only as coworkers but as family can’t be found anywhere else.

 

 

Categories
Recovery

Where Can I Send My Child For Teen Addiction Treatment

Parenting a teenager with a substance abuse issue is one of the toughest things a family can face.  To allow your family to heal and support your teen, find a teen addiction treatment center that can successfully address the unique development issues adolescents have while providing the tools necessary to recover from their addiction.  

Located in a serene setting in Malibu, California, Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers provide structured programs for teen addiction treatment.  The goal of treatment is to help the teens come to terms with their addictive behavior, address those issues and to build the foundation for a clean, healthy life after leaving treatment.

The residential treatment programs at Visions are specifically tailored for teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18 years old.  In order to be admitted to the residential programs, clients must:

  • Pass their medical assessment
  • Be open and available for a treatment period between 45 and 90 days long
  • Have a parent or guardian who is dedicated to being an active participant in the treatment process

Environment and Setting

Visions’ teen addiction treatment programs take place in a comfortable environment that was specially designed to allow teen participants to feel comfortable and at home.  These setting serves two functions, to allow the teens to feel secure and safe, both of which are important parts of the recovery process.

To ensure a safe environment for all participants, there are separate sleeping quarters for males and females.  Residents sleep two to a room and are well supervised around the clock.  A crisis team is on staff and is available 24 hours a day to address situations if they arise.

The buildings that house the residential program sit on 25 acres of beautiful natural landscape.  This location provides privacy and security as it is hidden from the road.  Additionally, the remote location discourages runaways.

Teen Addition Treatment Program

Although each client’s specific treatment plan is unique to them as an individual, there are several overall goals for the treatment process:

  • Encouraging, motivating and providing teens with the tools needed to become and remain sober
  • Creation of problem solving and conflict resolution strategies
  • Education that substance abuse does not solve life’s problems and creation of coping methods to handle stress and tough situations
  • Introduction of 12 step programs and explaining the benefit of joining and maintaining an ongoing relationships with groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous
  • Partnering with the teen to enable them to see the negative effects their substance abuse has had on their lives and the lives of the people around them
  • Involvement of the addicted teen’s parents and family members in order to heal the family unit and to help set a positive environment for life after treatment.
  • Establishing how to recognize behaviors and situations that can lead to relapse and returning to substance abuse and how to address those issues.

Services During Treatment

In order to continue social, personal and educational growth during their stay in residential treatment, multiple services are provided to clients:  

  • School – All residential clinics receive education during weekdays.  These three hour sessions are designed to allow residents to keep up with their studies while in treatment.  This is done through partnering with the teen’s school’s curriculum and creating a unique educational plan for each student.
  • Nutrition – Nutrition is an important part of the recovery process.  All meals served during the program are developed by nutritionists to ensure balance.  The meals are healthy, appetizing and served family style to residents at scheduled times.  Snacks are provided and are also designed with nutrition and balanced living in mind.
  • Physical Fitness – A conditioning regimen is tailored to the unique needs and interests of each teen.  It is important that each client understands the importance of physical fitness and is equipped with the tools necessary to continue conditioning after leaving the treatment program.

To receive additional information on the teen addiction treatment programs provided by Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers, contact them today.  Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 866-889-3665.

Categories
Mental Health Suicide

Suicide is Preventable When You Know the Signs

Suicide is a major, yet preventable mental health problem. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “In 2007, suicide was the thirst leading cause of death for young people ages 15-24. Suicide accounted for 4140 deaths (12%) of the total 34,598 suicide deaths in 2007. ”

  • Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-old Americans. (CDC)
  • There are four male suicides for every female suicide. (CDC, AAS)
  • There are three female suicide attempts for each male attempt. (CDC, AAS)

Though these numbers seem daunting, they are not a complete reflection on the youth of today or the way they manage or respond to stress or difficulty. These numbers do, however, indicate a significant problem that we need to be aware of so that we can act accordingly to prevent it.

 

Suicidal behavior is never a normal response to stress.

 

Some of the risk factors for suicide include:

  • Depression or other mental disorders
  • Substance abuse (often in combination with mental illness)
  • Family history of suicide
  • Prior suicide attempt
  • History of physical or sexual abuse within the family system
  • Firearms in the home
  • Incarceration
  • Exposure to suicidal behavior of others

Other things to watch for in yourself or your loved ones include:

  • Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, depressed mood, excessive guilt, low self-esteem
  • A loss of interest in family or social activities
  • Changes in eating and sleeping patterns (too much or too little)
  • Persistent anger, rage, need for revenge
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Problems at school: socially and academically
  • Feeling listless or irritable
  • Regular or frequent crying
  • Not taking care of yourself (not bathing regularly, etc)
  • Reckless and/or impulsive behaviors
  • Frequent headaches, stomachaches

Warning signs that someone may be thinking of committing suicide:

  • Always talking about or thinking about death
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Clinical depression — deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating — that seems to get worse
  • Loss of interest in things you or your loved one once cared about
  • Comments about being worthless, hopeless, helpless
  • Putting affairs in order, like changing or creating a will all of a sudden, or seeming to “tie up lose ends”
  • Comments like, “It would be better if I wasn’t here,” or “I want out.”
  • A sudden, and unexpected shift from deep sadness to being calm and happy.
  • Talking about suicide
  • Saying their goodbyes

 

It’s not uncommon for someone who is suicidal to have attempted suicide before. Recognizing some of these warning signs is the first step to helping someone you love or helping yourself. Asking for help is a sign of great courage and strength. It shows deep character and a fierce sense of survival. It is in the act of reaching our hands out that we open ourselves up to attaining help.

 

Categories
Recovery

Find Teen Addiction Treatment in California

Addiction in children is becoming rampant these days. Teens have unique developmental issues that prevent many from handling obstacles, even simple ones. Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers have been administering teen addiction treatment since 2002. Most patients come from southern California while others come from big cities like NYC, Chicago as well as internationally.  

Peer pressure, social media and crime along with other factors can push an adolescent to the edge resulting in harmful coping skills. Some turn to alcohol, some to drugs on the streets or in the medicine cabinet at home. Symptoms are not the same for all but some common ones can be observed.

Physical Appearance – No longer caring about a neat appearance in public.

Socialization – A social child suddenly becomes withdrawn from group events.

Relationships – Old friends are dropped for new ones who are the wrong influence.

School or Work – School or work are frequently missed and dramatic drop in performance.

Mood Swings – Exhilarating highs and depressing lows happen too often.

Visions centers were founded on the principle that the family should be a part of the teen addiction treatment. The original center founders have stayed on while new team members have been added for the program growth. Visions has several types of programs to fit the needs of troubled teens ranging from age 13 to 18 years old.

Adolescent Residential Treatment

In the hills of Malibu lies Visions Residential Center providing a more in-depth teen addiction treatment. A 25 acre gated community with a home-like setting creates a feel of comfort and healing. Male and female quarters are supervised by a day and night staff. Crisis intervention is available on a 24-hour basis. Patients stay between 45 to 90 Days.

A Medical Doctor conducts a history and physical to determine admission into the teen addiction treatment. The Psychiatric Director then performs a psychiatric evaluation. Once entered into the program, a resident is assigned a personal Licensed Therapist and Counselor. All counseling services are performed by trained personnel under the supervision of the Program Director.

Other specialties called upon as needed:

  • Psychologists
  • Registered Dietitian
  • Equine Therapist
  • Supervising Nurse
  • Art Therapists
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

At Visions Residential, academics are taught with a personalized education plan along side teen addiction treatment. Each adolescent stays fit through a “tailor-made” physical fitness program lead by an Activities Consultant. Visions’ residents earn Family Passes which permit outings Sunday and Monday to help integrate them into society.

Visions Residential Treatment goal:

  • Encourage and motivate the adolescent to achieve and sustain abstinence;
  • Help the adolescent to develop new, more effective problem-solving strategies;
  • Introduce the adolescent to the 12-step philosophy and strongly encourage participation in Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and/or Cocaine Anonymous (CA);
  • Visions Residential is a private pay program and full payment is required from the family. Our team will assist with insurance benefit verification & utilization review.

Adolescent Outpatient Counseling

Visions provides two Los Angeles Outpatient programs offering 8 weeks of teen addiction treatment, 2 to 3 nights per week with 1 individual session. Schedules are 4:00 – 9:00 pm on weekdays with Wednesdays off. The child is able to continue with daily activities before attending the counseling sessions.

1st Step Program is an introduction to the treatment process.

  • 8 Weeks of Clinical Support
  • 2 to 3 Nights Per Week
  • 1 Individual Session

Intensive Outpatient Program includes one year of clinical support.

  • Primary Care Phase
  • Continuing Care Phase
  • Aftercare Planning

Visions Outpatient Counseling objectives:

  • Assist the adolescent in identifying situations where drugs and alcohol were used to cope with life’s problems, and in understanding that using drugs and alcohol to cope with or solve problems does not work.
  • Assist the adolescent with recognizing and acknowledging the existence of destructive behaviors and mental health issues in their lives, and the impact they have on their family, friends and future.
  • Help the adolescent recognize and change problematic attitudes and behaviors which stimulate a relapse.
  • Support the adolescent to use the 12-step philosophy and encourage participation in Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and/or Cocaine Anonymous (CA).

Visions Outpatient works out of network with insurance. We will provide the following services to our Outpatient families: Benefit Verification, Pre-Authorization, Utilization Review, Billing & Collections.

Visions Alumni Program

Visions centers graduates of active treatment programs benefit from continued participation in The Fourth Dimension. Individual sessions are available on a charge for service basis. Visions Alumni Coordinator makes support calls for crisis intervention or relapse prevention.

Annual Alumni Events:

  • Winter Ski/Snowboard Trip
  • Alumni Family Weekend
  • Alumni vs. Staff Softball Game
  • Knott’s Scary Farm Night
  • Magic Mountain

The child is able to maintain a connection with Visions counselors for guidance that continues beyond discharge.  

Adolescent Day School

Teens unable to adapt in a traditional school are provided a safe learning environment while receiving teen addiction treatment.  The school has Open Enrollment with Transferable Accredited Curriculum, Remedial to Honors Level and WASC Accredited Curriculum (Western Association of Schools and Colleges).

Program Highlights:

  • Individualized Educational Planning
  • Individualized 1-on-1 Instruction
  • 3 to 1 Student to Staff Ratio

Tutoring is offered outside regular school hours.  Random weekly drug testing keeps the students safe. Many Visions graduate have continued on to esteemed colleges and universities.

Family members are encouraged to take part in the teen addiction treatment through Multi-Family Group and Individual Family Sessions offered in all programs.

Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 866-889-3665

Categories
Recovery

A Look at Recovery: Complete Abstinence

Recovery can mean a lot of things to a lot of people, but what it means when you are talking about recovery from addiction and mental illness is complete abstinence. You can’t dabble here and there. An alcoholic can’t smoke weed, and a pothead can’t drink; a heroin addict can’t have a drink now and again and an anorexic or bulimic can’t go on juice cleanses every so often. They just can’t. It’s not wise action or safe behavior. It’s also not indicative of abstinence.

 

Being sober and in recovery means:

  • You don’t drink or use drugs. Period.
  • You eat mindfully and healthfully if you are recovering from an eating disorder.
  • You have a recovery program that you are a part of and that you continue to participate in: 12-step, Refuge Recovery, Al-Anon, et cetera.
  • You are of service to others.
  • You are seeking mental health care if you need it.
  • You are getting help from someone who has been doing this longer than you have and are on a recovery path that you admire.
  • You learn to ask for help and accept help when it is offered.
  • Your relationships are stable or are becoming more and more stable as your recovery time increases.
  • If you are required to take medication, you do so under the care of a physician who is aware of your addiction history. You can’t go rogue here.

 

Recovery is one of those things where there really is no grey area. You’re either in…or you’re out. When we come across someone on the slippery slope of relapse or in the full swing of addiction, what we may find is a chorus of denial and accusations of judgment. An addict certainly doesn’t want to hear that they are slipping down the rabbit hole.

 

The delusion of addiction tells them that they are just fine.

 

What can we as family members and loved ones do?

We have to maintain strong boundaries. If we are in recovery ourselves, it’s a good time to reaffirm our own programs, and ensure we are staying grounded and that our needs our met. Remember that in order to help others, it’s important that we help ourselves first.

We may need to reach out to therapists and arrange an intervention for our loved one, or we may need to make that phone call to a treatment facility to get our son or daughter into treatment.

No matter what the next step is, we must make sure we do it with firm boundaries, compassion, and love in our hearts.

 

The suffering involved in untreated addiction and mental illness is great. Dysregulation is common, along with anger, resentment, and a feeling of isolation. Family systems often start to show signs of wear, if they weren’t already. Addiction doesn’t magically appear! It’s important that the family is ready and willing to begin the work of recovery as well and come to accept that it’s not just the addict in the “hot seat” of recovery.

Categories
Recovery

What Will Adolescent Addiction Treatment Cost

Addiction has increased among adolescents due to various factors such as social networking. When addiction takes over, treatment should be sought. Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers have successfully provided mental health, substance abuse and family treatment since 2002. Most adolescents come from southern California, others from big cities like New York City, Chicago and International. Visions’ treatment programs accept adolescents 13 to 18 years old.  

Addiction symptoms vary in each person but there are a few common ones that can be observed requiring adolescent addiction treatment.

  • No longer caring about a neat personal appearance in public.
  • A child once social suddenly turns to isolation avoiding large gatherings.
  • Old friends are dropped for new ones who are bad influences.
  • Dramatic drop in work or school performance and frequent absences.
  • Mood Swings often change between exhilarating highs and depressing lows.

A child showing the signs listed or exhibiting similar suspicious behavior may require adolescent addiction treatment.

The cost of adolescent addiction treatment varies by geographical area, insurance, type and duration of treatment needed to name a few. Treatment is not cheap but it will come out cheaper than other unfortunate outcomes such as hospitalization or incarceration. Visions offers inpatient treatment and several outpatient treatment programs which differ in cost.

Visions Adolescent Residential Treatment

Visions Residential for adolescent addiction treatment is a 25-acre gated community that lies on the hills of Malibu, California. The facility offers a home-like setting surrounded by nature. Male and female quarters are separate and observed by a Day and Night Staff. Crisis Intervention is available on a 24-hour basis. Residents stay between 45 to 90 days depending on the severity of symptoms.

A Medical Doctor conducts a history and physical to determine admission for adolescent addiction treatment. The Psychiatric Director then performs a psychiatric evaluation. All counseling services are performed by trained personnel under the supervision of a Program Director. All residents are assigned a Licensed Therapist and Counselor. Other specialists are called upon as needed.

  • Psychologist
  • Supervising Nurse
  • Registered Dietitian
  • Equine Therapist
  • Art Therapist
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Visions’ cost includes an on-site school. Each patient attends three hours of individual schooling with a personalized curriculum. Conditioning is offered five times a week for 1 hour with a “tailor-made” physical fitness plan. All Visions adolescent addiction treatment includes family counseling. It is proven that therapy is more effective with the support of family members. Family Passes are a unique incentive for adolescents who do well. Sundays and Mondays are reserved for outings such as museums, movies and parks.

Visions Residential cost the most since it is a boarding facility that provides 24-hour counseling and care. Visions Residential is a private pay program and full payment is required from the family. Our team will assist with insurance benefit verification & utilization review.

Visions Adolescent Outpatient Counseling

Visions has two Los Angeles locations for outpatient adolescent addiction treatment. Sessions are held 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm allowing the teen to continue normal daily activities before sessions and afterwards retire to a home with a supportive family.

1st Step Program is the introduction to the beginning of the treatment process.

  • 8 Weeks of Clinical Support
  • 2 to 3 Nights Per Week Including:
  • 1 Individual Session

Intensive Outpatient Program is the next step in the adolescent addiction treatment.

  • 1 Year of Clinical Support
  • Individual Sessions
  • Family Sessions

The 12-Step Program is implemented for adolescents with addictive behaviors. Drug testing is performed each week for the safety of the patients.

Visions Outpatient adolescent addiction treatment costs less than the inpatient program since it is only in the evenings. Visions Outpatient works out of network with insurance. We will provide the following services to our Outpatient families: Benefit Verification, Pre-Authorization, Utilization Review, Billing & Collections.

Visions Alumni Program

The Fourth Dimension is free of charge to graduates of the inpatient and outpatient adolescent addiction treatment programs. Aftercare groups and self-help groups are offered on an on-going basis. Individual sessions are available on a fee for service basis. The Visions Alumni Coordinator makes support calls for relapse prevention or crisis intervention.

Visions holds Alumni Events each year.

  • Alumni vs. Staff Softball Game
  • Alumni Family Weekend
  • Winter Ski/Snowboard Trip
  • Knott’s Scary Farm Night
  • Magic Mountain

Visions Residential and Visions Outpatient share similar objectives for adolescent addiction treatment.  

  • Encourage and motivate the adolescent to achieve and sustain abstinence.
  • Assist the adolescent in identifying situations where drugs and alcohol were used to cope with life’s problems, and in understanding that using drugs and alcohol to cope with or solve problems does not work.
  • Help the adolescent to develop new, more effective problem-solving strategies.

Adolescent addiction treatment is different due to their unique developmental issues, contradictions in value, and environmental considerations such as peer pressure. Visions centers consists of highly skilled professionals who use current techniques and modalities. Visions founding clinicians have stayed on while several dynamic team members have been added for success of the program.

Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers accept most private insurance. Coverage varies with each insurance company. Coverage for adolescent addiction treatment can be looked into by calling the insurance company and inquiring about the cost difference for inpatient and outpatient treatment. Self-Payment is accepted and can be made on a sliding scale. Sliding scale adjusts payment as agreed by the patient and Visions’ centers. MasterCard and Visa credit cards are acceptable forms of payment.

Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 866-889-3665.

Categories
Recovery

Adolescent Mental Health Treatment

Children constantly face difficulties due to their unique developmental issues, contradictions in values and peer pressure. Adolescent therapy must be approached different from adults. Since 2002, Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers have been providing clinically- based treatment options for adolescents and their families. Most patients come from southern California while others come from big cities like NYC, Chicago as well as internationally. Visions offers adolescent mental health treatment for ages 13 to 18 years old.  

Children exhibiting the following symptoms may require adolescent mental health treatment:

  • Depression
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Self-Harm
  • Personality Disorders
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • Trauma

All Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers utilize highly skilled professionals who use effective techniques and current modalities. The original founding clinicians have stayed on while adding diverse team members for a successful treatment outcome.

Visions Adolescent Residential Treatment

Visions Residential is a 25 acre gated community in the hills of Malibu. A Mediterranean Style home provides a home-like setting conveying a sense of warmth and security. Sleeping quarters are separate for male and female residents with two to a room under supervision of a day and night staff. Crisis intervention is available on a 24-hour basis. Meals are served in a dining room. Children unable to join the others are served meal trays in their room.

A Medical Doctor conducts a history and physical to be medically cleared. The Psychiatric Director ensures that the initial psychiatric evaluation is properly performed. A Licensed Therapist and a Counselor work directly with the teen throughout the adolescent mental health treatment.

Other specialties called upon as needed:

  • Psychologists
  • Registered Dietitian
  • Equine Therapist
  • Supervising Nurse
  • Art Therapists
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Visions adolescent mental health treatment includes academic studies. Each student has a personalized education plan that is created to maintain the student’s current study curriculum. A physical fitness program “tailor-made’ for each individual is held 5 times a week for 1 hour under the supervision of the Activities Consultant.

Family members are strongly encouraged to participate in Visions adolescent mental health treatment. A minimum of 5 weekly hours are for family-focused therapy facilitated by the Family Therapist. Family Passes is a unique reward for well-behaved children. Outings every Sunday and Monday include movies, museums, the beach, go-cart racing, community service, ropes courses and rock climbing.

Goals of Visions residential adolescent mental health treatment:

  • Encourage and motivate the adolescent to achieve and sustain a healthy lifestyle;
  • Help the adolescent to develop new, more effective problem-solving strategies;
  • Assist the adolescent with recognizing and acknowledging the existence of destructive behaviors and mental health issues in their lives, and the impact they have on their family, friends and future.

Visions Residential is a private pay program and full payment is required from the family. Our team will assist with insurance benefit verification & utilization review.

Adolescent Outpatient Counseling

The outpatient center counsels after school hours allowing the child to engage in normal daily activities. Two locations in the Los Angeles area makes it convenient to receive adolescent mental health treatment.

1st Step Program is introduction to the beginning of the treatment process. Families and teens are helped with reintegrating into everyday life after long term treatment. Vision’s staff walk parents through the reality of their child’s new lifestyle.

  • 8 Weeks of Clinical Support
  • 2 to 3 Nights Per Week Including:
  • 1 Individual Session

Each teen is assigned a personal counselor to work directly with throughout the adolescent mental health treatment. Family members are encouraged to attend weekly group sessions and individual family sessions.

Objectives of Visions Outpatient Counseling:

  • Help the adolescent recognize and change problematic attitudes which stimulate a relapse, behavioral or otherwise;
  • Assess and meet the psychological and psychiatric needs of the adolescent;
  • Assist the adolescent in identifying unhealthy and/or negative coping mechanisms.

Visions Outpatient works out of network with insurance. We will provide the following services to our Outpatient families: Benefit Verification, Pre-Authorization, Utilization Review, Billing & Collections.

The Fourth Dimension

Completion of the active adolescent mental health treatment program allows enrollment into Vision’s alumni program. Individual sessions are available on a charge for service basis. The Visions Alumni Coordinator makes support calls for crisis intervention or relapse prevention.

Annual Alumni Events:

  • Winter Ski/Snowboard Trip
  • Alumni Family Weekend
  • Alumni vs. Staff Softball Game
  • Knott’s Scary Farm Night
  • Magic Mountain

Visions Day School

Students unable to function in a mainstream environment are able to attend Visions Day School which provides a safe learning environment. Open enrollment allows a child to enter into the program anytime for continued schooling while receiving adolescent mental health treatment. Individualized educational plan is offered in remedial to honor level. Private tutoring is available beyond regular school days. Random weekly drug-tests are executed to provide a safe classroom environment.   

Program highlights:

  • 3 to 1 Student to Staff Ratio
  • Individualized 1-on-1 Instruction
  • Individualized Counseling

The curriculum is adjusted according to student goal. Visions graduates have continued on to esteemed colleges and universities.

Goals of Visions Day School:

  • Give adolescents a positive and clinically supported education;
  • Make-up courses missed due to extenuating circumstances;
  • Complete general education to reintegrate into a mainstream high school or complete academic curriculum to graduate.

Visions Centers offer cutting edge adolescent mental health treatment. Visions focuses not on the child alone but the family as a whole making them a premier choice for treatment. Early intervention can help the child better cope with obstacles down the road.

Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 866-889-3665.

Categories
Anniversary Blogs Recovery

We Are Celebrating Chris Shumow

Twelve years ago, Chris Shumow set out to create a treatment culture that cared deeply for both staff and clients.  The Visions Family is lead with Chris as Dad.  Day to day, he is dedicated to making sure Visions is providing treatment at its fullest potential.

 

Chris constantly pushes for what’s best for the kids and their families.  He is still on the frontlines after all these years taking intake calls and welcoming families on campus in their deepest times of struggle.  Chris is dedicated to working hand in hand with his clinical team, always pushing his team to think outside the box.

 

Shumow maintains a strong focus to keep Visions as a strong company, but he never forgets to care for each staff member as an individual.  It is clear to all who surround him that Chris’ top priority in life is to be the best father to his herd of 4 children. Chris often reminds all of us, “In order to provide the best treatment for teens and families, we must first take great care of our staff.”  This is evidenced in Chris’ every action.

 

The staff echoes this sentiment. Please read on!

 

Chris may be one of the most passionate and committed individuals for helping teens and families. Chris skillfully handles challenging situations with a gentle approach and determination to provide the best service to each family. I cannot think of a better person to have in my corner.  – John Lieberman

 

He scared me in my interview 8 years ago.  I’m pretty sure he only took a chance on me because I mentioned something about surfing to which he replied, “Surfers are good people.”  Chris is truly that…a good person.  I am forever in gratitude for the opportunities he has trusted me with.  I still have a lot to learn from him.  – Christina Howard

 

I can’t imagine a cooler boss.  He’s just ridiculously kind, humble, down to earth, and hilarious.  Understanding, generous, smart, the list goes on and on. – Jesse Engdahl

 

I met Chris Shumow some 12 years ago and took a chance with him on a company called Visions. He took a chance on me and I am still here. So, after 12 years I am still thrilled to come to work and I owe an infinite debt of gratitude to Chris (and of course his wife Amanda). Now we are both a bit older and much grayer, but all the more wiser and prosperous. – Daniel Dewey

 

He has always been a caring, interested and thoughtful boss. I feel fortunate. – Noelle Rodriguez

 

You can always count on Chris to tell it like it is, he’s such a great, loyal, humble man. — Roxie Fuller

 

I have learned so much from Chris about the work we do, but nothing resonates more than his insistence on always staying focused on the solution.  The culture we have at Visions starts with him, this whole thing was his idea after all. – Patrick Schettler

 

It has been clear to me from day one that Chris cares about his “kids” more than anything else.  I remember sitting in an office with him and tearing up about one of the clients who had gone off to college. “This is why we do this,” he said.  His commitment to the health and well-being of the clients is why I’m still here after 9 years. – Joseph Rogers

 

I have worked with Chris for twelve years and he always operates with the best interests of our kids and parents in mind. – Bill Hoban

 

Fair, trustworthy, hardworking, loyal, and consistent are just a few words to describe Chris in the workplace.  Who knew when we started 12 years ago with 6 beds and about as many staff that our “vision” would come to life the way it has?  Chris has been on call for 12 of those years answering thousands of calls from desperate families 24 hours a day.  He has become such an amazing leader and really has grown from the “operations guy” to the true CEO he is.  (Although we hate titles!)  He is well respected in the field of addictions and mental health. He is my partner in every way and I am so proud of his hard work. – Amanda Shumow

Categories
Alumni Guest Posts Self-Care

Wise Words on Self-Care: A Guest Post from Alumni

Self-care is one of the most important things we learn to do in recovery. When we drink and use, or when we suffer from mental illness, we look for outside sources to self-soothe. Our internal resources are often verboten to us; they are either non-existent or significantly unsafe. The recovery process helps us cultivate that inner resource, where we become able to self-soothe, and take care of our own needs without sacrificing our well-being.

 

Occasionally, one of our alumni writes guest posts for us, sharing what it’s like to be a young adult in recovery from mental illness and addiction, and how she is learning to live fully. To every woman I work with, I encourage self-care. To every newcomer I meet and extend my hand, I encourage self-care. This young lady really breaks down some of the necessary components of finding and cultivating self-care. I’m honored to share her voice:

Personal or self-awareness is essential when acknowledging and learning about yourself. Recognition of your needs is the first step. Second would be to put those things into action. In dealing with physical needs you must first distinguish the basics.

Sleep is essential for all humans; it plays a major role in ones emotional state. Exercise also has a sizeable portion in a healthy life. Staying active is vital in maintaining ones physical health. Whether it be a lot or a little, it is incredibly important. Keep in mind that exercise of any kind releases endorphins in the brain, and this is equally significant in supporting and preserving a healthy emotional state of mind.

When it comes to both of these forms of self-care, moderation is imperative. Where sleep and exercise are helpful and quite necessary, too much or too little of each of these things are not. Too much sleep may indicate a person who is suffering from depression. Sleeping the day away could be a direct result of trying to hide or suppress feelings. Sleeping too little could also suggest that a person is overworked or even depressed.

On the other hand, exercise, while very important, should not become your main focus. If exercise becomes an obsession, this could be viewed as a type of disorder (specifically having to do with your health concerning your weight and appetite). And exercising too little may force you to become sluggish and will not help your healthfulness.

Hygiene and nutrition are two more exceedingly important factors to be aware of when handling self-care. Hygiene goes without saying, but nutrition is something that many either do not take into consideration at all, or become preoccupied with. Overall, physical needs transfer to emotional wellness when you begin to take your health and wellbeing into your own hands.

For emotional security, taking pride in yourself is crucial when working on self-care. Doing things for you should be your main priority. As my mom often says, “You cannot help someone else without first taking care of yourself.” Happiness comes from doing what you love, so pursue hobbies that you find joy in and take pleasure in. For me, that means going on a bike ride, playing the drums, taking photos, and writing. It took me a long time to find things I genuinely liked. For some people, they have known their whole life and even turn it into a profession. Others may pursue their passion as a hobby and many people have yet to find out what they love to do. Even if you don’t really pursue something, there are plenty of things that you can do to have fun and enjoy yourself.

Some other activities one can partake in are singing, dancing, taking a drive, or riding a train, taking a bath, going to the beach or for a swim, getting a massage, or even being of service to someone else in some way.

Doing kind things for other people is probably one of the most helpful things you can do for you. Helping others encourages you to get out of yourself.

Acknowledging my own specific difficulties and balancing love and patience for myself with gratitude and recognition for what I already have is a critical balance. For example, I personally struggle with manic-depression, or Bi-Polar disorder. This means that taking my medication for the mental illness that I face is a fundamental and key part of upholding and literally balancing my life.

Reaching out to others whether it is a friend, relative, or a therapist, is a productive way to take care of your mental state. Checking in with someone to not only talk about your struggles and/or triumphs, but also about theirs, is a great method when encouraging self-care for you and others. For those of us in 12-step programs, calling a sponsor and going to meetings is a positive way to turn your frown upside down. Relating to another person is almost always helpful when you are struggling with something. Going to a meeting can get you out of your head and into the open arms of a fellow 12-stepper.

Many people believe that spirituality plays a large role in turning one’s attitude around. I believe that no matter what religion you practice, faith you believe in, or Higher Power you trust and respect, you can find self-care in spirituality. My teacher, and someone that I look up to and greatly respect likes to approach every situation with a level of compassion that is almost unheard of. However you practice self-care, do it kindly, but whatever you do, get into action.

Categories
Mindfulness Recovery Spirituality

Noah Levine’s Refuge Recovery: A Buddhist Path to Recovering from Addiction

Refuge Recovery is a non-profit, Buddhist oriented, non-theistic recovery program and Noah Levine’s latest book.

Noah Levine Reading from Refuge Recovery at the Book Release at BLVD Treatment

Refuge Recovery: A Buddhist Path to Recovering from Addiction was released on June 10, coincidentally the 79th anniversary of Alcoholics Anonymous. Noah Levine, M.A., whose story is already familiar to many in the recovery community, is also the author of the autobiographical Dharma Punx, the revolutionary meditation manual Against the Stream, and the reflections on the practice of loving-kindness Heart of the Revolution. He founded Against the Stream Meditation Society, which opened its doors in Los Angeles in 2008, and Santa Monica in 2009.

 

Refuge Recovery was birthed in direct response to the clear need for a viable, non-theistic approach to recovery. Noah, feeling disconnected from the 12 steps’ theistic philosophy, found deeper relief within the 4 Noble Truths and the 8-Fold Path of Buddhism. Many members of Against the Stream who were talking about similar difficulties pursued similar conversations. There was a need to shift the paradigm of 12-step recovery and open the door to an alternative path.  Refuge Recovery doesn’t ask anyone to shift a belief system, nor does it require anyone to believe in something. It simply asks that you “trust the process and do the hard work of recovery.” You also don’t have to be Buddhist to participate.

 

The Four Truths of Recovery are:

1: We suffer due to our addictions and the general difficulties of being human in this world of constant change and loss.

2: Craving is a natural phenomenon; it is not our fault, but we are fully responsible for our healing and recovery.

3: We can fully recover and enjoy a life of sanity and well-being.

4: This is the path to recovery: the Eight-fold Path.

 

Refuge Recovery begins with the First Truth: addiction creates suffering. Understanding that addiction always creates suffering is crucial. Suffering is craving the next drink or drug. Suffering is the idea that you can’t get enough; Suffering is the loneliness and shame and isolation. Suffering is the desire for more pleasure and less pain, which we persistently seek in our addiction. Suffering shows its face in a multitude of maladaptive behaviors.  Understanding this first truth and then accepting it as reality also means accepting that drink and drug aren’t an option any longer.  Recognizing the multiple layers of suffering is encouraged through inventory work: “Without full acceptance and disclosure, recovery is not possible. We cannot skip this step; we must be thorough in our inventory process.” (page 6, RR)

 

The Second Truth asks you to do another inventory, this time seeking clarity and acceptance around the causative factors behind your craving. “The addict is not at fault for the root causes and conditions that lead to addiction, only for the habitual reactive patterns that perpetuate it.” (page 11, RR)  More often than not, someone suffering from addiction is suffering from deep pain and dissatisfaction in their lives. Perhaps there is abuse, and drugs and alcohol help numb the pain; perhaps there is neglect, and drugs and alcohol make you forget. The reasons and root causes are many and they are varied, but they all lead to the same place: suffering.

 

The 8-Fold Path of Recovery directs us toward maintaining safety and creating a refuge from addiction. The Eight-Fold Path of Refuge Recovery is:

1: Understanding: We come to know that everything is ruled by cause and effect.

2: Intention: We renounce greed, hatred, and delusion. We train our minds to meet all pain with compassion and all pleasure with non-attached appreciation.

3: Communication/Commmunity: We take refuge in the community as a place to practice wise communication and to support others on their paths. We practice being careful, honest, and wise in our communications.

4: Action/Engagement: We let go of the behaviors that cause harm. We ask that one renounces violence, dishonesty, sexual misconduct, and intoxication. Compassion, honesty, integrity, and service are guiding principles.

5: Livelihood/Service: We are of service whenever and wherever possible. And we try and ensure that our means of livelihood are such that they don’t cause harm.

6: Effort/Energy: We commit to daily contemplative practices like meditation and yoga, exercise, and the practices of wise actions, kindness, forgiveness, compassion which lead to self-regulatory behaviors in difficult circumstances.

7: Mindfulness/Meditations: We develop wisdom by means of practicing formal mindfulness meditation. We practice present-time awareness in our lives.

8: Concentration/Meditations: We develop the capacity to focus the mind on one thing, such as the breath, or a phrase, training the mind through the practices of lovingkindness, compassion, and forgiveness to cultivate that which we want to uncover. (pages 24-26 RR)

 

What Refuge Recovery does is encourage practitioners to lean into their discomfort, investigate it, notice its impermanence, and begin to let it go. It encourages a deep shift in one’s relationship to suffering, creating an element of space around it, and it provides a unique ability to begin to care for your own suffering with compassion. Ultimately, we learn that we are not our suffering.

 

Refuge Recovery asks practitioners to know and understand that everything has a cause and effect and to take action to shift toward making better, wiser choice. Our actions are never without a reaction, good, bad or indifferent.

 

Refuge Recovery has been a deep, grounding cornerstone of my own recovery for the last 6 years. It has profoundly shifted how I view my own difficulties and allowed me to come to a deep understanding of how to hold my pain with compassion and approach my difficulties with kindness. It’s exciting to see this work come to fruition and to have been involved in the Refuge Recovery movement since its inception. I have been fortunate to witness the efficacy of Refuge Recovery for those who are just getting sober and for those with long-term sobriety, proving to me that this method works. It’s also been a wonderful alternative for clients struggling with the 12-step model; these same clients have embraced the Refuge Recovery process, finding relief from their suffering and formed a solid foundation of recovery and service.

 

There are regular Refuge Recovery meetings in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Oklahoma City, Santa Cruz, San Francisco, and Nashville. See HERE for a complete list with times and locations. If one isn’t in your area, you are encouraged to start your own. You can download meeting formats and Refuge Recovery inventories and meditations at RefugeRecovery.org. In addition, BLVD Treatment Centers is offering the first Refuge Recovery track for adults in treatment. There is also a Refuge Recovery sober living that has recently launched, that is has created a sober living environment in coordination with the Refuge Recovery Model.

 

Exit mobile version