Category: Recovery

Categories
Recovery

Find the Best Teen Treatment Programs in California

Rehabilitation centers are emerging around the world. Children require special care due to their crucial stage of physical and mental development. Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers were created to provide cutting edge mental health, substance abuse, and family treatment. Visions treats 13 to 18 year old adolescents, including their whole family, making them the best teen treatment program in California. The majority of patients come from southern California while others come from big cities like NYC, Chicago, and internationally.  

The goal of Visions teen treatment is:

  • Encourage and motivate to achieve and sustain a healthy lifestyle.
  • Assist to develop effective problem-solving strategies.
  • Help recognize and change problematic attitudes which stimulate a relapse.
  • Assist with recognizing and acknowledging the existence of destructive behaviors and the impact they have on family, friends, and future.

Visions Residential Treatment is a 25 acre gated community located on the hills of Malibu. The average length of stay is 45 to 90 days. Male and female quarters are constantly supervised by day and night staff with crisis intervention available on a 24-hour basis.

Visions centers’ founding clinicians have stayed with the program while several dynamic team members have been added. All of Visions’ professionals are highly skilled in dealing with adolescents. A Medical Doctor conducts a history and physical exam to medically clear the patient for admission. The Psychiatric Director ensures that the initial psychiatric evaluation is properly performed. Each resident is assigned a personal Counselor and Licensed Therapist.

Other teen treatment personnel utilized as needed:

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

An on-site school uses a personal education plan for each patient on weekdays for three hours. An Activities Consultant supervises a physical fitness program “tailor-made” for each patient.

Visions’ mission is to provide clinically based teen treatment which includes family members. It is proven that nearly 100 percent of families share the same feeling about their child’s problems.

  • Fear
  • Helplessness
  • Hopelessness
  • Anxiety
  • Anger

The success of teen treatment depends on the understanding and participation of family in the therapeutic process. Family sessions are led by a Family Therapist.

Multi-Family Group – address issues common to all families and provides families with feedback from other family members in similar situations.

Individual Family Sessions – assesses family therapy needs and addresses conflicts the family may feel uncomfortable bringing up in group sessions,

Family Education – provides families with an overview of the stages of family illnesses including adjustments made.

Family Passes – a unique incentive for good behavior in the teen treatment program. Every Sunday and Monday involves outings to include movies, museums, the beach, go-cart racing, community service, ropes courses, and rock climbing.

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

Visions Outpatient Treatment has two convenient locations in Los Angeles. Afternoon sessions are 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays with Wednesday for rest. The child is able to continue with daily activities and go home after sessions.

1st Step Program – an introduction to the teen treatment process which helps families and adolescents reintegrate into everyday life after long term treatment.  It entails eight weeks of clinical support, on two to three nights per week, including one individual session.

Intensive Outpatient Program – the next step in care that opens communication among the family to address existing psychiatric and/or therapeutic needs.

  • Primary Care Phase (Months 1 to 2)
  • Continuing Care Phase (Months 3 to 6)
  • Aftercare Planning (Months 7 to 12)

All counseling services are supervised by the Program Director. Some treatment services include:

  • Substance Abuse Groups
  • Individual Sessions
  • Family Therapy
  • Art Therapy
  • Anger Management Group

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 and collections.

The Fourth Dimension is an alumni program for those successfully completing the active phase of teen treatment. Aftercare groups are offered on an on-going basis twice a week. Individual sessions are available to Visions’ alumni on a fee for service basis. The Visions Alumni Coordinator makes support calls for crisis intervention and relapse prevention. Annual events are held for the adolescent, family, and Visions’ staff.  

Visions Adolescent Day School has open enrollment with educational services from remedial to honors level. School hours are 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Each patient uses an individualized educational plan and has direct access to teachers with 1-on-1 instructions.

  • WASC Accredited Curriculum (Western Association of Schools and Colleges)
  • Transferable Accredited Curriculum
  • 3 to 1 Student to Staff Ratio
  • Random Weekly Drug Testing

Many Visions Day School graduates are accepted to esteemed colleges and universities. Aside from academics, students receive weekly teen treatment sessions on an individual basis.

Objectives for Visions Day School is to administer teen treatment and offer other services such as:

  • Give a Positive and Clinically Supported Education.
  • Complete General Education to Reintegrate into a Mainstream High School Environment.

Or

  • Successfully Complete Academic Curriculum and Graduate from Visions Day School.
  • Help prepare for College
  • Assist in Completing Honors Level Work.

Visions Centers offer teen treatment for mental health, alcohol abuse, and substance abuse. Be it 24-hour care, afternoon sessions, or day school, there is a program for each adolescent. Don’t wait too long to seek help so your child can grow into a happy and productive adult.

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

Categories
Mental Health Mood Disorders Personality Disorder Recovery Self-Care

Mental Health is Mental Wealth

When someone suffers from mental illness, there is a deprivation of the joy and emotional wealth that’s present when there is ideal mental health. Mental illness can drain our joie de vivre, and make for a muddy emotional existence. Relationships with loved ones tend to be difficult, and there tends to be a propensity for loneliness and isolation. Worse yet, when mental illness is left untreated, the toll it can take on the one suffering and their loved ones can be taxing and sometimes devastating.

 

Some types of mental illness are more straightforward in their treatment: anxiety and depression, for example, are often treated with various modalities of psychotherapy and balanced with medication. Personality disorders are complex and there are some instances where the patient doesn’t recognize their illness despite their deep suffering. The work involved in treating all mental illness requires a nexus of therapeutic support and a desire for positive change from the patient themselves. The question many have is, Why are personality disorders so challenging?

 

Personality disorders are grouped into three clusters:

  • Cluster A personality disorders are “characterized by odd, eccentric thinking or behavior.” The disorders that fall into this category are:  paranoid personality disorder, schizoid personality disorder and schizotypal personality disorder
  • Cluster B personality disorders are “characterized by dramatic, overly emotional or unpredictable thinking or behavior.” The disorders that fall into this category are: antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder.
  • Cluster C personality disorders are “characterized by anxious, fearful thinking or behavior.” The disorders that fall into this category are: avoidant personality disorder, dependent personality disorder and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.

 

Psychotherapy is the most common treatment for all types of mental illness; the most efficacious modality is determined by the needs of the client. Findings show that DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) in particular is the most effective therapeutic treatment for personality disorders and bipolar disorders. Other effective tools used in treatment may include:

  • Individual psychotherapy
  • MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction)
  • Yoga
  • Meditation
  • Somatic Experiencing
  • Neurofeedback

 

To date, the FDA hasn’t approved of any medications to treat personality disorders. However, medications are often used to treat symptoms that are detrimental to the individual’s recovery. Medications like:

 

  • Antidepressents: for depressed mood, anger, irritability, mood swings, impulsivity and hopelessness.
  • Mood stabilizers: to even out mood swings, and to reduce impulsivity, irritability and aggression.
  • Antipsychotic medications (also known as neuroleptics): if symptoms include losing touch with reality (psychosis), and sometimes anxiety and difficulty with anger
  • Anti-anxiety medications: For anxiety, agitation or insomnia. Note, in some cases, they may increase impulsive behavior and are avoided with some personality disorders.

 

Treating mental illness requires the cultivation of balance. Participation from the client, a cohesive treatment team, and the correct combination of medication can create the desired environment of mental health.  It takes work, dedication, and a willingness to unveil one’s difficulties in order to create a healthy shift toward mental health. I have experienced the shadow side of untreated mental illness with family members who are unwilling to get help. It does, in fact, take a toll on everyone involved. I have learned that one of the key pieces for my own recovery is developing clear communication skills, creating firm, compassionate boundaries, and building consistent program of self-care. Families struggling with mental illness need to ensure that their own wells are filled, that they are getting their own needs met, and that they have a community of support around them.

Categories
Recovery

What Does Teen Outpatient Treatment Cost

More rehabilitation centers are emerging around the world making it an overwhelming decision to choose one. Cost is a factor many weigh when deciding on treatment centers. Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers opened in 2002 with a mission to provide mental health and substance abuse and family therapy. Visions advocates for the family in its entirety making them a top choice for teen outpatient treatment.  The nmajority of patients come from southern California while others come from big cities like NYC, Chicago, and internationally. Teen outpatient treatment is not cheap but it is cheaper than the alternative outcome of hospitalization, incarceration, or a lifetime of internal conflict.  

Visions Outpatient Counseling has two Los Angeles locations providing teen outpatient treatment for ages 13 to 18 years old. Sessions are 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays with Wednesday for rest. Afternoon hours allow the child to continue with daily activities before sessions and go home afterwards to their family.

Visions’ centers employ highly skilled professionals trained in adolescent treatment while the founding clinicians have stayed on for a successful program. Each patient is assigned a counselor to work with throughout the teen outpatient treatment. Other specialized consultants are utilized as needed.

  • Licensed Therapists
  • Psychiatrist
  • Psychologists
  • Medical Doctors
  • Registered Dieticians
  • Art Therapists
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

1st Step Program

The 1st Step Program is an introduction to the treatment process. This program helps families and adolescents reintegrate into everyday life after long term teen outpatient treatment.  It includes 8 weeks of clinical support on 2 to 3 nights per week including 1 individual session

Intensive Outpatient Program

The Intensive Outpatient Program represent the next step in care. Visions staff help open communication upon family, addressing psychiatric and/or therapeutic needs.

  • 1 Year of Clinical Support
    • Primary Care Phase (Months 1 to 2)
    • Continuing Care Phase (Months 3 to 6)
    • Aftercare Planning (Months 7 to 12)
  • Individual Sessions
  • Family Sessions

The 12-Step Program is implemented for Teens with Addictive Behaviors.

The objective for Visions’ teen outpatient 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 the impact they have on family, friends, and future.
  • Help the adolescent recognize and change problematic attitudes which stimulate a relapse.
  • Assist adolescent in identifying unhealthy and/or negative coping mechanisms.

Additional goals for Visions’ Substance Abuse and Co-Occurring Disorders:

  • Assist the adolescent with 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.
  • Support the adolescent to use the 12-step philosophy and encourage participation in Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and/or Cocaine Anonymous (CA).
  • Assist the adolescent to address any legal issues, which may involve criminal activity.

Studies have shown that teen outpatient treatment is more likely to succeed with the participation of family in the therapeutic process. Nearly 100 percent of families share the same feelings about their child’s issues prior to and during treatment.

  • Fear
  • Helplessness
  • Hopelessness
  • Anxiety
  • Anger

All counseling services in the teen outpatient treatment are performed by trained personnel under supervision of the Program Director. Visions offers several counseling groups which focus on the family unit. All counseling groups are facilitated by a Family Therapist.

Multi-Family Group

This group is held weekly to address issues common to all families. The multi-family group also provides feedback for families and support from other family members experiencing similar complications.

Individual Family Sessions

Individual sessions are for adolescents and their families who feel uncomfortable bringing up certain issues in a group. Individual sessions assess family therapy needs for completing treatment goals.

Family Education

Adolescents and families are given information on the family progression and stages of family illnesses. Roles, rules, and interaction commonly found in families are addressed.

Discharge & Aftercare is provided after completion of the teen outpatient treatment program. The Discharge Plan is a continuing care plan developed by the counselor with input from the patient along with the treatment team upon admission to the program. The plan addresses continuing care needs which may include individual and family therapy, and medication management.

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, Visions Alumni Program, is free of charge to all after successful discharge from the teen outpatient treatment program. Information learned from the active phase of treatment are put to use in aftercare groups and self-help groups. Aftercare groups are offered on an on-going basis. Alumni can attend up to two aftercare groups a week. Individual sessions are available to all Alumni on a fee for service basis. The Visions Alumni Coordinator makes support calls for crisis intervention or relapse prevention.

An added bonus to enrollment in the Visions Alumni Program are annual events for Alumni and family members.

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

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.

Teen outpatient treatment is worth the cost to save a troubled child. Value cannot be placed on a life. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 866-889-3665.

Categories
Anniversary Blogs Recovery Service Treatment

Mollie Mylar, BS, Director of Professional Relations

Mollie Mylar, BS, Director of Professional Relations, is one of the most engaging ladies I know. She is a bright spot on the marketing team, always lighting up a room when she walks in and is capable of making anyone feel at ease. She has a light in her heart, joy in her eyes, and a wicked sense of humor. She is truly humble and kind, and both of these qualities make Mollie a true gem. Mollie lives in Utah with her family, but she travels all over the United States to engage and educate people about seamless transitions in treatment.  Frankly, I lament the fact that we don’t see more of her, but I am extraordinarily grateful and humbled by the work she does; she is an invaluable player on the Visions team.  Quite honestly, the world needs more Mollies.

 

Read on for some staff accolades about this lovely lady:

 

Mollie is absolutely one of the most upbeat and positive souls you will encounter in this world; her energy is contagious. The minute she walks into a room, or you hear her voice on the phone, you cannot help but smile.  Anytime I get a chance to speak with her or see her is a pleasure and a joy. – Jenny Werber

 

I wish Mollie were around all the time!  — Jesse Engdahl

 

I like Molly.  In fact, how can you not like Molly? She is a business woman doing business in a way that doesn’t feel like business.  She is a Mom.  She is personable, humble, creative and hard working. Molly is one of the people in life that I look forward to seeing. She makes the room lighter and brighter when she walks through the door.  Good egg = Molly. And, I never use that term. In fact, I may call her and tell her she’s a good egg just so we can laugh.  – Angela Carrillo

 

Mollie is spunky, full of life and has the ability to light up any room she walks into within seconds! She has an uncanny talent for just meeting someone and making them feel like they have been friends with her for years.  – Ashley Shortridge

 

It is a pleasure to work side-by-side with Molly. Molly always finds the bright spot in the darkest situations. Molly fights for the best interest of the families and kids she works with. – John Lieberman

 

Mollie defines being authentic with every cell of her being.  This is how I see her:  Trustworthy, Tenacious, Persistent, Tall, Adventurous, Silly, Open, Hilarious, Loving and Kind.  Mollie oozes with love for her son and husband.  She is a woman I look up to.  Her balance of being mom, wife and business woman is always transparent and remarkable to be in the presence of.  I am grateful to know Mollie Mylar. – Christina Howard

 

Read on for Mollie’s answers to our 10 questions:

 

1: What inspires you to work in education?

Being able to watch families and students heal and reach their potential.  I do not like to see people suffer.

 

2: You live in Utah but you work all over the country, what do you do to stay connected with your loved ones?

Call and face time.

 

3: Would you rather be able to fly or read people’s minds?

Definitely read people’s minds.

 

4. Would you rather speak in public or work at the Los Angeles Waste pumping station for one week?

Work at Los Angeles Waste pumping station for one week.  I would do just about anything to avoid public speaking…

 

5: What is your favorite season and why?

Fall, love seeing the leaves change, temperatures drop and most of all SWEATSHIRT weather!!!

 

6: What is your Starbucks order?

 Grande Soy Latte.

 

7: If you could have been told one thing that you weren’t told when you were a teenager, what would you like to have heard?

I had an amazing mother, that I miss everyday, and I feel like she prepared me well for life!!

 

8: Funniest Visions memory?

Wearing a Christmas sweater to my first company Christmas party, (I hate Christmas sweaters)  when nobody else was wearing anything having to do with Christmas…awkward.

 

9: What do you keep in the trunk of your car?

 My own grocery bags.

 

10: Why do you choose to work for Visions?

I love the team and what we provide for our students and families.

Categories
Recovery

Adolescent Treatment Options Near Malibu, CA

Finding the right adolescent treatment facility for your teen is an important step in allowing your family to heal and move forward.  In order to allow your teen the best chance at recovery, it is important to find a center that is qualified to address the unique situations adolescents face.  Finding the right adolescent treatment center can be made easier if you evaluate each potential center on the following:  

Type of Program

There are a number of approaches to adolescent treatment.  Ask questions about how the program is structured, what types of activities are used and how the family is involved.  Ideally, residential treatment should be structured with activities that allow teens to develop healthy habits and interests while they recover.  The setting should be homelike, in an environment that allows teens to relax and focus on developing the tools necessary to live healthy and productive lives after leaving treatment.

Parent and Family Engagement

Parental involvement is a key indication of the quality of the program.  Parents should feel free to speak with the treatment team, to visit with their teen and to be an active part in the treatment process.  Adolescent treatment facilities that discourage parental and family involvement should be avoided.  While the treatment facility is responsible for a number of aspects of the care process, parents should not be absent from the process.  Parents should have the right to monitor how treatment is going.

Licensing

It is important to verify that potential treatment centers are registered in the state they are located in.  Check with the state board to find out additional information on the history of the center.  If the center is not licensed or has had serious issues in the past, you should look into other options.

Aftercare

The needs of teens do not stop once they leave a treatment program.  For optimal results, look for a center that provides ongoing support in the form of aftercare.   For some, aftercare begins with a transition into outpatient treatment.  For others it includes family and individual therapy, connecting with community services or putting together a 12 step meeting schedule.  As with the adolescent treatment process, aftercare should be personalized for each client.  Aim to find a treatment center with a comprehensive aftercare plan.

Conveniently located in Malibu, Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers provide individualized, clinically based treatment to address a number of needs.  Their comprehensive treatment options include:

Residential Treatment

Focused on teens aged 13 to 18 and located in Malibu, Vision’s residential treatment facility provides an option for families who are dealing with a substance abuse or mental health problem.  With average stays of 45 to 90 days, teens receive the support and tools they need to become and remain sober.  A team of mental health experts, physicians, counselors and psychiatrists work together to develop a treatment plan that addresses each teen’s specific needs.

Outpatient Counseling

In a nonresidential setting, Vision’s outpatient counseling provides two fully structured programs that focus on building healthy habits while addressing the underlying substance abuse and mental health issues.  Counseling includes the entire family and provides solution-based treatment based on each teen’s specific situation.  This ensures the teens are engaged in the process as their own goals and objectives are incorporated in their treatment plan.

Day School

Visions’ Day School provides an alternative option for teens who are unable to be successful in a mainstream school setting.  Specifically for individuals aged 13 to 18, Day School provides one on one attention not available elsewhere.  A student to staff ratio of 3:1 allows the Day School to meet the educational and clinical needs of their students.  

Extended Care

For some, the average residential treatment time of 45 to 90 days is not sufficient.  Visions offers NeXt, an extended care program for individuals between the ages of 15 and 18.  Separate housing units offer male and female clients an alternative to living at home while continuing to receive the treatment and therapy needed to address their mental health or addiction concern.

Young Adult Outpatient Counseling

Young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 face a unique situation as they aim to gain independence while working on their addictive behavior or mental health issues. LAUNCH is Visions’ long term program that works in conjunction with sober living residences to build life skills and work toward completing a higher education.

For additional information on Visions Adolescent Treatment Center’s team based approach or to schedule a meeting with the Visions staff, contact them today. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 866-889-3665.

Categories
Recovery

Teen Treatment For Drugs and Alcohol in California

The search for the perfect teen treatment center for your child can be a difficult process.  First, there is the realization that your teen needs a level of support and assistance that can only be provided by professionals and dealing with those emotions.  Next, there is the mission of finding a teen treatment center that is in line with your philosophies and has a strong track record of success.   

Located in Malibu, Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers provide comprehensive treatment for mental health issues, substance abuse issues and eating disorders.  This is done with a focus on the unique needs of each client through a team approach.   By following the direction of founder’s mission of advocating for the family, the treatment team at Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers strive to create a clinical culture of excellence.

Residential Program

Visions Residential provides a structured treatment plan in a comfortable environment.  By combining intensive therapy with daily activity, participants in the program are able to identify and address the root cause of their drug or alcohol addiction.  This allows teens to begin to develop healthy habits and live productive lives after treatment.

Requirements for entrance into the residential program include:

  • Being between the ages of 13 and 18
  • Having an involved parent or guardian
  • Being available and committed to for a stay of 45 to 90 days

The duration of each teen’s treatment depends on their unique needs and circumstances. Progress is monitored on an ongoing basis and adjustments to the treatment plan are made as necessary.    During their stay in residential teen treatment, clients sleep two to a room, with males and females separated.  The clients receive constant monitoring with an involved staff present 24 hours a day.  In the event of an emergency, crisis intervention teams are available at all times.

The Malibu location is serene and set in a natural setting. 25 acres of space provide luxury and comfort, and the remote location discourages runaways.  The goal of the entire team is to create a comfortable, homelike environment that allows the clients to relax and focus on their recovery.

Treatment Team

Every client at Visions Residential is assigned a licensed therapist and a counselor who will be their point person during their stay in treatment.   Their one on one relationship is supplemented by a number of professionals including:

  • Psychiatrists
  • Physicians
  • Nurse Supervisor
  • Art Therapists
  • Dietitian
  • Equine Therapists
  • Psychologists

These individuals use a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, also known as DBT, approach.  This approach aims to change the unhealthy behavioral patterns the teen has developed including alcohol abuse, drug abuse, self-harm and suicidal thoughts.

The team works together to provide a number of therapeutic services.  In order to provide these services, the Visions Adolescent team gathers additional information from the teen’s schools, family and another previous professionals they’ve seen.   In addition to this background information, each teen goes through several assessments:  

  • Medical Assessment – A substance and mental health expert carefully evaluates each teen to determine their area(s) of need.  In the event additional medical care is needed, they are provided on an individual basis.  In order to participate in the program, all clients must pass the medical assessment.
  • Substance Abuse Assessment – A thorough review of each client’s chemical dependency is performed to determine their specific level of need.  This process can also determine if clients are a risk for harming themselves or others and if the teen is open to the treatment process.
  • Psychosocial Assessment – Through historical family, legal, educational, substance abuse and development information and records, a professional determines if additional screenings are necessary. These screens may include an educational assessment, psychiatric assessment, neurological evaluation or eating disorder testing.

Once the team has created a client’s treatment plan, the teen and their counselor review the plan together to ensure the plan addresses the teen’s goals and objectives for treatment.  This helps to get the clients engaged in their own teen treatment program.

Speak with a counselor to find out how the teen treatment programs at Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers can help your family. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 866-889-3665.

Categories
Recovery Service Treatment

Koreema Walden, MA, MFTi, CATC IV

Koreema Walden is an MA, MFTi, CATC IV and has been part of the Visions treatment team since 2013. She is an active member of the treatment community and served as a therapist in the drug rehabilitation/homeless program at the Veteran’s Administration prior to coming to Visions. Additionally, Koreema is an education advisor at her alma mater, Antioch University. She runs groups and Visions and also sees clients individually using her honest and compassionate approach.

 

Koreema is seriously funny. She brings a sense of adventure, honesty, and joy into her work. She is relatable and compassionate toward the adolescents she works with and she is a wonderful addition to the outpatient team. Koreema she fits right in at Visions. She is a pleasure to work with and is someone who is respectable and forthright in her work. Koreema is a hard one NOT to adore.

 

The staff thinks highly of Koreema; check out what they had to say:

 

Koreema continuously has a high level of positive energy, and is fantastic at motivating just about anyone!  – Ashley Shortridge

 

That girl is so funny!  And smart.  – Jesse Engdahl

 

In the time I’ve know Koreema, I have felt nothing but love and support from her. She has an amazing energetic spirit that everyone can pull from and always brings strong, honest advice to the table. It has been a pleasure working alongside such an amazing person. – Nick Riefner

 

Koreema, our baby of the bunch.  She has been a wonderful asset to our outpatient team. Koreema’s strengths lie not only in her ability to assimilate into a new, fast-paced environment but also a keen sense of how to connect with an adolescent milieu. We are lucky to have her and look forward to her continued growth at Visions.  – Fiona Ray

 

Of course we asked Koreema 10 questions. Read on!

 

1:  What did you want to be when you grew up? Did you come close?

There wasn’t a job that I wanted, but I had role models. My maternal grandmother was a business owner and a fierce one! She had her real-estate license and was trained to do income taxes. She owned a clothing store, was raising some of her daughter’s children and was fiercely independent. She was also kind and supportive (financially and emotionally) of others. I think I wanted to be like her:  a woman who was independent, self reliant, self-assured, strong, and brave. I thought that’s what women did and how they were. Have I come close?  I think I’ve learned over time that there was no reason for me to do everything on my own.

 

2: What are you most proud of?

I was the first person in my family to graduate with a BA and a Masters Degree. My mom drilled in my head that the way to a better life was through education. She always told me education would be bring me freedom and would be something that nobody could take from me. This is something a lot of women still don’t have in this day and age: The opportunity to attend school and be free.

 

3: Cats or dogs? 

Neither. I’m not a pet person at all. I have a child and changing his diaper was bad enough!

 

4. Would you rather watch Sherlock or Doctor Who?  

Who is Doctor Who anyway? Honestly, neither.  Now if you ask me about music, I’m so in. Music cleanses my soul, my mind, and my heart and it tells me a story.

 

5: What is the best part of being a parent? The most challenging?

Best part of being a parent is seeing my son’s brain and his mind take off. Every day, something that is old to me is taken as new to him: Words, places, books, history, people, etc. I find such delight in seeing him experience the world.  What is most challenging is that every day isn’t awesome; some days are better than others and some days we disagree on things.  I have to remember he has a mind of his own, I can’t control it or him 24 hours a day.

 

6: Are you a morning person or a night owl?

Both!! I get up around 6:30/7am, or I can stay awake till 12/1am.

 

7: What Muppet are you?

I’m a mixture of Scooter (he was behind the scenes conducting everything) and Animal (he was loud, crazy, out of control needs to be tamed). Good thing I’ve gotten a little older.

 

8: What makes you laugh?

Friends, Family and Comedy movies. I love to laugh.

 

9: If you could go back in time for a day, what and where would you go?

I would be a little girl at my grandmother’s house running around on her property and hanging out with no cares or worries in the world!

 

10: Why do you choose to work for Visions?   

Because I like Visions’ philosophy and the work that we do.  Working with teens is not easy (I was one). I get to come to work and be inspired, learn from fresh eyes, and be a part of an amazing integral hardworking team. I feel that Visions and its team work extremely hard at what they do. It’s enjoyable because everyone is supportive of one another and we work as a team.

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
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

Exit mobile version