How to identify a good adolescent treatment program In California? These are a few key components to look for:
There should be a focus on the family treatment portion of the program. Research has shown that the most successful adolescent drug treatment programs involve the family in the therapy process by providing individual and group family programming on an ongoing basis. Residential treatment centers should allow for daily family updates and regular communication opportunities as well. Look for weekly like family therapy groups and parent education, which will keep the lines of communication open between you and the facility – and more importantly, you and your child.
Licensed medical professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists. If you believe your child has a co-occuring mental health disorder or has already been dually diagnosed, look for a program that provides these employees on a full time basis to address mental health diagnosis. Many programs use consultants who come in on a part time basis and do not get to know your child as they would if they were there full time. If an underlying condition does exist, it’s important that your child receives treatment for it.
12 step programing: The clients should be attending young people’s AA or NA meetings on a regular basis. The 12 steps are time-tested. In addition, the 12 step principles should be complemented by individual and group therapy and counseling.
The Program should have a continuum of care. Multiple program levels, the potential choose between short or long-term treatment, outpatient and residential. It should also be addressing each resident’s specific needs. Not only is this a good idea for practical reasons, it’s also a way to ensure that your teen will be treated as an individual – which is what every person in adolescent drug treatment deserves.
