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All Kinds of News for May 10, 2017

Programming | Trips | Visitors / Trainings | Conferences / Research / The Lighter Side / Programming Evolution / Personnel Changes / News From allkindsoftherapy.com
AIM logo
AIM House Participants Featured in Madelife Music Album
Published May 10, 2017AIM House
Category: Programming | Trips | Visitors
AIM House participants were recently featured on the released Madelife Collective Vol. 3 Album. These participants were in the Creative Accelerator program at Madelife, where they spent 12 weeks learning how to mix, master and compose their own music.
 
The Creative Accelerator program is a twelve week program where participants choose a field of interest in music, graphic design, video production, photography, or creative business. AIM House participants have full access to the Madelife Creative Accelerator program and the creative community that flourishes at Madelife. Weeks of work go into composing, crafting, recording, and mixing the music on the album.  Click here to hear the talented participants on tracks 5, 8, and 9.
 
 
 
About AIM House
AIM House is a transitional living program for young adults located in Boulder, Colorado. Participants typically come from wilderness therapy programs, residential treatment programs,  and therapeutic boarding schools. AIM House provides support through mentoring and a structured living environment. For more information, please visit our website at aimhouse.com or call us at 303-554-0011.
 
 
 
Suws of the carolinas logo
SUWS of the Carolinas Hosts Expanding Recovery for Young People Conference and Wellness Retreat
Published May 10, 2017SUWS of the Carolinas
Category: Trainings | Conferences

After an overwhelmingly successful first conference, Phoenix Outdoor at SUWS of the Carolinas is excited to invite proposal submissions for the 2nd Expanding Recovery for Young People Conference and Wellness Retreat. Last August a diverse group of individuals, including therapists, educational consultants, authors and interventionists, presented on major themes, trends and issues impacting young people in recovery. The working theme for this year’s conference is Continuing the Conversation, wherein we invite cutting-edge proposals that will address the options, needs and future of recovery treatment for young people.

Join us September 6th-8th for three days of education, self-care and personal growth, as we explore the expanding options for young people in recovery. Hosted on the scenic campus of Camp Kanuga near Hendersonville, NC, we are proud to continue this conference with key-note speakers Kristina Wandzilak and her mother Constance Curry.  

Kristina Wandzilak, CAS, CIP is the Founder of Full Circle Intervention, Full Circle Intensive Outpatient and Full Circle living. She has been a leader in the addictions industry since 1995, and co-authored "The Lost Years" with her mother, Constance Curry. Their story of healing and hope will be accompanied with breakout sessions and presentations from nationally recognized leaders to provide participants with CEU's. Experience daily yoga and meditation, biofeedback stations, nature hikes, speaker panels and much more.

10.5 CEU/Clock hours provided for full conference participation.

Please email Kelly Dunbar for more information on how to register or submit presentation proposals: kelly.dunbar@suwscarolinas.com 

 

About SUWS of the Carolinas
SUWS of the Carolinas is a licensed, CARF International-accredited mental health facility, committed to helping families rediscover their strengths and fostering growth for young people. Operating in the Pisgah National Forest under permit from the National Forest Service, SUWS delivers wilderness based therapeutic interventions for 10-17 year old boys and girls with compassion and excellence. 
A leap of taste coffee shop
Dragonfly Transitions Values Vocational Training In Treatment
Published May 10, 2017Dragonfly Transitions
Category: Programming | Trips | Visitors

Practicing independent living and other adult life skills are key values to Dragonfly Transitions, a young adult program located in southern Oregon. This is why in 2010 the owners of Dragonfly Transitions, Mona Treadway and Glenn White, purchased A Leap of Taste. A Leap of Taste is a coffee shop, experiential learning opportunity, open mic and healthy food option for Klamath Falls, OR. Glenn White stated “it was a perfect opportunity to support students at Dragonfly in an internship and transition into real work experience”.  A Leap of Taste is a community resource with real-life opportunities to gain skills with coffee, food and customer service, all while being in the middle of a busy town. 

Jay Treetop, the manager at A Leap of Taste, works with volunteers from Dragonfly Transitions, who work a range of anywhere from 5-25 hours a week. When a paid position becomes available, it is offered to the intern who demonstrates employability. Jay stated that one of the most important aspects as a manager is to “adapt to learning styles”. Contrary to the response of a typical employer who'd reprimand an employee for poor performance, Jay understands that people learn differently, and might need to practice or learn it another way. Part of the Dragonfly vision is to create community connection and to raise a generation which understands the value of hard work and has confidence in their abilities.

Many young adults have limited work experience, which translates into a minimal resume. In addition to A Leap of Taste, Dragonfly collaborates with local Klamath Falls businesses to provide a variety of other internship opportunities. Students acquire these internships through an application and interview process in order to gain hands on experience. In addition to the vocational skills there are therapeutic experiences that students go through like having to manage anxiety during the interview process, navigating feelings of being overwhelmed in the work place, and conflict management with co-workers and employers.

To support these life challenges and experiences, students participate in a weekly seminar with peers where they debrief, provide and receive feedback and set weekly goals. Weekly meetings with Dragonfly staff, employers and interns ensure continued education and maximize the learning opportunity. Phillip Squibb, Dragonfly Education Director, stated “the community of Klamath Falls has been open and willing to provide learning experiences for our students, which has supported Dragonfly students in their transition into young adulthood with a solid foundation upon which to build”.

 

 

About Dragonfly Transitions
Dragonfly Transitions serves young adults 18 -30 in three locations in Southern Oregon – Klamath Falls, Ashland, and the Homestead (for men, just south of Klamath). Students learn life skills and work to transition into a healthy young adult life with independence, autonomy, integrity and sustainability. Dragonfly provides opportunities for real world experience in a stable, supportive environment where students can flourish.
Mountain valley treatment center logo
Mountain Valley To Join The Walk For OCD Awareness On June 3rd - BOSTON #1Million4OCD
Published May 10, 2017Mountain Valley Treatment Center
Category: Programming | Trips | Visitors

Mountain Valley has created a team to support OCD awareness at the Boston #1Million4OCD Walk. The residents at Mountain Valley, the staff, parents and families of staff are all excited to show their strength at the Boston event on June 3, 2017.  If you are interesting in joining the team, please contact Mountain Valley. 

Mountain Valley know all too well how debilitating OCD can be and how treatable it can be.  The reward of giving a teen their life back is powerful and Mountain Valley does not take it for granted.  Unfortunately, an understanding of OCD and its effects on everyone in the family are not fully appreciated. This is why we have organized residents, families, staff and community members to support the walk – both virtually and on June 3rd in Boston – to benefit the International OCD Foundation.

To make a donation to the team, click here. 

 

 

About Mountain Valley Treatment Center
Mountain Valley Treatment Center, a not for profit program, was founded in 2011 to provide intensive residential treatment to adolescent boys and girls and emerging adults struggling with severe anxiety, OCD and other related disorders.  Located in Pike, NH at the edge of the White Mountain National Forest, Mountain Valley stands apart from like providers because of its specialization, its unique setting and its comprehensive approach to care. Residents typically spend 60-90 days at MVTC taking advantage of the most effective evidence-based treatments through individual, group and family therapy, conducted in a caring, supportive and ethical fashion that meet the unique needs of the individuals, and the expectations of the professional practice of social work, psychology and psychiatry.
Outback therapeutic expeditions logo
Outback Therapeutic Expeditions Upholds Core Pillars of Identity and Family Dynamics
Published May 10, 2017Outback Therapeutic Expeditions
Category: Programming | Trips | Visitors

Greg Burnham, MS, LMFT and Tracy Hopkins, MSW both hold leadership roles within the Outback Therapeutic Expeditions community. As such, both are committed to upholding the 4 pillars of Outback: Identity, Family Dynamics, Vision and Resilience. During the month of May 2017, Greg Burnham, Clinical Director is scheduled to present during the Spring Independent Educational Consultant Association (IECA) Conference in Denver, CO, on Family Dynamics. Tracy Hopkins, Business Development Director, is the keynote speaker at a local REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc) event in Asheville, NC on Identity and Redefining the Narrative for Women and the Outdoors.  

The topic of Family Dynamics and in particular Attachment Theory is one of great interest and passion to Greg Burnham, MS, LMFT. As Clinical Director and a Primary Therapist at Outback Therapeutic Expeditions, Greg is able to help families understand and progress through the continuum of care. Of his work, he says, “I love what I do, I care for the people I work with…” During the Spring IECA on May 12th, Greg will present “Is Your Family Work Synergistic or Nihilistic? How Successful Treatment Hinges on Accurate Assessment of Attachment.” This presentation will focus on how to use an attachment model, based on Gordon Neufeld’s theory, by first examining how an IEC can do an initial attachment assessment and then focus on how to use that assessment to guide all areas of treatment.

As part of a national campaign, REI is launching a nationwide initiative dedicated to women and the outdoors.  Force of Nature is scheduled to kick off on Saturday, May 6th with a full day of workshops for women and evening speaking engagements targeted to bring about hope and inspiration in changing the narratives about and for women and the outdoors. Outback’s Business Development Director Tracy Hopkins, MSW, is joining this initiative as the keynote speaker for the local REI in Asheville, NC. Through her journey of understanding otherness, her curiosity cultivated an understanding of the many common layers that exist under our differences. Her hour-long presentation will address dismantling fear though connection and we are extremely excited to have her continue to showcase one of Outback’s core pillars on Identity.      

 

 

About Outback Therapeutic Expeditions
Outback Therapeutic Expeditions is a licensed wilderness therapy program located in Utah that offers an integrative approach to comprehensive assessments and treatment for teens. Outback offers help for troubled teens ages 13-17.  Outback helps teens with various areas of difficulties, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, engaging in dangerous behaviors, mild ASD, electronic and gaming addiction and more.  Outback’s treatment options place strong emphasis on healthy relationships, increased self-efficacy and a healthy amount of autonomy through skill building.
Viewpoint center logo
Assessing Trauma At ViewPoint Center
Published May 10, 2017ViewPoint Center
Category: Research

ViewPoint Center helps adolescents struggling with a variety of challenges, including an informed and sensitive approach to teen's experience of trauma. If a student has experienced trauma in their past or is suspected of experiencing a response to trauma, we conduct a comprehensive assessment of trauma. The assessment is conducted through a multidisciplinary approach which involves every member of the staff.

The ViewPoint Center’s team includes a psychologist and several therapists, psychiatric practitioners, nurses, and direct care staff. As a team, they work collaboratively to assess for a wide range of traumatic events. The assessment is conducted through several avenues which include clinical interviews, standardized measurements and observations. 

The entire team also gathers information from a variety of sources including key figures in the child’s life such as parents and caregivers. We also seek information from school representatives, past providers and education consultants. 

After gathering information and observing the adolescent, the ViewPoint treatment team discusses how each traumatic event has interfered or impacted:

  • Development
  • Functioning (daily living, social, interpersonal)
  • Emotional regulation
  • Risk factors for behavioral expressions of symptoms.  


During the assessment, the team also discusses how other mental illnesses may be contributing to the functioning of the adolescent. As part of the assessment, it is essential to determine what trauma-focused interventions, as well as other interventions, may be effective in relieving the symptoms and trauma responses many of our adolescents experience. 

After an initial assessment is completed, the team works towards establishing the next steps. An ongoing assessment is beneficial in determining the relief of symptoms, changes in symptoms and the effectiveness of ongoing treatment. 

Throughout adolescents' time at ViewPoint Center, the community at ViewPoint remain dedicated to providing the most thorough assessments possible in order to form an accurate treatment plan.

 

 

About ViewPoint Center
ViewPoint Center, a mental health assessment center for teens ages 12-17, is located just outside of Salt Lake City, Utah. With a program lasting 6-7 weeks, ViewPoint Center provides superior assessment, diagnosis, treatment and stabilization for teens struggling with mental and behavioral issues such as suicidal ideation, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders. In a safe, personalized environment, ViewPoint helps teens focus on the healing process.
Novitas academy logo
Novitas Academy Teaches Project-Based Learning
Published May 10, 2017Novitas Academy
Category: The Lighter Side

Novitas Academy embraces non-traditional classroom characteristics from physical space, to learning resources, to instruction.  While the process of project-based learning (PBL) is not a new concept, many schools have not fully implemented a PBL instructional style.  Teachers of Novitas students allow the students to take charge of their own learning by selecting topics, discovering information through inquiry and creating projects designed to show their newfound knowledge.  The organic flow of collaboration lends itself to students with learning differences and captures their interests.

 

Project Highlights:

A favorite PBL projects has been recreating WWI during a history class and it was a brainstorm session gone viral.  The students were engaged in building models of WWI trenches and putting together a list of supplies, when one student spoke up and said “Why don’t we just go dig these in the backyard?” They looked at each other with smiles on their faces and put a plan together.  This project incorporated information from each subject during the trimester: health was discussing disease prevention, one math class was working on budgeting, another math class was working on proportions and this project took off. 

 

 

About Notivas Academy
Located on 30 acres of majestic river front property, Novitas Academy is a unique fully accredited therapeutic boarding school for boys ages 14-18.  The program is designed to meet the needs of young men struggling with life skills, learning differences, lack of academic motivation, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and mild to moderate behavioral and emotional problems.  Novitas is a relationship-based program that strives to help our students build their self-esteem and self-confidence through discovering and nurturing their strengths, passions and dreams.  Our goal is to help our boys reach their goals. 
Group of teens jumping over fence
Moonridge Academy’s Clinical Team Receives Advanced Certification In Equine Assisted Counseling
Published May 10, 2017Moonridge Academy
Category: Trainings | Conferences

Equine Assisted Counseling and Therapy has long been a mainstay of clinical intervention at Moonridge Academy, a small residential treatment center that specifically meets the needs of younger girls ages 11-15.  Equine Therapy is experiential in nature.  This means that students will learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with horses.  Activities include leading a horse, grooming a horse, haltering a horse and maneuvering the horse to complete specific tasks.  The participant then processes their feelings, actions and behaviors after they complete the activities.   At Moonridge Academy, therapists have found that working with horses has helped the students learn emotional regulation, creativity, problem-solving skills and better communication skills.  Horses are extremely sensitive to a human’s emotions and they respond accordingly.  This makes a horse a wonderful team member with a girl's therapist to help a girl learn more about herself and how she approaches the world.  Working with the horses, girls begin to feel successful, sometimes for the first time in their lives.  For these reasons, therapists at Moonridge Academy utilize Equine Assisted Counseling on almost a weekly basis. 

The Moonridge Academy Clinical Director, Recreation Director, Executive Director, Equine Director and therapists recently spent 3 days working with Pegasus Training to receive advanced training and certification in Equine Assisted Counseling (EAC).  Not only did this advanced training provide the clinical team with more insights, activities and ideas to improve the Equine Therapy already being provided, but it also helped the clinical team bond and communicate better.  The clinical team is consistently looking to improve and advance their expertise in clinical modalities to help the students at Moonridge Academy heal.  

 

 

Moonridge Academy is a CERTS Program in beautiful Southern Utah with 16 beds, and is specifically designed for younger girls, ages 11-15.  Younger girls need a younger environment, without the influence of older girls' more sophisticated or advanced issues.  Moonridge takes a young approach to therapy and intervention, even our DBT program is taught and delivered at this specific age range level.  Moonridge is intensive residential treatment for girls with issues of trauma, emotional regulation, depression, family conflict and beginning stages of self-harm or substance experimentation. Traditional schooling is provided and Moonridge uses play and laughter to connect, a warm family environment to protect, and deep therapy to inspire and create change.
Boulder creek academy
Award Winning Animator and Documentary Filmmaker Presents at Boulder Creek Academy
Published May 10, 2017Boulder Creek Academy
Category: Programming | Trips | Visitors

Award winning animator and documentary film maker Dustin Grella captivated Boulder Creek Academy students and staff who assembled to hear his life’s journey to personal success.

Dustin Grella, whose film "Prayers for Peace" won more than forty awards and whose work has screened at renowned film festivals including the Cannes Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival and the Ottawa International Animation Festival, was brought to the campus by My Own Beat (MYO), a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to expose students to formative skills through direct interactions with successful practitioners in diverse fields. Boulder Creek Academy will host three more presentations featuring renowned artists and filmmakers in ensuing months.

MYO was founded by the father of an adolescent who is enrolled in a treatment program. His dream is to connect and inspire students who are in a therapeutic placement by introducing accomplished professionals and their work in the humanities, arts and sciences to enable youth to explore and develop life and career goals through direct interaction. 

The presentation included an interactive, hands-on art project, where students worked to create their own animation. In addition, a reception followed and students were able to connect personally with Grella. In preparation for the presentation, students had classroom assignments to help engage and educate them on the speaker and his career.

“Our students enjoyed a wonderful afternoon with a gifted artist. He was well-received and everyone enjoyed the presentation. It was a bonus to have some of our students help with the presentation. One student mastered the lighting and sound and others pitched in as well,” explained Boulder Creek Academy Executive Director Lisa Hester.

 
 
 
About Boulder Creek Academy
For 24 years, Boulder Creek Academy has focused on meeting the unique needs of adolescents, ages 13 to 18, whose needs are not being met in a traditional school setting. At Boulder Creek Academy students rediscover their academic and social confidence. The key to our success is that we reignite our students’ belief in themselves by utilizing time-tested and proven methods. Students begin to experience academic achievement, regain self-esteem, learn to embrace their uniqueness and become capable learners who are confident in themselves. The campus is situated on 180-acres at the base of the Cabinet Mountains in northern Idaho. Students are accepted for enrollment year-round.
Skyland trail logo
Treating Borderline Personality Disorder In Our Residential DBT Program
Published May 10, 2017Skyland Trail
Category: Programming Evolution

Skyland Trail has amended admissions criteria to accept clients ages 18 and older with a primary diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD). For many years, adults with a primary mood or thought disorder and co-occurring BPD have successfully engaged in the residential dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) program at Skyland Trail. The new admissions criteria expands the residential DBT program to adults with a primary BPD diagnosis.

Clients who enroll in the DBT residential treatment program at Skyland Trail often have symptoms that include impulsivity, self-injurious behaviors or frequent suicide attempts. They also often have extreme emotional reactions and "stormy" relationships. Most have not developed healthy coping skills for handling stress or emotional discomfort. 

Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, has been proven to be an effective therapeutic approach for helping individuals who struggle with BPD or emotional disregulation manage their symptoms, feel safe and accepted, improve relationships, and live a life worth living. Clients who admit to the residential DBT program may step-down to the nonresidential day treatment and intensive outpatient programs as their skills improve.

The Skyland Trail program addresses stage 1 of DBT therapy, which focuses on attaining foundational skills and capacity to manage suicidal behaviors, therapy-interfering behaviors, major quality-of-life-interfering behaviors, and deficits in behavioral skills. DBT creator Dr. Marsha Linehan describes the goal of stage 1 as "moving from being out of control of one's behavior to being in control."

As part of the intensive 90-day program, clients develop practical strategies to cope with intense emotions so that they can prevent repeat hospitalizations, practice healthy coping skills, and build trusting relationships with therapists. As clients complete the intensive program, they become familiar with the shared language and framework of DBT, and learn and practice DBT skills to effectively participate in therapy and supportive social relationships. After leaving the program, clients are prepared to continue therapeutic work on an outpatient basis in the community.

Nicole andra and sarah rothstein
The Aspiro Team Welcomes Nicole Andra and Sarah Rothstein, LCSW
Published May 10, 2017Aspiro Wilderness Adventure Therapy
Category: Personnel Changes

Aspiro is very excited to announce two additions to the team, Nicole Andra and Sarah Rothstein, LCSW.

Nicole Andra has joined as the Admissions Counselor, bringing her passion for working with adolescents.  In 1997 Nicole began working hands on as a mentor with students in the Residential Treatment Center, where she enjoyed making a difference in their lives and being a part of the change process.  As Nicole began her own family, she shifted her role to helping families through the admission process and supporting parents through that emotional time.  As a parent of four children, Nicole understands how the whole family is impacted by treatment, as well as the importance of including the family through the healing process. “I love working in Admissions, as it allows me to form strong relationships with families, built on a high level of trust.  I understand the difficulties and stressors families face when enrolling a child in treatment, and am dedicated to helping them through this. I love to see the impactful changes their child makes and to have been a part of that process.”  Nicole is a native of Southern Utah, where she attended Southern Utah University studying Psychology. 

Nicole is the middle child of 9 and was nicknamed "Cinderella" by her mother, due to her reliability and her tendency to always take care of everyone and their needs.  This quality has carried over into her career through her responsible and caring way of working with families and professionals.

 

Sarah Rothstein, LCSW, clinical wilderness therapist has also joined the team.  Sarah grew up in Pennsylvania and New Jersey watching both of her parents work in helping professions, which influenced her greatly and motivated her to do something meaningful in her career.  Making a difference was important to Sarah, so she decided to become a therapist to help people create quality lives and discover their own path in doing so.

Sarah attended Drew University in New Jersey for her undergraduate degree and Columbia University for her MSW, where she began fulfilling her ambition to become a therapist. It was very important for her to help others dealing with mental health challenges. She says, "talent, career, success and finances don't fall into place or matter if mental and emotional stability are lacking."  

Sarah began her career in an acute mental health hospital, a rehabilitation center for substance abuse disorders, and has also been a therapist in an outpatient setting. Sarah spent the past 2 years as a clinician at a therapeutic boarding school, where she helped students and families build the skills needed to transition home or to a college setting. 

It was in that boarding school setting that Sarah determined that she especially enjoyed working with adolescents.  She said, "I love discovering the big hearts they have inside but are often masking. And I especially find joy when kids finally understand the person they are underneath the behaviors and noise they are creating in life. I love seeing them break through that oppositional behavior, using small moments in therapy to redefine who they are. It is wonderful to watch them create change through developing a healthier and more complex view of their identity."

Sarah is trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement & Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), the Seven Challenges, and Gottman Couples Therapy, which she finds beneficial in working through all types of relationships and relationship dynamics.

Due to her love for the outdoors, she moved to Utah after graduate school to spend some time skiing and ended up staying.  She enjoys camping, backpacking, skiing, hiking and participating in her community co-op garden.   Sarah is very excited to join the Aspiro team. She believes the outdoors is an ideal setting to heal, create space for reflection, shut off the noise of the world, and reconnect with what is true and real in life, and in oneself. Sarah explained, "I have built my life around time outside and being in the wilderness, so combining my love for that with my career, by working at Aspiro, is the perfect setting for me. I am excited to share that passion with my students and families."

 

 
About Aspiro
With treatment-specific programs located in Utah and Costa Rica, Aspiro’s mission is to be the most clinically-advanced outdoor behavioral health program in the world, providing safe, dynamic, highly effective treatment modalities that are backed by empirical research. Aspiro is a short-term Wilderness Adventure Therapy program serving adolescents ages 13-17 and young adults ages 18-28 with varying degrees of social, emotional, and behavioral challenges.
Potomac programs logo
Vive Announces New Team Members And Streamlined Services
Published May 10, 2017Embark Behavioral Health
Category: Programming Evolution
Vive has had some exciting evolutions over the past few months. At the Independent Educational Consulting Association (IECA) conference in Denver, Vive will be sharing new streamlined services and packaging with referral partners. The new packaging will allow our Vive teams to better serve families and truly encompasses the Vive philosophies and standards.
 
Vive has also had some exciting new additions to their leadership team. These additions are some of the most respected and seasoned professionals in our field.
  • Audrey Peavey: joins the Vive Team as Director of Outreach. Audrey has over 17 years of experience in the family choice behavioral healthcare industry. She brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion to the team.
  • Marcy Clark: Marcy joins the Vive Team as Director of Admissions. Marcy has worked at Sunrise RTC (UT) in various roles over the past 4 years. Marcy brings a natural ability to connect with and support families.
  • Melissa Iacovacci: Melissa has been promoted after many years as a regional director for Vive, to our National Clinical Director.
Vive has also promoted a few of the mentors and coaches to new positions of leadership as regional directors in a few of the markets we serve. Vive has built an amazing team with Leah Madamba leading the way of providing quality services and support to families in their home communities. These innovative new directions will only continue to improve the quality of services to the families that are served.
 
 
About Vive Family Support Program
Vive Family Support Program works with families in their home and their community to create strong, lasting relationships. Vive support teams are available "in the moment" when family issues or crises arise and communication breaks down. Vive supports the entire family system, working side-by-side in an experiential and community-based approach. Vive is located in Boston, NY + tri-state, Washington D.C. metro, Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, + Denver/Boulder.

 

 

 

New haven logo
New Haven Announces New Executive Director
Published May 10, 2017New Haven Residential Treatment Center
Category: Personnel Changes

It is with great excitement that New Haven announces Matt Bartlett, M.Ed., LMFT, as the sole Executive Director of New Haven Residential Treatment Center. Matt has been in the industry for 15 years, and with New Haven for the past nine years. Matt has been serving New Haven as Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs Campus for the past two years, and will now oversee New Haven’s campuses.

Matt has extensive experience working with complex adolescent females and complicated family systems. During his time with New Haven, he has increased quality of care and has been integral in the success of countless families who have come in search of healing. His experience and vision for New Haven will certainly carry New Haven into the future as New Haven continues to be a premier program for young women and their families.

John Stewart, LCSW, New Haven’s former Executive Director, will be working at New Haven’s parent company, InnerChange, in an outreach and clinical support role. John is looking forward to spreading his influence to New Haven’s sister programs. New Haven extends great appreciation for the wonderful work he has done at New Haven over the last 17 years.

 
 
 
About New Haven Residential Treatment Center
Founded in 1995, New Haven Residential Treatment Center has been an industry leader in treatment for young women since its inception. We serve adolescent females, ages 12-18. New Haven is clinically intensive with an emphasis on family involvement, healthy relationships, academics, love and service. New Haven is a fully licensed professional Residential Treatment Center, located in rural Utah, just south of Salt Lake City.
Young adult recovery network logo
Carolinas Symposium On Young Adult Treatment
Published May 10, 2017Red Oak Recovery and The Willows at Red Oak Recovery
Category: Trainings | Conferences

Red Oak Recovery and Bradford Health Services, for the benefit of the Young Adult Recovery Network (YARN), present the Carolinas Symposium on Young Adult Treatment. This conference will be held in Asheville, North Carolina, June 8-9, 2017 at the Crown Plaza Hotel and Resort. The conference website to learn more about sponsorship or exhibit opportunities and registration is now available.  There is a limited number of attendees, be sure not to wait.

Eleven different speakers lined up for the Young Adult Recovery Network event.  There are interventionists and therapists who specialze in different areas of treatment and recovery services for young adults.    

 

About Red Oak Recovery
Red Oak Recovery is located in the pristine Blue Ridge Mountains, just north of Asheville, NC, and is the result of extensive experience and research for developing highly effective programming to create a foundation of long-term recovery for young adults. The program uniquely blends quality clinical care, adventure therapy, experiential therapy, 12-step work and social skills development to create positive, and lasting change.
Cosette rae
The Growing Use And Abuse Of Digital Media By Adolescents And Emerging Adults
Published May 10, 2017Optimal, Edu Options
Category: The Lighter Side

Educational Consultants play a critical role in matching struggling families with appropriate models of care in the treatment community. Consultants are ideally positioned to connect their clients to resources that can focus on a client’s anxiety or depression, while also addressing screen use and dependence. At this point of emerging awareness, we must rely on professionals within the industry to assess for both mental health and screen dependence. Currently, many mental health professionals do not test for video game or technology overuse or dependence, have not received formal training in process addictions, and struggle to keep up with the ever-changing digital landscape. Their assessment results may indicate a variety of alarming mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, or trauma, but will likely miss the key markers associated with problematic screen use or dependence.

 

Professionals find themselves chronically blindsided by a whole new paradigm of brain changing, behavioral altering devices which leave even the best professional at an utter loss for measuring this new phenomenon. Therefore, once we begin to address screen dependence in those seeking our services, it is incumbent upon us to ensure that we, as the referring professional, adequately screen for problematic digital use, regardless of professional trends. The Brief Internet Game Screen (BIGS) and the Brief Internet Game Screen for Parents (BIGS-P), designed by ReStart, are effective screening tools for use in your practice (click here).  The results of the BIGS-P screen may indicate struggles with problematic tech use occurring in the family system.

 

Five ways to be sensitive to parents when discussing technology issues use: 

  • Parents may feel alone in the struggle to help manage their child’s media use.

Talking Point: Listen, offer support, and educate family members on the nature of problematic tech use. By doing so, consultants likely become the first professional who truly “understands” what they’ve been going through. Connecting with you offers families a sense of hope.

  • Parents may feel a sense of shame or guilt about their son or daughter’s problematic tech use, believing they have failed as parents.

Talking Point: Assist family members in understanding their pivotal role in their child’s ability to embrace healthier, sustainable tech use.By recognizing the problem and taking action now, families join you as pioneers in this new digital arena.  Not by avoiding the problem, but by understanding how screen use plays a crucial role in their child’s academic achievement, mental health, family, and future relationships.

  • Parents may not know how to communicate their concerns about digital media use to their children.

Talking Point: Model healthy awareness and start the dialogue with young people and their parents on the importance of sustainable tech use, and the need to recognize problematic use early. Dig deeper during the assessment process regarding the ways digital media is used to avoid dealing with family or academic problems.

  • Parents may not understand the extent to which their children are engaging with digital media.

Talking Point: Encourage parents to be curious about their son’s or daughter’s activities online: Ask questions, observe and make notes about the trends they identify in their child’s tech use.

  • Parents may be in conflict with each other around what constitutes problematic use, and thus, what next steps for treatment looks like.

Talking Point: Encourage each family member to educate themselves on the addictive nature of digital technology. (See Adam Alter’s book, “Irresistible: The rise of addictive technology and the business of keeping us hooked”) the film “Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital World” and 60 Minutes recently had a segment called “Brain Hacking”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 When speaking with teens or young adults remember the following:

  • Youth resist terms used by professionals to describe treatment for problematic tech use, like “rehab”, “treatment,” and even the idea of “addiction” itself.

  • Think about phases like phrases like “balanced use”, “readjust priorities”, or “sustainable use” than “addiction,” “dependence,” or “abstinence.”  

 

Technology will continue to advance at a staggering pace, and parents are desperately seeking solutions to guide them and their children toward a future of limitless possibilities and enduring family ties. As a first responder to this technological crisis, we act as a lifeline to parents who feel as if they are watching their child’s life slip away. Treating technology over-dependence requires a clear understanding of the complex interactions between mental health and digital media use. Without screening for problematic tech use, professionals  run the risk of missing a determining factor in directing struggling families to the appropriate model of care.

 

 

Written By:

Cosette Rae, MSW, LICSW, Alison Takenaka, MA, Johnny Tock, MS, LMHC and Gail Curran, MS, MBA

Resources:
Screenagers, Growing Up in the Digital World
“Brain Hacking” 60 Minutes
Brightstone transitions
Curtis Foster Joins Brightstone Transitions As Program Director
Published May 10, 2017Brightstone Transitions
Category: Personnel Changes

Brightstone Transitions is excited to announce Curtis Foster as the new Program Director.  Curtis brings a strengths-based approach and 30 years of experience working with clients in varying levels of treatment, building teams and programs, developing human resources and leading teams of professionals. Curtis also has extensive experience in the Family Choice Behaviorial Healthcare industry at Wilderness Therapy programs to various levels of residential treatment and therapeutic boarding schools.

Curtis brings a great compassion for working with young adults and a teaching method that brings out the strengths in both the clients and staff. His expertise to continually improve the experiences of the clients at Brightstones Transitions and further developing staff. 

 

About Brightstones Transitions
Brightstones Transitions located in Gainsville, GA began in 2011, it is an innovative coaching and mentoring program for young men and women, ages 17.5 to 26. The young adults at Brightstones Transitions are struggling to achieve an independent life and most clients have the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Level 1 (what was Aspergers) or share similar characteristics. Brightstone utilizes a community integration model to move beyond program centered activities to help our clients in our community. We call this Independence through Application.
Brightstone transitions
Lydia Bishop Joins The Brightstone Transitions Team As Director Of Operations
Published May 10, 2017Brightstone Transitions
Category: Personnel Changes

Gainesville, GA: Lydia Bishop has joined the Brightstone Transitions team as Operations Director.  She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Kennesaw State University and soon after worked for Cherokee County as a probation officer. Lydia quickly recognized that many of the individuals she worked with in the judicial system needed resources and therapeutic support. Given this recognition, she returned to Kennesaw State University and received her Masters of Arts degree in Social Work.

Following her graduate program, Lydia began working with adolescents and young adults in various settings, including Drug and Alcohol Treatment Courts, Juvenile Detention, private practice and an in-home therapeutic family support program. Her most recent role as the Director of Admissions for a therapeutic program has given her the opportunity to support families across the country in need of community-based, therapeutic mentoring, parent coaching and family therapy.

Lydia brings to Brightstone her passion and commitment to supporting struggling families and is honored to be a part of the Brightstone team. 

 

 

About Brightstones Transitions
Brightstones Transitions located in Gainsville, GA began in 2011, it is an innovative coaching and mentoring program for young men and women, ages 17.5 to 26. The young adults at Brightstones Transitions are struggling to achieve an independent life and most clients have the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Level 1 (what was Aspergers) or share similar characteristics. Brightstone utilizes a community integration model to move beyond program centered activities to help our clients in our community. We call this Independence through Application. 

 

Jennifer ventrelle
EDGE Adds Registered Dietitian/Certified Personal Trainer To Enhance Student Wellness
Published May 10, 2017EDGE Learning & Wellness
Category: Programming Evolution

EDGE Learning and Wellness Collegiate Community is consistently identifying opportunities to provide students with the best opportunities to be successful.  With this objective in mind, EDGE has launched an enhancement to its wellness program.  Under the guidance of Jennifer Ventrelle, MS, RDN, CPT, EDGE students will participate in regular individual and group initiatives designed to assist them in further integrating principles of nutrition and physical activity into their daily lives.

Jennifer is a Registered Dietitian and the Lifestyle Program Director in the Department of Preventive Medicine at Rush University Medical Center. She earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois in Food Science and Human Nutrition and continued her academic pursuits at Rush University Medical Center, earning her Masters in Science. Jennifer is also a personal trainer certified in adult weight management and has expertise in the design and implementation of wellness programs focused on sustainable lifestyle change. She has more than 10 years of clinical and teaching experience in nutrition and physical activity. As a Certified Personal Trainer, Jennifer works at various health facilities in the Chicagoland area, and has driven extensive research in the areas of lifestyle modification through nutrition, fitness and stress reduction.

“We have found the right person to augment the work of our Therapeutic Life Coaches and Operations Lead in these areas.  Jennifer brings the knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to really support our students in making these important lifestyle changes,” according to Jason Wynkoop, Executive Director of EDGE Learning and Wellness.

Among her top priorities at EDGE is educating students on healthy nutrition and fitness behaviors and integrating those into their daily lifestyles.  “The students are going to hear me say ‘choices’ a lot because it’s important for people to understand that all food can play a role in a healthy diet,” said Jennifer.  “I hope to inspire the students to make new lifestyle choices such as eating better and moving more.” Experts agree that there is a link between wellness and mental health, as well as a strong correlation between academic success and wellness pursuits.  “Research has shown that nutrition and physical activity as integrative therapies, can have positive effects on both physical and psychological health and performance, such as increased autonomy, physical well-being, enhanced quality of life, and increased self-esteem and mood,” reports Jennifer.

In addition to the weekly fitness commitments that students have previously made, students will participate in individual assessments, goal setting, and fitness coaching. The shopping and meal planning facets of the program will be enhanced with an ongoing educational series and monthly interactive cooking demonstrations.  “The additional expertise and services give EDGE the opportunity to expand our healthy living promises to our students and parents,” noted Wynkoop.  “We plan to keep raising the bar for what wellness means in the college experience.”

 
 
 
About Edge Learning and Wellness Collegiate Community 
EDGE Learning and Wellness Collegiate Community is an accredited transitional living program located in Chicago, IL. EDGE offers therapeutically supported residential and non-residential options for post-treatment young adults. The participants, ages 18 -24, are striving to excel academically, while creating a life of balance, joy and wellness.
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reSTART Life Named Among World’s Most Innovative Companies Of 2017
Published May 10, 2017reStart Life
Category: Programming Evolution

reSTART, a recovery center for teens and emerging adults with problematic tech use, is catching the eye of mainstream media. FastCompany.com recently named reSTART Life as the world's seventh most innovative company in the gaming sector, a list that is topped with companies such as Twitch, Sony, Blizzard and Nintendo.

With the advancement of digital media, VR and gaming technology, much is still to be gained from an understanding of what it means to use technology sustainably. While most of the companies in the gaming category create products, reSTART instead offers a service. A service, some would say, that will grow in need as technology advances in exceptional ways. By shining a spotlight on reSTART's innovative care, providers and consumers alike raise awareness to the potential of problematic use. In a positive step forward, internet and gaming addiction are being brought to the foreground as both present and treatable. 

Since its humble beginnings in 2009, reSTART has helped emerging adults ages 18-30 find their way back from the profound isolation, depression and anxiety often associated with problematic video game, social media and tech use. With the opening of its new adolescent campus, reSTART now offers teens ages 13-18, and their families, a hands on model for connecting with what matters most -- life. 

 

 
About reSTART Life, LLC
Headquartered in Fall City, Washington, reSTART is a leading advocate of healthy sustainable digital media use (internet, VR, and videogames) for people and the planet. reSTART offers staffed residential care for youth (13-17) and life sharing retreats for adults (ages 18-30), along with independent living support.
Dave slater
Dave “Red Hawk” Slater Recipient of the Excellence in Service Award at the 2017 Regional NATSAP
Published May 10, 2017Evoke Therapy Programs
Category: Personnel Changes

Dave “Red Hawk” Slater received the Excellence in Service Award at the 2017 Regional National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) conference in St. George, UT.

Red Hawk has been a field instructor with Evoke Entrada for over 7 years, and including his time spent working with another treatment program, has been in the field for well over a decade. He has a wealth of experience and knowledge that pervades the work he does with Evoke participants, as well as mentoring his fellow staff members. He embodies the qualities of enthusiasm, creativity, hard work and passion.

He is also undisputedly the "hardskills" master at Entrada.  Regularly Red Hawk encourages and coaches the Evoke Entrada participants to try new and empowering projects like hand drills, pump drills, wooden chains and even a collapsible stool. He is a strong believer in the basics of wilderness therapy, and can be relied upon to bring the focus back to hiking, busting a fire and camp life. From these activities he is able to utilize metaphor and personality to draw deep connections for the participants, and foster an environment where they can change and grow. He consistently pushes himself out of his comfort zone to respond to feedback, role modeling for all of the Evoke instructors what it means to be dedicated to the growth process. Red Hawk’s dedication to Evoke's participants, instructors and program make him a valuable addition to the treatment team.

 

 

About Evoke Therapy Programs
Evoke Therapy Programs at Entrada, in Santa Clara, Utah provides innovative mental health treatment solutions for struggling teens, young adults and their families. Their programs foster lasting change utilizing the power of nature and Wilderness Therapy. They also offer Personal Growth Intensive Workshops for individuals and families that are looking to create dynamic changes in their life or to simply find the balance they are seeking.
Summit website screenshot
Summit Prep In Montana Launches New Website
Published May 10, 2017Summit Preparatory School
Category: The Lighter Side

This week, Summit Prep unveils their new and improved website. Please visit the website at www.summitprepschool.org.

 

Summit Prep’s Mission Statement

To Transform the Lives of Teens by Promoting Emotional Maturity, Academic Success, and Healthy Relationships.

 

Statement of Diversity

Summit Preparatory School desires is to encourage diversity and inclusiveness. Their developmental model is based on the premise that promoting healthy maturity entails helping teens adjust to life in the real world, and so Summit Prepartory seeks to promote as normalized a treatment setting as possible. This extends to choices of therapeutic activities, campus design, campus location, recreational choices, and social activities, and also extends to creating a diverse student population so students learn to interact positively with teens different from them.

This helps prepare students for the diversity of the real world once they leave Summit.

What this means for Summit Preparatory families is that at times participating families get well-acquainted with persons quite different from them, in regard to race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression (transgender), age, sexual orientation, national origin (ancestry) and disability. Summit Preparatory intends these interactions as "wonderful opportunities for personal growth for your teen" as students acclimate to diversity within Summit’s supervised and nurturing environment. This life-styling is good practice for the real world.

 

 

About Summit Prep
Summit Preparatory School is an accredited private, non-profit, co-ed therapeutic boarding school located on 520 acres near Kalispell, MT.  Summit integrates professional therapy and college prep academics within a nurturing and dynamic community that energizes and challenges adolescents to succeed and transform their lives. Grounded in the concepts of the Summit Model, the program focuses on promoting the development of healthy psychological and social skills. The campus is close to Glacier International Airport (FCA) and is less than an hour from Glacier National Park.

 

Cake next to vase of tulips
3 Ways Onward Transitions Is Marking First Anniversary
Published May 10, 2017Onward Transitions
Category: Programming Evolution

Onward Transitions for emerging adults in Portland, Maine is marking the anniversary of their first member enrollment by investing in and committing to the future of the organization and its members in these three powerful ways: 

 

1. Professional Development

Co-Founder and Clinical Director Darrell Fraize has just completed 50 hours of training towards certification as an Advanced Clinical Supervisor. This allows Darrell to provide improved leadership to our staff and interns, and enhance the delivery of service to all members. Additionally, the health and wellness coordinators have recently completed Safe Zone training for creating powerful effective LGBTQ and ally awareness at the University of Southern Maine. 

 

2. Celebration

In honor of member and staff successes and growth and to mark the end of the academic year, Onward Transitions is hosting a traditional Maine lobster bake at the Pine House on May 25th. Notably, one member has successfully transitioned from both the Pine House and the Neighbors program and is returning to NYC to attend college full time in the fall. 

 

3. Refinement of our Mission Statement

Onward Transitions guides and supports bright, motivated emerging adults towards sustainable and independent living and the formation of meaningful reciprocal relationships through engagement with Portland's greater community. 

 

 

About Onward Transitions
 
Onward Transitions is a comprehensive, non-residential independent living service that supports young adults, ages 18-27 living independently in the neighborhood of their choice in Portland, Maine. Our members choose and live in their own apartment from day one. They do not ever live with us. Members' challenges include anxiety, depression, executive functioning and meeting the requirements of launching towards independence. 
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2017 Autism Symposium in Park City, UT August 21st-22nd
Published May 10, 2017Aspiro Wilderness Adventure Therapy
Category: Trainings | Conferences

The 5th Autism Symposium will be held August 21-22, 2017 at the beautiful Grand Summit Lodge in Park City, UT. The Autism Symposium was created to bring more awareness to the increasing need of services for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and to facilitate conversations on the most pertinent topics regarding these students and their families. This symposium has been highlighting top notch treatment approaches and providing insights that continue to aid professionals that serve this population.  

The Autism Symposium features cutting-edge workshops by leading experts in the field of Autism and an informative panel discussion, as well as collaboration with like-minded colleagues within the industry. The popularity of the symposium has been growing every year. Space is limited, register online today, here.

 

 

The Autism Symposium
The Autism Symposium was created in order to bring more awareness to the increasing need for services for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and to facilitate conversations on the most pertinent topics regarding these students and their families. With this symposium, the hope is to highlight top notch treatment approaches and provide insights that will continue to aid professionals that serve this population.  
Josh Watson, Jason Cox, Shannon Weaver and Sean Haggerty and you can email here.
The symposium is sponsored by Brightstone Transitions (GA), Vantage Point Aspiro (UT), and Daniels Academy (UT).
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Living Well and Fulshear Team Up To Present On Young Adult Treatment
Published May 10, 2017Living Well Transitions
Category: Trainings | Conferences

As the Independent Educational Consultant Association’s (IECA) Spring Conference draws near, Living Well Transitions and Fulshear Treatment to Transition have prepared a dynamic pre-conference workshop, Exploring Attachment and Acceptance in Young Adult Treatment, taking place on May 10th in beautiful Boulder, CO.

Fulshear’s Executive Director Nikki Preece and Executive Clinical Director Kevin Randall will present The Fulshear Adult Attachment Model™, which was developed in response to talking with clients who have had extensive experience in therapeutic environments, yet still felt that what they knew about themselves was “nothing good.” Armed with this information, Nikki and Kevin felt that Fulshear needed to provide something different than what had been done before, thus the Adult Attachment Model™ was born. To learn more about this model click here.

Carl Baccellieri, Executive Director at Living Well Transitions, will provide an in-depth training on the applications of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in young adult treatment. ACT is uniquely suited to the young adult population, due to its focus on valued living – the intentional act of engaging in what matters most to them, even in the presence of the aversive experiences that accompany living in a way where a young  adult’s love, work and worldview are at stake.  The more they care, the scarier it is to really show up to their lives.  Attempts to control their exposure to this fear by avoiding circumstances that trigger this fear, or else avoiding knowing what they truly care about, are ultimately unworkable in that they leave young adults living smaller and smaller lives of less and less freedom to act.

Clinicians working with an ACT approach are able to offer emerging adults an alternative to the all-too-common trap of attempting to “not adult today”, as a solution to the challenges of adult life.  As emerging adults learn to open to their experience as it is, without the attempt to control it, they paradoxically develop the psychological flexibility to move in the direction of what they truly care about.  This is the basis for the kind of adulting that leads to adult lives of meaning, connection and love. 

 

About Living Well Transitions
Living Well Transitions, in Boulder, CO, has been treating young adults like young adults since 2004, by offering intensive individual and group therapy along with life skills counseling to young adults ages 18-32 in a real-world, independent living environment. Living Well helps clients struggle less by developing self-acceptance, values clarity and the courage to take action, no matter the circumstance, so they can lead purposeful lives in alignment with their core values.
Ashley green
Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness Strengthens Family Services With Ashley Green, LCSW
Published May 10, 2017Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness
Category: Programming Evolution

The team at Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness continues to strengthen the wilderness therapy program and propel forward with their vision of weaving together the inherent healing of a nomadic wilderness experience with advanced clinical skill. As part of Blue Ridge’s continuing commitment to their vision, they have refined and augmented their family services component with Ashley Green, LCSW moving from her Primary Therapist role with Footsteps into the full time role of Family Services Therapist.

This is a steadfast enhancement to Blue Ridge’s clinical programming and the company is proud to offer this supportive service to parents with a child in the wilderness therapy program. Blue Ridge believes that addressing family dynamics and improving communication between parents and children throughout the process is paramount. Both the Primary Therapist and the Family Services Therapist work closely together to individualize treatment for each student and tailor family services to each family in a way that is consistent with their needs. Blue Ridge continues to offer weekly, parent-to-parent mentoring in the form of a group call facilitated by Ashley. And so, in addition to a call with the Primary Therapist and the parent-group conference call, Ashley will offer a supplemental individual call with parents each week.

Ashley runs Parent Workshops on a monthly basis and parents are invited to attend once or more throughout their child’s time at Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness. Workshops provide direct experience with clinicians, field instructors, other parents, as well as experiential activities. The goal is to educate parents on healthy parent-child relationships while connecting parents to helpful tools.

 

 

About Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness 
Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness offers clinically driven programs encompassing advanced therapeutic skill, a highly flexible nomadic wilderness model, licensed wilderness therapy assessment, and multiple treatment options for troubled teenagers and pre-teens ages 10-18 years old. Our individualized approach, family support, and commitment to service translate to an unparalleled experience and better outcomes for adolescents and families. 
Jeremy nunnelley
The Footsteps Program At Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness Welcomes Jeremy Nunnelley, LPC
Published May 10, 2017Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness
Category: Personnel Changes

The Blue Ridge team is thrilled to announce the addition of Jeremy Nunnelley, LPC, as the new Primary Therapist for Footsteps. By bringing Jeremy on board, Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness is expanding the unique programming for co-ed, middle school-aged students, who are often called “Footsteppers”. This group will continue the use of the hybrid basecamp model, which is developmentally appropriate for these particular students, ages 10-14, to spend time regrouping and working on experiential activities and art projects.

Jeremy comes to Blue Ridge with 16 years of experience helping children and adolescents in various therapeutic settings. Having significant experience in outdoor therapeutic programs, wilderness programs, therapeutic boarding schools and a public school district, Jeremy has a well-developed understanding of the emotional and behavioral problems with which many children and adolescents struggle. With a calm and compassionate presence, Jeremy is effective at challenging students to examine their behaviors along with the underlying thoughts and emotions. In working with younger students, Jeremy emphasizes emotional regulation and the development of strong therapeutic relationships. Once these important elements are in place, students invest in therapy and discover their capability for growth and change.

Jeremy has extensive experience treating adolescents who struggle with oppositional and disruptive behaviors, anxiety, depression, anger, trauma/abuse, attachment issues and mood dysregulation. Having privately taught effective parenting for several years, Jeremy is also skilled at coaching parents on how best to address their child’s challenges while promoting the development of strong family relationships. He has received training in and effectively employs many therapeutic approaches including Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and EMDR. Through active involvement in continuing education, Jeremy maintains an up-to date awareness of developments in neuroscience and its application to clinical practice.

Jeremy is a Licensed Professional Counselor who earned his Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Georgia School of Professional Psychology/Argosy University Atlanta. He will take new Footsteps students, ages 10-14, beginning May 9.

 

 

About Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness
Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness offers clinically driven programs encompassing advanced therapeutic skill, a highly flexible nomadic wilderness model, licensed wilderness therapy assessment and multiple treatment options for troubled teens and pre-teens ages 10-18 years old.  Our individualized approach, family support and commitment to service translate to an unparalleled experience and better outcomes for adolescents and families.
Group in front of beach clean up station
Pacific Quest Partners With All One Ocean Nonprofit
Published May 10, 2017Pacific Quest
Category: The Lighter Side

“Aloha ʻĀina, Aloha Kai!” That’s Hawaiʻian for “love the land, love the ocean.”  As a horticultural therapy program, Pacific Quest is well known for caring for the land, but taking care of the ocean is also important.  Pacific Quest students learn about the importance of protecting the ocean during weekly water outings and beach cleanups and frequent swims in Reeds Bay.  In an effort to increase marine stewardship, PQ recently partnered with All One Ocean nonprofit and installed two Beach Clean Up Stations, with two more on the way!

One of the stations was installed at the Young Adult campus at Reeds Bay and another at Richardson Beach. The other two stations will soon be installed at Carlsmith Beach Park. These stations will enable both Hilo beachgoers and PQ students to divert as much as 80,000 pieces of trash a year from the ocean and waterways, improving the lives of sea and land creatures, including humans. Beach Clean Up Stations are permanently mounted wooden boxes containing repurposed, reusable bags for collecting beach trash. Each station features children’s marine-themed art and signage showing how to use the station, the impact of marine debris and how to reduce trash production.

PQ students will use the Richardson Beach and Carlsmith Beach Park Stations during their beach cleanup outings, and the Reeds Bay Station several times a week.  It’s expected that the Richardson Beach and Carlsmith Beach Park Stations will educate 3,240 beachgoers a year about the harm human-generated trash causes to sea and land creatures and teach them how to reduce this waste. Each year, these stations will enable 1,080 beachgoers to remove 54,000 pieces of trash – which is definitely “Aloha ʻĀina, Aloha Kai!”

 

 

Pacific Quest built and installed these Beach Clean Up Stations in partnership with All One Ocean and the County of Hawaii. All One Ocean, a local nonprofit, has installed 37 Beach Clean Up Stations and four School Clean Up Stations, in Hawaii, California, Iowa and Alabama.

Pacific Quest is an outdoor therapeutic program for struggling adolescents and young adults that offers a clinical, yet holistic, approach to treatment. Our neurodevelopmental approach, combined with horticultural therapy, integrates evidence-based therapeutic methods, whole-person wellness and organic gardening to sustain a healthy community and motivate change. www.pacificquest.org

Equinox logo
Equinox RTC Is Excited To Announce The Addition Of Brainspotting To Its Clinical Programming
Published May 10, 2017Equinox RTC
Category: Programming Evolution

Equinox RTC is constantly seeking to remain on the cutting edge of therapeutic and neurologic treatment methodologies and decided to incorporate Brainspotting in our clinical programming. Brainspotting was created in 2003 by David Grand. It is a form of psychotherapy that uses the field of vision to access traumatic memories. This approach is an incredible combination of brain and body-based intervention as it uses the eyes to identify and access “brainspots" while engaging in auditory bilateral stimulation of the brain.  Healing takes place at incredible depth and speed.

In his 2013 book, Brainspotting The Revolutionary New Therapy for Rapid and Effective Change, Grand expresses that the motto of Brainspotting "where you look affects how you will feel." Brainspotting makes use of this natural phenomenon through its use of relevant eye positions. This helps the Brainspotting therapist to locate, focus, process and release a wide range of emotionally and bodily-based conditions.

Equinox Clinical Director Dan Hadley, MA LMFT, notes “Brainspotting is also valuable as a brain-based tool to support the therapy relationship between client and clinician. Brainspotting taps into and harnesses the body’s natural self-scanning, self-healing ability.” When a brainspot is stimulated, the deep brain reflexively signals the therapist that the source of the problem has been found. Dan Hadley continued, “it can also be used to find and strengthen our natural resources and resilience. Adolescents struggle significantly with the feeling that they are always going to fall short. This increase in resiliency is a significant indicator of positive outcomes for young men.”

Executive Director Kyle Gillett, PhD LMFT, commented, “Brainspotting is a natural way of addressing adolescent trauma issues.  It is a flexible approach and quickly addresses the neurological pathways connected to the trauma.  It is client led, allowing adolescents to quickly bypass the resistance to treatment.  Simultaneously, it helps to develop mindfulness skills naturally, leaving the adolescent with the knowledge that it is possible to heal from trauma.”

Dan Hadley concluded, “I have been a clinician and primary therapist for almost 30 years. This is the first time I have experienced such a natural and non-threatening process to deal so directly and quickly with trauma.”

 

 

About Equinox RTC
Equinox RTC is a leading residential treatment center for boys ages 14-18. Equinox focuses on Trauma, Loss and Attachment, providing clinically intensive treatment for young men struggling with anxiety, depression, OCD, ASD, learning disabilities, and other emotional and behavioral needs.  Equinox offers a one-of-a-kind combination of clinically sophisticated support with a whole child approach including adventure therapy, integrated Cross-Fit program, and a whole foods diet. Equinox provides a fully accredited academy, with broad course selections taught by licensed teachers in a college-preparatory environment.
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Trails Carolina Provides Therapeutic Support To Teens Struggling with Technology Addiction
Published May 10, 2017Trails Carolina
Category: Programming | Trips | Visitors

Trails Carolina, a wilderness therapy program for young people ages 10-17, offers therapeutic services which benefit teens who struggle with an addiction to video games, social media and other forms of technology.  Similar to other addictions or fixations, removing the source of the addiction and spending time away from technology can have a positive impact on an individual’s overall behaviors. A wilderness therapy environment can be the ideal treatment option for an individual obsessed or addicted to technology.

“Wilderness therapy is an effective intervention for teens who struggle with technology addiction,” comments Shalene Pierce MSW, LCSW, Primary Therapist at Trails Carolina. “In the woods, teens are completely unplugged. They have no access to social media or video games. Instead, they are given the opportunity to socialize with their peers face to face.”

Often, overuse of video games or social media is a symptom of mental health challenges such as social anxiety and depression. Teens may use technology as a form of escape from the real world and may even develop an identity online or in video games separate from their true self.

“Many of the young men I help are addicted to role playing video games like World of Warcraft,” says Leigh Uhlenkott, MS, LPCS, NCC, LMHC, Primary Therapist at Trails Carolina. “It allows them to become someone else and immerse themselves in a world where they have friends. They can play these video games for many hours at a time and their health suffers from it. They don’t get up to eat, use the restroom or sleep. As a result, they are constantly tired, irritable and sluggish. They also suffer socially as a result.”

Young people who spend all of their time playing video games or using social media don’t have to develop social skills out in the real world.

“Students come to me lacking the social skills they’ll need to be successful in face to face interactions,” says Uhlenkott. “They don’t make eye contact and have trouble carrying on a conversation. Fortunately, after some time at Trails they begin to gain some of those social skills. After they are removed from technology for some period of time, they don’t seem to miss their video games.”

When students transition home from Trails, therapeutic staff assist throughout the process. For those teens who have struggled with technology addiction in the past, many therapists recommend removing video games from the home altogether and putting parental controls on computers.

“Like any addiction, there needs to be restrictions enforced,” says Pierce. “After quitting video games or social media cold turkey, it’s important to make sure that your teen gets involved in as many extracurricular and social activities as possible in order to stay away from the temptation of technology. If there are no restrictions, teens will most likely go back to video games or social media like they never left.”

 



About Trails Carolina
Trails Carolina is a wilderness therapy program based just outside of Asheville, North Carolina that offers a multi-dimensional wilderness therapy model to troubled adolescents, ages 10-17. Trails capitalizes upon the profound effects of a student’s wilderness experience, and then combines that experience with strong clinical assessments and therapy. 




Summit achievement logo
Summit Achievement Now Offering Parent Coaching To All Families
Published May 10, 2017Summit Achievement
Category: Programming Evolution

Summit Achievement is excited to announce we now provide Parent Coaching to all of our enrolled families. Beginning this month, parent coaching sessions through Parent Coach Professionals are now a part of the Summit Achievements family programming. This service is in addition to the intensive family programming that Summit Achievement already provides: parents present for intake are asked to meet with the clinician, weekly counseling sessions with their child and a programmed family visit. 

The goal of Parent Coach Professionals is to support parents, provide education and help parents create new tools and strategies for working with their child. Every family who enrolls at Summit Achievement is provided six sessions with Parent Coach Professionals during their child's stay, or immediately following discharge. These over-the-phone sessions are available every 1-2 weeks during a student's time at Summit Achievement. Using skills based coaching, these sessions will cover topics such as parenting styles and roles, communication tools and strategies, parent learning styles vs student learning styles and boundary setting. This is an exciting new service for all the families who enroll at Summit Achievement to assist adapting the family system at home while their child is in the wilderness therapy program.

 

 

About Summit Achievement
Summit Achievement is, and always has been, guided by positive reinforcement and the power of choice. Our outcome-focused program employs effective therapeutic and educational principals. Through the process of engaging therapy, classroom academics and exciting wilderness expeditions, students experience the therapeutic benefits of outdoor adventure-based activities while learning to manage the demands of a more traditional environment. As an intentionally small, owner-operated wilderness therapy program, we serve adolescent boys and girls, ages 13-20, from around the world.
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Pure Life Adventure Presents on Millennials
Published May 10, 2017Pure Life Adventure
Category: Trainings | Conferences

Every generation is criticized for being entitled, lazy, and unmotivated and millennials are no exception. Andrew Taylor, Executive Director of Pure Life Adventure, presented on his research and experiences with millennials at the Wilderness Therapy Symposium in Asheville, NC on April 6, 2017. His presentation focused on previous generations and how their world views were affected by the political, economic, and social factors of their time. When utilizing that lens, Millennials are no different from previous generations.

The younger generations are always different and that makes older generations uncomfortable, however, they are no different in that they also are shaped by their environment. Millennials are our clients and our employees, we must understand them in order to help them. Pure Life delves deeper into this subject with the white paper, entitled Millennial Identity: Unique Aspects & How The Modern Young Adult’s Experience Shapes Identity.  In this white paper, Pure Life provides an overview of today’s young adult generation. The report focuses on unique aspects of millennial identity and how the modern young adult’s experience shapes that identity. The paper also provide tips for healthy identity development.  The Millennial Identity white paper can be found at: purelifeadventure.com/young-adult-identity-white-paper/.

 

 

About Pure Life
Pure Life Adventures is located in the Central Pacific region of beautiful Costa Rica. Relying on decades of experience in the Costa Rican outdoor industry, our bicultural team provides a therapeutically sophisticated and holistic approach to helping young adults with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, lack of motivation, executive function deficits, trauma and substance abuse. Our students are individuals with very real challenges looking for lasting change. Pure Life utilizes traditional individual and group therapy in combination with outdoor experiential learning and adventure. Our integrated and dynamic approach includes an emphasis on fitness, mindfulness, life skills and cultural immersion. For more information, contact us at (801) 896 9490.
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PRN For Families Offers Transition Support Package To Voyageur Outward Bound School Families
Published May 10, 2017PRN for Families / TRACKS by PRN
Category: Programming | Trips | Visitors

PRN for Families is excited to announce that our collaboration with Voyageur Outward Bound School (VOBS) will continue into its second season. Families who enroll in Voyageur Outward Bound’s Intercept courses will have the opportunity to take advantage of a post-course support program, offered exclusively to Intercept families by PRN for Families.  PRN for Families, a therapeutic industry expert in home-based outreach and transition services, will provide guidance, support, and case consultation to families that build off of the Intercept experience.

Through this collaboration, PRN for Families will provide customized transition support to participants of Voyageur Outward Bound School's Intercept courses, which is specifically designed for teens or young adults who may be struggling at home, in school or in other settings, as well as to their families. Intercept is a highly structured and facilitated program that removes students from the stressors and challenges of school, home, and peer relationships, and instead presents them with the healthy risks and real challenges of the natural world. Intercept courses focus on communication, conflict resolution and decision making tools.

Families benefit from targeted therapeutic support and guidance as they navigate the transition home, and through this collaboration, PRN for Families will be able to extend the support these families receive beyond the wilderness and into the home. PRN for Families’ services are designed to support families in sustaining and further developing the lessons, tools and resources they have gained through their participation in the Intercept program. PRN will provide structured transition plans, parenting support and daily mentoring calls for the student, as well as other customized support services to families who participate in the Intercept program.

 

 

About PRN for Families
PRN for Families is a home-based support program that serves families who have children or young adults who are struggling, or for whom an out-of-home placement may be necessary. Since 2003, PRN for Families has offered intensive at-home intervention, crisis support, transition and reunification services that empower and support families so that they may live together successfully and safely. 
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Happy 9th Birthday Solstice West
Published May 10, 2017Solstice West RTC
Category: The Lighter Side

In April, Solstice West celebrated its 9th birthday.  Solstice invited referral partners to join in on the fun-filled day, showing many of the activities that the students at the campus benefit from. The day started with an Equine experience at the Arrowhead stables, where they participated in a Love and Logic training. The guests then joined an art therapy experience with our art teacher and art therapist. Lunch was served for everyone on campus, where there was music, cake, games and of course singing Happy Birthday. Two of Solstice’s founders, Dan Stuart, Executive Director and Keoni Anderson, Addictions Program Director also spent time with everyone talking about the history of Solstice.

It's amazing to think it has been 9 years!  

Solstice was also able to show off some of their remodeling projects around their campus. The main lodge room was the first to receive some renovating which included paint, a new chandelier, light fixtures, rugs, curtains & beautiful new décor for the mantle and walls.  

A favorite focal point of the room is the new art piece above the fire place, a quote from Walt Whitman that reads, “Keep your face always toward the sun and shadows will fall behind you”.  This remodel has created a fresh, bright and cheerful room for Solstice girls to spend time in. 

 

 
About Solstice West RTC
Solstice West RTC was founded in 2008 in Layton, UT. We serve females and transgender students aged 14-18 as a licensed residential treatment center focusing on complex diagnoses, utilizing our clinicians' deep understanding of Trauma Based Therapy. As a clinically focused treatment provider, our clients receive individual, group and family therapy in conjunction with a variety of treatment modalities like Adventure Therapy and Equine Therapy program.  All the different treatment modalities offered assist clients in learning new skills kinesthetically and get to their core problems quicker.
 

 

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What Makes Journey Home Different?
Published May 10, 2017Journey Home West
Category: The Lighter Side

Journey Home West and Journey Home East have helped many young women transition successfully from a structured therapeutic environment into independent living. Transitional living programs are relatively new to the therapeutic world and often fall under two categories: structured programming which mirrors a residential treatment environment or independent living programs in which a student is completely autonomous. Our programs are unique in that we fall somewhere in the middle.

 

Aspects of our Journey Home programs that set us apart from other transitional living programs:

  • Gradual process towards independence: When students first arrive at Journey Home, they experience a level of structure similar to what they knew in residential treatment. We then gradually introduce more and more elements of independence. The overall goal is to have students live an independent, happy and successful life.
  • Small size: In each of the Journey Home programs, our population size is very small. We keep our numbers low in order to make sure each student is getting the individualized attention they need and deserve to continue their path towards lasting success.
  • Single-gendered: Unlike many other transitional living programs, our program caters specifically to young women ages 16-21. Our girls-only program provides a safe, nurturing environment for our students.

Treatment services on premises: Both Journey Home programs have therapeutic staff in the homes on a regular basis. This allows students to receive in-the-moment therapeutic services whenever it is needed.

 

 

About the Journey Home
Journey Home West was established in Layton, UT in 2008 after noticing there were limited options for our clients from Solstice RTC West needing a step down community based option. Journey Home West serves females aged 16-21 and provides structure for students while they learn independent living skills. Much of the structure and support provided by our 24/7 staffed home is managing electronic devices, managing free time and social life appropriately, and budgeting, shopping for groceries, and cooking meals.  
Clients enrolling at Journey Home have a previous therapeutic placement, where home was not an option afterward. They are provided with a therapist in the home to work on individual and family issues.
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Adventure Therapy at Solstice East
Published May 10, 2017Solstice East
Category: Programming | Trips | Visitors

Solstice East offers a unique spin on Adventure therapy that is unlike any other RTC. The students are taken off campus each Friday and Saturday to learn different modules and then they will go on many camping trips to practice those skills throughout the year. They have done white water rafting, hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, etc. They will also do other Experiential tasks, such as art therapy, cooking classes, and other hands on learning. 

The adventure therapists are also well versed in processing the Experiential part that pulls the students out of their comfort zones and illustrates, experientially, how they approach tasks is how they approach every day life. 

For example, they could be tasked with building their favorite animal out of clay. To provide motivation as well as realism, a catch might be that they only have one minute to build it. The adventure therapists would observe how they approach this task. 

  • Do they keep smashing it and starting over because it's not perfect? 
  • Do they watch others and compare their projects? 
  • Do they take the easy way out and roll a snake so they can be done quickly?  

After this task was completed, the entire group would reflect on the challenge and each student's approach and process why certain things came up. Experiential tasks are a very influential way for students to learn and grow. 

 


About Solstice East RTC
Solstice East serves females and transgender students aged 14-18 as a licensed residential treatment center focusing on complex diagnoses, utilizing our clinicians' deep understanding of Trauma Based Therapy. As a clinically focused treatment provider, our clients receive individual, group and family therapy in conjunction with a variety of treatment modalities like Adventure Therapy and Equine Therapy program.  All the different treatment modalities offered assist clients in learning new skills kinesthetically to help get to their core problems quicker.

 

Journey home east logo
Downtown Living for Journey Home East
Published May 10, 2017Journey Home East
Category: The Lighter Side

Journey Home East is a transitional living center for young women, ages 16-21, located in downtown Asheville, NC. There are plenty of benefits to the residents being downtown, as they are in walking distance to many fun activities. There is yoga, Friday night drum circle, restaurants, concerts, library access and more all within walking distance. Since many of our residents are young adults, it is important for them to feel connected to an independent lifestyle but to also provide the structure needed. 

Journey Home East has a licensed therapist in the home, who is also the Program Director: Brinkley Werley. She provides individual, family and group therapy. Brinkley understands the importance of having more structure than some other transitional programs. “Some of our students are coming from very structured environments and they still need to learn social skills,” comments Werley. “These young ladies are taken under the wing of older students who have more experience being out in the real world. They go out into the community and are able to model healthy social skills and provide coaching. This has been extremely helpful for students.”

The young women in the home are also helped by the various House Parents, who are able to make sure that they are sticking to their treatment goals and providing support as needed. They are also learning skills such as organization, cooking, cleaning, setting boundaries and other various life lessons that are learned in the process of developing real independence.

 

 

About Journey Home East
Journey Home East serves females aged 16-21 and provides structure for students while they learn independent living skills. Much of the structure and support provided by our 24/7 staffed home is managing electronic devices, managing free time and social life appropriately, and budgeting, shopping for groceries, and cooking meals.  
Clients enrolling at Journey Home have a previous therapeutic placement, where home was not an option afterward. They are provided with a therapist in the home to work on individual and family issues.
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Next Chapter Addiction Treatment In Florida Joins All Kinds Of Therapy
Published May 10, 2017All Kinds of Therapy
Category: News From allkindsoftherapy.com

All Kinds of Therapy is pleased to announce Next Chapter as a new advertising partner. Located in Florida and accrediated by The Joint Commission, Next Chapter focuses its work on young men and men in a holistic approach to treatment who may have a history of trauma, personality disorders, anxiety, depression, varying types of addiction disorders and in search of recovery.  This is a clinically intensive treatment provider with a psychiatrist on staff, individual therapy, group and family workshops.  "It is exciting to have a quality young men's treatment program on All Kinds of Therapy," said Jenney Wilder, creater of All Kinds of Therapy. "Gender specific treatment for young adult men is incredibly valuable and needed to ensure that trauma can be addressed in a safe treatment setting."

Since the Next Chapter patient may be complex in nature, they offer a wide variety of treatment modalities to assure clinical needs are met.  Steve Brenner is the Director of Admission, Hugh Nash is Director of Business Development and owners are onsite, in order to be involved in daily operations.  Next Chapter also recognizes that not all men need inpatient treatment and therefore offers workshops to address the treatment needs of men in a week long experience.    

 

 

About All Kinds of Therapy
All Kinds of Therapy is located in downtown Salt Lake City, UT. It is surrounded by cutting-edge private pay, family choice behavioral healthcare and substance abuse treatment industry for troubled teens and young adults. AllKindsofTherapy.com is the only independent, comprehensive online directory available with the ability to compare treatment options side by side. All Kinds of Therapy donates 1% of its net income to nonprofits that they believe encompass all types of education, all types of learning and all types of therapy.

 

Group of teens sitting in a circle on the grass
Elevations RTC Highlights Team Directors Role in Creating A Positive Milieu On Campus
Published May 10, 2017Elevations RTC
Category: Programming | Trips | Visitors

A positive milieu is a structured community environment which provides teens with the support they need to create lasting changes for emotional and behavioral challenges.  The milieu on campus helps students improve communication skills, feel like members of a team, and build a positive peer culture.  At Elevations, team directors play a large role in ensuring that the milieu on campus is supportive and healthy.

Jamie Clapier, team director of the Green Team on campus, works closely with her team to help each student achieve success.

“In my role, I help foster a positive peer culture, which promotes healthy relationship skills,” comments Clapier.  “A positive peer culture is created through trainings, in the moment coaching, and communication with all members of the treatment team.”

Practicing communication skills and working together as a team are important aspects of creating a positive milieu on campus. Tiffany Paquet, the team director for the Ruby and Diamond teams, describes her role in developing these skills: 

“I get to observe the different dynamics of each team and implement creative therapeutic interventions that foster a positive milieu,” comments Paquet. “ I also have the opportunity to give hands on coaching to our direct-care staff in order to provide the best possible client care.  Our multidisciplinary team act as role models for pro-social behaviors. By doing this we teach our students the skills necessary to help them build happy, successful lives. Working as a team helps break that ‘us versus them’ mentality. After all, I believe we learn just as much from them as they do from us.”

In addition to working closely with students to help build strong social skills, team directors track the progress students make.

“As a part of training and supporting milieu staff, I get to interact with every student on campus on a regular basis, often during challenging times,” comments Team Director Aaron Sceili. “This allows me to learn about each resident and see the progress they make, day in and day out. ”

Program Director Eric Flores, who oversees the team directors as well as the milieu programming in general, describes the team effort in creating a healthy, thriving culture on campus:

“Elevations is a family, a community of professionals who strive to achieve greatness,” says Flores. “This community continuously evolves standards and best practice applications in order to provide exceptional client-care. The knowledgeable and collaborative professionals at Elevations thrive at setting the standards that have defined it as a leader in the Adolescent RTC community.”

 

 

About Elevations RTC
Elevations RTC is a unique co-ed residential treatment center that works with students ages 13 - 18.  Elevations offers guidance, support and relief to students struggling with issues like trauma, depression, mood disorders, behavioral problems, and substance use. Elevations RTC is located in Utah and provides specialized, clinically intensive programs for troubled teens. 
Turn about ranch logo
Turn-About Ranch, RTC, Adds Operations Director Matthew Gould And Lead Therapist Rob Caldwell, LCSW
Published May 10, 2017Turn-About Ranch
Category: Personnel Changes

Turn-About Ranch is excited to announce two new additions to the Turn-About team.  Matt Gould is a Doctoral Candidate at Grand Canyon University, and will finish a degree in Organizational Leadership, circa summer 2017.  Matt received his Master’s Degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in Homeland Security Policy from Walden University (MN).  His Bachelor’s Degree had emphasis in Policy Administration.

Matt is happy to have found an opportunity to get back to the simple life and slow things down a little.  He brings years of experience in both HR and operations management, so Turn-About Ranch is excited to have him join the team. Matt is looking forward to fishing, camping, hunting, reading for fun and spending more time with family and friends. Matt loves music and if you stop by his office you are likely to hear his favorites stretching from the early 1800s-today.

Clinical Excellence and continued improvement are two values important to Turn-About Ranch.  That is why they are so excited to welcome Rob Caldwell, CSW, LCSW to the Turn-About Ranch Clinical Team.  Rob is a well-seasoned, experienced clinician and has worked with troubled youth and their families for the past 24 years.  In addition to working with Child and Family Services in the government and private sectors, Rob has considerable experience working in programs for struggling youth like Turn-About Ranch.  His experience as a Program Owner and Executive Director as well as a Program Director and Program Therapist provide added depth to Turn-About’s program. 

Rob has the unique and valued ability to not only engage teens and families in the treatment process, but to hold them accountable while nurturing self-awareness and growth.  Rob has received gratitude from families for how he helps them navigate a seamless transition from external details to internal reflection and accountantability. He has proven to be an excellent addition to the Turn-About Ranch Clinical Team.

Rob also enjoys all sports, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and giving his students a run for their money on the basketball court.  He values family above all and will work hard to help our clients maintain the integrity of their families as well.

 

 

About Turn-About Ranch
Turn-About Ranch is a co-ed RTC program that exists on a real working cattle ranch.  Turn-About Ranch has been in business for over 27 years and offers a guarantee for the program services they provide.  Turn-About Ranch provides services for teens struggling with Oppositional behaviors, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Substance Abuse, School Failure and parent relational problems.  In addition the ranch helps instill values such as hard work, integrity, responsibility, respect for self and others, honesty, and accountability.  Turn-About also offers a fully accredited school and students can enroll in credit recovery options.  
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Newport Academy Receives Joint Commission's Gold Seal
Published May 10, 2017Newport Academy CT
Category: Programming Evolution

Newport Academy has received the Gold Seal of Approval® accreditation from the Joint Commission for Behavioral Health Care. The Joint Commission is the nation's oldest and largest health-care accrediting body, setting the highest standards for health-care quality. This accreditation demonstrates Newport Academy’s commitment to excellence and unprecedented dedication to delivering effective, compassionate care to teens and their families struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues. 

“We are honored to receive the Gold Seal from the Joint Commission. The incredible team at Newport Academy did an amazing job ensuring that we met every requirement necessary to substantiate our impeccable quality of care as the top teen treatment provider in the US. The dedication of our staff is unsurpassed in offering the highest level of care to our clients. This award is a true testament to the excellence and expertise the team provides in all areas of treatment.” —Jamison Monroe, Founder and CEO of Newport Academy

 Newport Academy meets the Joint Commission’s rigorous performance guidelines for ensuring quality and safe care across all individual programs, including:

  • Residential: Newport Academy offers teen treatment in gender-specific male and female residential environments. 
  • Outpatient: The Newport Academy Day Treatment and Outpatient programs support adolescent mental health, long-term recovery, and development of life skills.
  • Day Schools: Newport Academy offers unique day schools for teens, providing a nurturing, comprehensive educational environment. Teens are able to heal in mind, body, and spirit while gaining high school diplomas or college credit and setting attainable goals for the future. 
  • Family Approach: The entire family participates in the treatment process at Newport Academy, through family therapy and ongoing communication between parents and the core treatment team. 

The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval® guidelines will also assist Newport Academy to further elevate its treatment programs, as well as its unique holistic approach, which encompasses clinical therapy, academic support, and experiential practices, such as adventure therapy, horticulture, yoga, and culinary arts. 

 

About Newport Academy 
Newport Academy is a series of evidence-based healing centers for adolescents and families struggling with mental health issues, eating disorders, and substance abuse. With locations across the United States, Newport Academy offers gender-specific, individualized, and comprehensive teen treatment programs that encompass clinical therapy, experiential modalities and academic excellence.
Offerings include inpatient residential treatment, intensive outpatient programming, recovery-based therapeutic day schools, and day treatment. Newport Academy nurtures the physical, psychological, social, educational, and spiritual needs of adolescents and their families, from a foundation of compassionate care, clinical expertise and unconditional love.
New roads logo
CEO Conducts DBT Training at Generations Conference
Published May 10, 2017New Roads Behavioral Health
Category: Trainings | Conferences

Eric Schmidt, MSW, LCSW, MBA had the opportunity to present "The Application of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Co-occurring Substance Use & Mental Health Disorders" at the 2017 Generations Conference.

Following his presentation, both Jordan Harmon and Diana Handy, DBT Practitioners from New Roads Behavioral Health, joined him in a one-day post conference training workshop. The title of the workshop, "Beyond the Basics of DBT" delves into the four key components of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. These components include skills training groups, individual treatment, DBT phone coaching and consultation teams. Eric has started offering this training to various treatment facilities across the country. All proceeds from these trainings are donated to the Utah Association of Treatment Providers. 

 


About New Roads Behaviorial Health
New Roads Behavioral Health’s family of treatment programs are based upon a holistic, community-focused treatment approach, with a foundation in research and results.  New Roads has residential treatment, transitional living, and outpatient options for their clients.  There are three distinct and completely separate programs within the residential and transitional living: Pathways to Healing (PATH), Women’s Road to Healing (Worth), and New Roads to Healing (NoRTH).  PATH is a dual-diagnosis treatment program for young men between the ages of 18-28 struggling with substance abuse and mental health concerns. WoRTH is a program designed specifically for young women that focuses on both substance abuse and mental health disorders (including borderline personality disorder) with a strong emphasis on Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).   NoRTH is designed to assist clients with severe mental health disorders in achieving independence by teaching them how to successfully live a life with their diagnoses.  
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Shave Your NASTY Hair Fundraiser For Cystic Fibrosis, June 2nd Salt Lake City
Published May 10, 2017All Kinds of Therapy
Category: The Lighter Side
All Kinds of Therapy, Discovery Ranch, Elements Wilderness Program, National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Program (NATSAP) TelosU, Vista and Youth Care are co-sponsoring a fundraiser -- "Shave Your NASTY Hair" for Cystic Fibrosis on June 2nd, 2017.   This dinner/fundraiser will occur after the NATSAP regional conference in Layton, UT from 5 pm - 10 pm in downtown Salt Lake City.
 
"Shave your NASTY Hair" is a family friendly event to raise awareness and money for CF research.  CF is a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time.  "We are in a helping profession and this is an opportunity to help a group outside of ourselves and eat tacos, relax, and watch me finally cut my hair for a cause that is close to me," said John Karren, co-founder of Elements Wilderness Program. Karren has not cut his hair in 3 years and is in need of a cut; Jenney Wilder offered to help arrange this event to get people to pay money to shave John's head.  "I will pay money to shave off that Professor Snape hair," said Wilder. "I expect I am not the only one who would love to cut off his nasty hair."    There are four other people who are cutting their facial hair and hair for the cause.  This is not an event to miss out on or donate to. 
 
For up to date details, pictures of those getting their hair cut, and to RSVP either go to Facebook or email Jenney Wilder at jw@allkindsoftherapy.com.  Be sure to RSVP for the whole family, the event organizers and sponsors do not want to run out of food. 
 
Location: 180 North State Street, Salt Lake City
Date: June 2nd, 2017, 5:00pm - 10 pm MT
Food: Taco trucks & drinks (5:30 - 7:30 pm)
Admission Fee: $5.00 admission fee for any attendee over 4 years old and the money goes straight to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation  
Donate: If you are unable to attend, please donate here.    
 
 

 

 

 

   

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