Unlike many adolescent programs that only provide treatment during the weekdays, the intensive program at Northwest Behavioral Healthcare Services provides structured, therapeutic groups and activities eight to ten hours a day, seven days a week.
By design, all the groups are small so that each individual receives the attention they need. The program is also designed such that there is a balance of group modalities including didactic (teaching), experiential (doing), and process-oriented (think about it and talk about it). Attending classes at our onsite school and participating in outdoor and indoor therapeutic recreation groups are also a daily part of our program. Teens regularly participate in individual and family therapy sessions. They also regularly meet with their psychiatrist. The typical day is a busy one, starting at 8 AM and ending around 10:30 PM with consecutive treatment activities in between.
Four or more groups with rich and diverse content occur simultaneously almost every hour, thus making it difficult to describe a “typical” schedule.
Some examples of group topics include: Stages of Change or 12-Step Modalities, Identifying Personal Triggers, Refusal Skills, Addiction and the Brain, Preparation and Planning for After-Care, Anxiety and Impulse Control, Thinking Errors and Cognitive Distortions, Yoga and Relaxation, Conflict Resolution Skills, Clarifying Your Values & Beliefs, Gratitude, Overcoming Depression, Coping with Cravings, Understanding Family Roles, and Anger Management.