As fall 2014 approaches and our adolescents return to the rigors of classes, homework, and grades, we are reminded that each student follows a unique path to graduation. Some will thrive as they encounter new social, intellectual, and scholastic challenges, while others may struggle to cope with new stressors. When an adolescent experiences an onset of psychiatric symptoms or begins using alcohol or drugs, there is little room for error. It is imperative to give that student the best chance possible at a successful recovery.
For over twenty years, school and community professionals have relied on the experts at High Focus Centers for making trusted recommendations, and providing treatment with accountability. High Focus continues to pride itself on clinical excellence and the integrity of its programs while also being committed to the development of specialized services that accommodate the needs of each unique individual
Adolescent Programming at High Focus Centers
Adolescent Psychiatric Program (Partial Care/IOP)
Adolescent Substance Abuse Program (PEAK/RISE/PATH)
Adolescent Co-Occurring Illness Program (IOP)
Last spring, High Focus Centers announced that adolescent programming would have a new look. It had become clear that there was a need for further individualization of treatment, in particular for those patients with a substance abuse disorder who simultaneously presented with an equally acute psychiatric condition.
The Co-Occurring Illness Program gives a difficult-to-treat population the greatest chance of achieving a positive outcome. Adolescents attend the IOP up to 5 days per week for psycho-education and process therapy groups specific to the dual diagnosis population. The program also consists of DBT skills training groups which provide essential coping skills in managing the stressors faced in day to day life. Weekly psychiatric sessions address pharmacological needs while random drug screens ensure that patients remain compliant and abstinent throughout their treatment.
Our enhanced treatment program for the co-occurring population provides a perfect complement to the strong programming already in place for adolescents. The Psychiatric Partial Care Program has emerged as the go-to resource for providers in New Jersey treating a patient in need of a significant psychiatric intervention. With six hours of programming for five days per week, this highly structured program often serves as a means of preventing an inevitable inpatient psychiatric stay. There are five groups per day along with a weekly psychiatric session, individual therapy session, and a family session. Students also receive 2 hours per day of school by a state licensed agency within our site.As the patient progresses they step down to the Intensive Outpatient Program, attending the program after school for three hours per day.
Substance Abuse Programming at High Focus is flexible and individualized, with 3 separate tracks for different client types:
- P.E.A.K. Program (Promoting Education, Awareness, & Knowledge)
Educational Program; 1 day per week for 6 weeks, 2 hours per day - R.I.S.E. Program (Risk Intervention & Substance Education)
Intensive Outpatient Program; After school 2 days per week, 3 hours per day - P.A.T.H. Program (Providing Addiction Therapy & Hope)
Addiction IOP; After school 3 – 4 days per week, 3 hours per day
Random, supervised drug screens are conducted throughout the program. The rich curriculum consists of education, process groups, and individual psychotherapy, along with psychiatric sessions to address any additional pharmacological needs.
As the school year progresses and the potential signs of substance abuse and/or psychiatric symptoms show themselves, remember that there is high quality treatment available that can address a variety of needs. Call (800) 877-FOCUS (3628) to schedule a level of care assessment in order to determine the proper course of action for your patient.
Thank you for continuing to trust High Focus Centers with the care of your patients in need.
