FAQs: Guardian Recovery’s Adolescent Program

Our adolescent program offers the full continuum of care, from medical detox and residential/inpatient care to our partial hospitalization program (PHP) with or without housing, our intensive outpatient program (IOP), and outpatient and aftercare options. Since treatment isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, your teen may progress from the most intensive form of care to the least intensive in a linear fashion—or they may skip some steps or even start right in the middle. No matter what level of behavioral care your teen needs, we meet you where you are.

Since each treatment program is customized to the unique needs of each teen in our care, no two care plans are alike. As such, costs vary dramatically. However, we accept most major insurance plans, and both mental health and substance use disorder care are typically covered by insurance. To know for sure how much you’ll pay and how much insurance will cover, reach out now for a free and confidential phone call. Our staff can answer your questions, discuss care options, verify insurance benefits, and discuss alternative payment options if necessary.

Simply put, we don’t just treat behavioral symptoms. We empower teens to identify and address the underlying issues driving their behavior. Core concerns such as trauma, environmental factors, and mental health disorders are the fuel that ignites behavioral issues, including everything from belligerence and truancy to indifference and substance use. Our holistic, evidence-based approach to adolescent care helps teens overcome immediate obstacles regarding substance use and mental health. However, it also enables them to build a rock-solid foundation for lifelong resilience and well-being. Addressing physical, mental, emotional, social, behavioral, and academic concerns at the same time, we foster whole-life transformations for you and your teen.

Quality treatment centers located in your backyard can be convenient and easy to access. However, they’re also situated near old triggers, which can heighten the likelihood of relapse, particularly in the early stages of recovery. And especially for teens, separation from the peer groups and environments that influenced their behavioral issues can be a welcome reprieve and can provide the distance to mentally and emotionally reset and restart. While certainly not required, putting a bit of distance between adolescents and their triggers can be beneficial.

Families are a powerful force of change. Guardian Recovery leverages and fuels this power, enabling teens and families to heal and grow together. Along with providing ongoing communication regarding your teen’s progress, we offer a host of family-specific services as your teen progresses through our treatment options. Parents and guardians can participate in family therapy, workshops, educational sessions, and peer support groups.

Your teen’s schooling and education are vital aspects of their development, and we understand the importance of continuity during their treatment. Our program prioritizes academic support, and we work closely with your teen’s school district to create a seamless transition into and out of our care. 

We don’t just tackle behavioral and substance use issues, we nurture minds, rebuild confidence, and help your teen rediscover their potential in and out of the classroom. In effect, we strive to reignite your child’s passion for learning and set them up for long-term success.

Your child will receive therapy and mental health counseling as part of our comprehensive treatment program. We recognize the significance of therapeutic interventions in supporting their emotional and behavioral growth. Our licensed therapists and mental health professionals will work closely with your child to address their needs and concerns through individual, group, and family therapy sessions, which employ evidence-based modalities.

Maintaining contact with your child during their treatment is important, and at Guardian Recovery, we value family involvement. Thus, we facilitate regular family communication through phone calls, video chats, or visits to ensure you stay connected and supported. 

Additionally, we warmly welcome visits to our residential facilities, as they offer a valuable opportunity to strengthen family bonds, observe progress, and actively participate in their treatment. Our dedicated staff will arrange visitation schedules and ensure a smooth experience for you and your child. Plus, our team will guide you in finding the right balance to support your child’s progress while respecting their treatment process. Family therapy sessions are also available to foster healthy communication and provide you with tools to support your child’s ongoing journey to wellness.

Packing a few essential items ensures your child’s comfort and well-being during their stay. So consider including comfortable clothing suitable for various activities, personal hygiene products, prescribed medications (in original containers), and important identification and insurance information. Also include a few small cherished items with sentimental value, which can provide your child with familiarity and support. 

In terms of what not to bring, prohibited items typically include drugs or alcohol, weapons, sharp objects, and items that pose a risk to oneself or others. Additionally, electronic devices such as phones, laptops, and tablets aren’t allowed during certain phases of treatment to encourage focused engagement in therapeutic activities. While we understand the importance of personal belongings, adhering to these guidelines is essential to ensure the well-being and progress of all individuals in the program. 

If you have additional questions, reach out via phone and our staff can answer your questions or direct you to specific facility staff for additional insights.

Ensuring your child’s comfort and safety is our top priority throughout their stay with us. Our residential facilities are thoughtfully designed to provide a welcoming and supportive environment, with qualified staff dedicated to meeting your child’s unique needs. 

We also maintain strict safety protocols and supervision, ensuring a secure space for all our residents. In addition, during medical detox, medical staff monitor and assist clients 24/7 to ensure they’re safe and comfortable during withdrawal.

Our team works diligently to create a positive and empathetic atmosphere where your child can feel at ease and fully engaged in their treatment journey. From comfortable, home-like, and modern living spaces to therapeutic activities tailored to their interests, our offerings demonstrate our commitment to providing a comprehensive experience that fosters your child’s growth and well-being.

We prioritize the safety and well-being of all our residents. During their stay, outings and off-site activities—which are designed to promote social skills, positive experiences, and real-world applications of therapeutic learning—may be a part of their treatment plan. However, these excursions are carefully structured and supervised by our experienced staff to ensure a secure environment. While we encourage active engagement in the treatment process, the specific guidelines for leaving the facility may vary depending on your child’s individualized treatment plan.

Yes, your child’s treatment is completely confidential. We take privacy and confidentiality seriously, adhering to strict ethical and legal guidelines. All information shared during your child’s treatment, including discussions with therapists, medical professionals, and support staff, is confidential and will not be disclosed without proper consent. 

Your child can continue taking their prescribed medications while attending our treatment program. Our medical staff will carefully review and manage their medications to ensure a seamless transition. Additionally, medical staff may suggest medication changes or additions based on your teen’s current needs. However, all alterations will be discussed with you prior to implementation. Our experienced team also works closely with you and your child’s healthcare providers to ensure medications are administered appropriately during and following care.

Yes, your teen will be housed with other adolescents in our program. Our residential program and PHP with housing program are designed to create a supportive and therapeutic environment for teenagers facing similar challenges. By being among peers in the same age group, your teen will have opportunities to form meaningful connections, engage in group activities, and receive support from individuals who can relate to their experiences. Our focus on age-appropriate group dynamics fosters a sense of camaraderie and understanding, contributing to a more enriching and effective treatment experience for your teen.

Yes, our holistic approach treats physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral concerns concurrently. So we’re uniquely positioned to offer dual-diagnosis care, which treats both mental health and substance use disorders at the same time, which is the gold standard of care.

The specific medications your teen may receive will depend on their individualized treatment plan and the nature of their mental health concerns. Our medical team will carefully evaluate your teen’s needs and prescribe medications as deemed appropriate and safe. We adhere to evidence-based practices and prioritize the well-being of our residents, ensuring that any medications administered are safe and closely monitored.

We highly recommend a continual step down in care from more intense treatment options to modalities that progressively offer more freedom and less monitoring. Thus, once your teen completes higher levels of care, treatment typically continues with less-intensive options and outpatient care. 

Throughout the process, we develop a comprehensive aftercare plan to support their transition between various levels of care and eventually back to daily life. After completion of formalized treatment, their aftercare plan may include continued therapy sessions, support groups, and access to community resources to reinforce progress during their stay.

Detoxing from some substances without medical care and monitoring can be life-threatening. Plus, detoxing without medical care often leads to relapse to relieve discomfort. So it’s important to seek medical advice before attempting any type of substance withdrawal at home. 

In addition, adolescents experiencing withdrawal must deal with both uncomfortable physical symptoms as well as complex emotional and developmental issues. And chances are, if your child is dealing with substance use concerns, underlying emotional, behavioral, and/or mental health issues should also be addressed to ensure the best long-term outcomes. Medical detox at Guardian Recovery ensures your child is safe and as comfortable as possible during withdrawal. Plus, teens can participate in individual and group therapy, enabling them to begin to address the underlying causes of their behavior.

Getting started is as simple as making a phone call. Contact us now for a free, confidential, and no-obligation call to discuss treatment options, insurance benefits, and more. If you choose to proceed, we’ll provide an initial assessment and treatment plan, and we’ll offer explicit directions for check-in and next steps.