Keeping and Returning Adolescents hOMe: The Relevance and role of family in effective treatment & the continuum of care

Vision: At NorthStar Academy we hold the hope and belief that all adolescents have the ability to thrive. We believe that given an appropriate, caring and effective continuum of treatment that includes both the teen and their family, we can together foster the development of self-sufficient, contributing and happy teenagers. Mission: It is our mission to be the leader in the provision of quality transitional programs for teens and their families. To create a safe, sober, emotionally supportive environment in which teens and their families can grow and thrive. To provide intensive day treatment and intensive outpatient treatment options that may offer the needed stabilization to avoid out-of- home placement. To continue the work begun in residential and wilderness treatment programs and/or other therapeutic/hospital settings. To provide therapeutic family services that enhance relationships and opportunities for family growth. To help teens achieve greater self-awareness and emotional growth. To help teens develop new, positive relationships. To assist teens in developing and pursuing their educational and career goals.

The current state of adolescent treatment On an average day, thousands of Maryland adolescents age 13 –18 are receiving publicly or privately funded mental health and/or substance use treatment. Some are in residential/wilderness/hospital based treatment; more are struggling in school and at home. Barriers External Internal Identification Intervention Stabilization

Role of the family Family as the Basic Unit of Society The natural support system Identify strengths, themes and resources across generations Sensitive to issues of culture, gender and spirituality Assure continuity of family values, mission and heritage

Family motivation to change The adaptive force operating within a family experiencing major loss or stress which guides the family first toward maintaining survival, and then toward healing when the threat is stabilized/removed.

Why Now? Studies have established that, in general, people are able to effectively handle no more than three stressors at a time. Stress destabilizes the individual and by extension the family system. The “I should be able to handle this…” syndrome. Shame… blame… guilt.

Transitional checkerboard PGF PGF PGM PGM MGF MGM Husband Wife Father Mother Sibling 1 Sibling 2 Sibling 3

Transitional checkerboard PGF PGM MGF MGM Husband Wife Father Mother Sibling 1 Sibling 2 Sibling 3

Transitional Checkerboard Husband Wife Father Mother Sibling 1 Sibling 2 Sibling 3

Transitional Checkerboard Husband Wife Father Mother Sibling 1 Sibling 2 Sibling 3

Principles of intervention/stabilization Empower the family and the natural support system. Remove the blame…reduce shame and guilt. Help the elders (parents/grandparents) take charge. Identify natural resources. Identify patterns across generations. Engage the entire system. Be sensitive to issues of culture, gender and spirituality Consider mental health, physical health and SUDs. Deal with unresolved transitions, grief, loss and abuse. Identify strengths, themes and resources across generations. Assure continuity of family values, mission and heritage.

Shifting the family perspective Mom Grandma Brother PoC = MH/SUD Stepsister Brother Stepmom Dad

Shifting the family perspective Mom Grandma Brother Stepsister PoC MH/SUD Stepmom Brother Dad

Shifting the family perspective Mom Grandma Brother MH/SUD Stepsister ? PoC Stepmom Brother Dad

Shifting the Family Perspective ? Mom Brother PoC Dad Stepmom Stepsister Grandma MH/SUD Grandma’s ailing health Mom’s DUIs Unresolved grief

Shifting the Family Perspective Mom Brother PoC Dad Stepmom Stepsister Grandma MH/SUD Grandma’s ailing health Healthy Relationship Mom’s DUIs Unresolved grief

NorthStar Academy NorthStar Academy is internationally accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). The NorthStar programs are based on a merger of three evidence-based practices: Positive Youth Development (PYD) Transitional Family Therapy Adolescent Therapeutic community

Who do we Treat? Adolescents 13 -18 years old and their families Mental health and/or SUD diagnosis High functioning spectrum disorder Teens transitioning home from residential, wilderness and/or hospital based programs.

What is treatment based on? Treatment is based on a comprehensive assessment and individual treatment planning with the student and family, utilizing a multidisciplinary team approach. Parents must agree to participate in treatment approximately 2 - 3 hours per week, depending on whether their child is in the Day Treatment/PHP or Intensive Outpatient/IOP program.

Treatment at northstar In both PHP and IOP, students receive the following: Individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) Group therapy Life skills Experiential therapies (i.e. music, art and recreation therapies, and emotional healing/12-step support). Parents are active participants in treatment, attending parent group and multi- family group therapy. Individual family therapy is offered on an as needed basis.

Treatment programs Intensive Outpatient/IOP Day Treatment/PHP Students reside in their homes while attending a full-day, five days a week, effective alternative to residential or inpatient treatment. Students appropriate for this level of care may be: Transitioning from an in-patient hospital stay and require more structure that an intensive outpatient program or weekly psychotherapy will provide. Unable to attend and/or benefit from school. Intensive Outpatient/IOP NorthStar IOP offers three - four hours of treatment per day, four days a week, by a team of highly trained therapists. Transitioning from a residential/wilderness/hospital admission and do not require a PHP level of care. Able to attend and benefit from school.

The Teens’ NorthStar Experience Individual and Group Therapies with a heavy emphasis on experiential therapies. Educational Support in collaboration with the teen’s home school.

Sample schedule

For more information, please contact: Gale Saler, LCPC, CIP President/CEO Gale@northstaracademy-metrodc.com Leah Simmons, LCSW-C Program/Clinical Director Leah@northstaracademy-metrodc.com For more information, please contact: Laura Silverman Community Outreach Coordinator Laura@northstaracademy-metrodc.com  (240) 669-9094 |  www.northstaracademy-metrodc.com 12300 Twinbrook Parkway, Suite 250 | Rockville, MD 20852