INTENSIVE DAY TREATMENT PROGRAM FOR TRANSITION-AGE YOUTH (18-20 years)

Lisa, age 19, was referred to the Transitional Youth Intensive Day Treatment Program by an outpatient therapist who felt she needed more services than weekly therapy could provide. Diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder, Lisa had undergone multiple hospitalizations for severe depression, suicide attempts, and homicidal ideation.

Although she lives at home with her family, Lisa was socially isolated and suffered from periodic alcohol and drug dependency. She also lacked independent living and job skills that could help her live independently.

In the Intensive Day Treatment program, Lisa began to form positive relationships with other clients and staff and began to believe in herself and her strengths. With the support of intensive therapy and focus groups, she learned to cope more realistically with her mental illness. She also began the process of recognizing and accepting her alcoholism and addiction through drug education and dual diagnosis treatment groups. She has now started to attend 12-Step meetings.

Today, Lisa is ready to begin training in the Center’s Valley Employment Services program. She has learned to cook and budget her income from SSI, and has also developed some friendships outside of the Day Treatment program. With ongoing support in all these areas, Lisa is looking forward to moving into the Center’s transitional housing provided by the Center and beginning a life that she never thought possible.

The Intensive Day Treatment Program, for transition age youth ages 18 through 21 with severe emotional problems.

The program’s mission is to support transition-aged youth in developing their ability to live independently, to enhance the quality of their life, and to effect a smooth integration into the adult community. Services are funded by a Short-Doyle/Medi-Cal contract with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.

The San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center, Inc., is an established nonprofit mental health agency, which has served the needs of mentally ill adults and seriously emotionally disturbed youth for 30 years.

HOW TO REFER

Referrals:

• · Intensive Day Treatment services are available for youth referred by:
• · Group homes
• · Department of Children and Family Services
• · Department of Probation
• · Hospitals
• · Schools
• · Adult Mental Health Treatment Providers
• · Self-Referrals from the Community

Intakes:
Intakes are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday though Friday. For further information, please call (818) 908-4990.

San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center, Inc.