Teensavers

Do you perform assessments to identify my child's problems and their severity?

Every client who comes into our facility undergoes a number of initial assessments to help us understand what they are struggling with and how severe that struggle may be.

Do you perform interventions if my child is resistant to the idea of being treated?

The reality is that most of the children who come to us are resistant to the idea of being treated and they certainly don’t want to be receive treatment. The truth is that if they don’t want to be treated, if they don’t want to allow change to happen, it never will. A big part of our initial contact with every client is helping them see that we want to help them work toward that change, and that everything we do is ultimately done with the goal of helping them.

If my teen is severely addicted, do you have in-residence detox facilities that are under medical supervision?

We do not operate a medical-detox facility, however, most teens are extremely residual and will undergo a medical evaluation as to their withdrawal symptoms. Our physician, or nurse practitioner will evaluate the symptomology and make a decision if the teen can overcome his/her potential withdrawal with medication and medical oversight, or if a hospital or medical facility is warranted. Each child admitted to our program undergoes this evaluation, and will remain under close observation

Who performs the Assessments at your facility?

Medical assessments are performed by licensed physicians and psychological / behavioral / emotional assessments are performed by mental-health clinicians, licensed or registered with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, as well as addiction treatment accrediting agencies.

Does the treatment program meet or exceed the standards set by NIDA?

Our program exceeds the ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine) criterion and we have studied and adapted the NIDA’s (National Institute of Drug Abuse) policy and procedures for many of our treatment plans.

What is your success rate in resolving teenage substance abuse, emotional and behavioral issues?

Success rates are generally guesses. A person is made-up-of multiple aspects including spiritual, behavioral, physical and emotional components of their being. Teensavers address all aspects of one’s life and family. We have estimated that 80% of the teens completing treatment at Teensavers have made significant progress with their presenting issues (substance abuse, behavioral issues, psychological and emotional issues).

What type of continuing-care programs do you offer? How long do they last?

Continuing-care planning is handled individually with each client. What we offer and the duration of that care depend on a number of factors, including client need, availability, and insurance coverage. Ideally, clients who come to us for residential treatment will generally move on to our partial hospitalization program (PHP) or our intensive outpatient program (IOP) before full discharge.

What is the staff-to-child ratio?

Our staff-to-child ratio is 3-1.

What expenses are involved in the treatment of my child?

Generally speaking, the treatment fees are usually covered by insurance. This includes all therapy, housing, food, laundry, transportation to outside activities (hikes, horseback riding, beach trips, etc.) weekend outings and other day-to-day costs. The only daily costs a parent may be responsible for are consumable toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face soaps, etc.) and if there is a particularly specialized dietary need or restriction, we will accommodate this need. Parents are responsible for the costs of and any all medications that may be needed.

Besides substance abuse, do you treat co-occurring emotional and behavioral issues?

Absolutely! We believe that for most people substance abuse is most likely a symptom of some other issue or set of issues they have been trying to deal with on their own. We work to help them uncover those underlying issues. We also work with individuals who do not have substance abuse issues, but need a more intense level of help for their emotional or behavioral struggles.

Do you develop a personalized treatment plan for each child?

Yes. We work with each child (and their loved ones) individually to find out their specific needs. While most folks who come to work with us are likely seeking similar outcomes, the path to get them there needs to address the unique set of circumstances that got them where they are.

What medications do you use to reduce withdrawal and physical discomfort?

When admitting to our program, all clients undergo an evaluation by a physician who helps decide what medications, if any, are necessary and prescribes them accordingly. With parent / guardian approval, we will allow access to over-the-counter pain medication to be used as directed on the label.

Do you provide transportation services if my child is resistant to treatment?

Absolutely. Teensavers provides interventions (conducted by seasoned professionals), as well as, transportation back to the facility from anywhere in the country. Children that have become “out-of-control,” in which their parents can no longer reason with or negotiate with them, can be de-escalated and handled by our team in cooperation with the parents. We used licensed agents when transporting children from state-to-state.

How many psychological treatment alternatives do you utilize?

Our clinical psychologists and other treatment team members have been working with teens and families for nearly 40-years. We employ all psychological interventions as required based upon clinical testing and family interviews. Our psychologists will test your child with clinical instruments, if necessary, to assist with diagnosis and treatment plans (additional fee for psychological testing). We utilize “evidence based” psychological care for all children in our program, as well as, techniques developed and proven by our founder over 40 years ago. These “down to earth” approaches have had significant, positive impact and outcomes for thousands of people that have entered our program.

Are you accredited?

In the 40+ years teensavers has been in existence, we have held multiple types of licenses, accreditations and have earned awards for our work from 1980 to present. We are the leader in Orange County for the treatment of extensive, teen and family problems.

What is the maximum number of teens housed in your facility at one time?

Our system was designed with extensive focus on the individual. Therefore, we offer residential care in a six-bed residential facility.

Will I participate in the treatment of my child through group sessions?

We expect families to participate in the treatment process. The reality is that if your child is returning home upon completion of treatment, as parents, you must be prepared and understand their entire journey here. Their personal home and school environment is not likely to have changed with them, however. Clients and families participate together in a weekly family group setting, and we offer private family therapy sessions to all clients as well. For families that reside out of state, we accommodate this need via telemedicine, conference calls, and weekly updates direct to the parents from the Teensavers clinicians.

Are treatment expenses covered by insurance?

We work with most insurance companies, and have several payment options available. Given the sheer number of different companies and levels of coverage, the best way to answer this would be to speak with our admissions director at 714-288-6131.

Frequently Asked Questions