Clinical Services Bureau

Adobe Mountain School provides all secure care youth with both evidence-based group and individual treatment that addresses criminogenic and non-criminogenic factors.

In the group setting, youth encounter a shared therapeutic experience, a collaborative process of healing, and a positive problem-solving approach that allows them the opportunity to learn and practice specific skills that they can use for the rest of their lives. These skills involve identifying distorted thinking, modifying beliefs, relating to others in different ways, and changing behaviors. Youth also participate in individual therapy with licensed clinical therapists. Every youth receives an individual therapy session at least once every two weeks. Family therapy and support are also provided whenever feasible and appropriate.

TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE

Trauma-informed care is a strength-based service delivery approach that includes an understanding of trauma and an awareness of the impact it can have for both the youth and staff. It views trauma through an ecological and cultural lens and places priority on vigilance in anticipating and avoiding institutional processes that can be retraumatizing. Our goal is to create an environment that is physically, psychologically and emotionally safe in order to foster a sense of control and empowerment.

ADJC’s strategic plan includes a commitment to deliver evidence-based and responsive programs in a trauma-informed environment. A plan has been implemented to integrate Trauma-informed care into every aspect of the services provided at ADJC.

DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY

This program is designed for individuals who have difficulty controlling their emotions and behaviors. It helps them replace problematic behaviors with more appropriate ones, allows them to experience emotions in a healthy and effective way, and teaches them how to create and maintain positive relationships. There are four components to DBT: Mindfulness, which teaches them to focus on the present moment; Distress Tolerance, which gives them the ability to experience pain skillfully; Emotion Regulation, which helps them understand and manage intense negative emotions such as anger or anxiety in a healthier, more productive way; and Interpersonal Effectiveness, which teaches them to effectively advocate for themselves and others, set healthy boundaries, and cope with interpersonal conflict.

SEVEN CHALLENGES

This is a comprehensive program designed to address substance abuse problems by using motivational interviewing and empowerment strategies. It encourages honest and open communications about themselves and how their behavior and substance abuse has affected not only themselves but also those around them. It uses a holistic approach by addressing substance abuse issues, co-occurring problems, and life skills deficits.

STAGES OF ACCOMPLISHMENT

This program is a set of four inter-related workbooks that assist in the treatment of sexually abusive or sexually troubled adolescents. They are completed in individual therapy and are supplemented by the group programming mentioned above. It is designed to address thinking errors, behavior cycles, victim empathy, and promote healthy relationships.

SEX TRAFFICKING AWARENESS & RECOVERY

This is an 11-week program that is designed to provide group support and education for female juvenile offenders who have been victims of sex trafficking. It focuses on the physical, emotional, mental, and relationship health of each participant.

EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITIZATION AND REPROCESSING (EMDR)

EMDR is an individual psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma. EMDR works with an individual’s neurobiology to assist in processing emotional traumatic memories.

NEUROFEEDBACK

Neurofeedback, a form of biofeedback, is an innovative technology which harnesses the brain’s neuroplasticity in order to bring about improvement in a variety of symptoms such as aggression, anxiety, depression, self harm and substance use. By calming the brain down, balanced functioning is restored thus reducing the need to use maladaptive methods to cope.

VICTIM OFFENDER DIALOGUE

Their case to discuss the impact of the crime or have questions answered. A Victim Offender Dialogue (VOD) is an opportunity for a victim of a crime to meet with the offender in a controlled environment and to engage in a purposeful discussion. A VOD requires intensive assessment and preparation for both the victim and the offender, and is completely voluntary by all involved parties.

TEMPORARY STABILIZATION UNIT

The Temporary Stabilization Unit (TSU) is a short-term crisis intervention unit led by a qualified Mental Health Professional and overseen by the agency’s Clinical Director. Strict criteria exist for a youth to be considered for admission. Youth must pose an imminent danger to themselves or others or request to go to TSU on a self-referral. Once admitted to the TSU, the youth in crisis works with clinical staff and their own housing unit staff to process the concerns that resulted in admission to the Unit, with the goal of a safe and speedy return to normal programming. Due Process occurs for any extensions to a youth’s time in TSU exceeding 24 hours.