Offering Comprehensive and Integrated Dual-Diagnosis Treatment
Clients regularly participate in individual, group, and experiential therapy during their time at Vista Academy.
Having a dual-diagnosis, although common in this population, can be difficult and challenging to overcome. At Vista Academy we stay on target, and provide the best individualized dual-diagnosis treatment available by first doing a comprehensive assessment of each new student, and then by staying in constant and consistent communication with the clients and all members of the clinical and treatment team.
Psychiatric evaluations are conducted with each client within 72 hours of admission, and our psychiatric staff evaluates all residents on psychotropic medications at least monthly, and is available on-call 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The psychiatrist also participates in regular treatment plan reviews and “signs off” on all treatment plans.
Providing Individualized Care Using a Treatment Team Mentality
Individualized treatment plans are based off of initial assessments and are adapted throughout a clients stay as needed. All members of clinical staff attended weekly meetings with the rest of the treatment team, academic coaches, counselors, house managers, on a weekly basis to discuss each individual client’s progress and a needs and service plan is formulated specifying weekly goals and objectives for each client.
Each client receives weekly individual psychotherapy, group therapy and substance abuse treatment services. If the client is local, family therapy is also provided when clinically indicated. Referrals are made upon the family’s request, if needed. In addition, phone therapy and Skype are also used to assist the family.
Using Experiential Therapy to Develop Emotional Intelligence
The goal of Vista Academy’s clinical program is to help each client develop an understanding of their emotions (Emotional Intelligence) using education, therapy and life skill development. Through therapy, mentoring and modeling, clients learn effective management of feelings and emotions; empathy, self-understanding, emotional self-control, harmonious and productive relationships are all important aspects of quality living. As a result, clients learn how to live with sobriety individually, with family, and in their community.
Students participate in Equine, Trapeze, Surf, and Wind Tunnel Experiential Therapy activities. Before each activity Vista Academy’s clinician holds a group to discuss what emotions clients currently have, and what emotions may develop throughout the activity. After each activity a process group is held so clients can share about their experience and hear the experience of their peers. By participating in these activities clients have the opportunity to feel where emotions happen in the body, for example fear may cause a stomach ache, so they are better able to identify that emotion when they are in a different, more difficult situation outside of treatment.
Dr. Modir, Psychiatrist, and Aimee Noel, LCSW, are available for on-call psychiatric emergencies.