Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/883365
torrancememorial.org PULSE | 31 torrancememorial.org PULSE | 31 THELMA MCMILLEN TEEN OUTPATIENT PROGRAM For more than 25 years, Torrance Memorial Medical Center's elma McMillen Center has been helping South Bay adults, teens and their families overcome the patterns of alcohol and drug abuse and addiction. e Teen Outpatient Program is designed for adolescents, ages 13-17, and their families, with the goal of allowing the teen to stay in school and become sober within their community. It is the preferred treatment of choice in cases where the adolescent needs an intensive and structured program for recovery, but not inpatient care. Outpatient treatment has long been recognized as an effective method for treating addiction because teens can get clean and sober in their real world. e program is recognized for its success and is covered by most insurance plans. e program is a six-month, three-stage outpatient program that addresses the needs of both substance-abusing and dependent individuals and their families. It provides a wide variety of support and therapy options, including teen group therapy, parent support groups, teen peer support groups, and individual, family and multi-family therapy groups. A variety of unique resources are available during the treatment and recover process, including : Music therapy Yoga Fitness training (in-house fitness room) Nutritional counseling Total health and well-being techniques focused on body awareness, stretching and breathing Relationship and communications skills training Coping skills training, including identification of triggers and response regulation Access to the Center's library and reading room, which provide valuable resources for program enrollees and their family members Upon graduation from the program, teens have continued access to the Center's resources and support groups and can participate in weekly aercare, which provides a sober support network • • • • • • • • • For information on Torrance Memorial Thelma McMillen Teen Outpatient Program, please call 310-257-5760. WHAT TO EXPECT Parents who are concerned and in need of advice can come into the Center for a free evaluation, according to Dr. Watson, who has more than 20 years of experience in the field of treating teens with addiction. "I assess what the nature of the problem is. Parents can lay out what their concerns are, and I offer them treatment intervention alternatives at that point, including being referred elsewhere if necessary," he explains. By the time a parent finally takes the step (or is forced to due to a legal issue or a trip to the ER), the teen has typically been using for longer than parents realize. "e evaluation gives parents an opportunity to tell the story, express concerns. What tends to happen normally is that teens have been using two years before parents catch on. Oen parents are caught by total surprise and are in distress," he says. At this point, Dr. Watson has a counselor meet with the teen to get their version of the story and to garner a more accurate "use history." From there, next steps are determined to see if the child would be suited for the Center's extensive six-month outpatient program that is covered by insurance. If a teen needs an in-house rehabilitation facility, Dr. Watson's team offers suggestions and referrals to parents. As touted by Jane, the outpatient program at McMillen helps parents as much as it helps teens. Experts claim outpatient programs can provide golden opportunities for busy parents to get to know their children more deeply and be able to provide the kind of support that is successful, while navigating this stressful and emotional period. "I never missed a weekly meeting," says Jane, who made valuable friendships, garnered support and became closer with her son during this period. Parents need the support, according to Dr. Watson, because they go through grieving phases. "When parents come in, usually they are in denial. ey are in disbelief and 'shock thinking' about their kid who promised she'd never do drugs," Dr. Watson explains. "en they get angry at their child for 'blowing it.' is can be followed by bargaining (with themselves and their child) thinking, 'Maybe it's not as bad' or 'It's a phase.' en depression sets in. Aer that, they finally get to acceptance there's a problem and it's time to do something about it before it gets any worse." No parent should go through this process alone, both doctors agree. Only treating the teen is isolating , and parents need a network and community of support, which elma McMillen Center offers. "I am so grateful for elma McMillen Center," says Jane. "Today ad is successful in college and drug- and alcohol-free. I am eternally grateful."