In the Adolescent Transition Program we offer a unique living experience for adolescents ranging in age from thirteen to eighteen that have been successful in the Adolescent Intensive Program for a minimum of at least three months. This opportunity allows them to utilize the skills they developed in the Intensive Program in circumstances that are more similar to the circumstances they will face upon completion of the Innercept program. The types of challenges provided in this portion of the program will be designed to match the family and resident’s goals for the level of functioning desired.
We have found that this portion of the programming is highly motivating for those in the Intensive Program as there are more house privileges, and they feel closer to completion of their goals. In general, residents would find a shift in time spent from on-campus clinical interventions to more recreational, vocational and educational experiences in the broader community. Due to the unique community resources we have available to the program, we have found this area to be an excellent place for testing their new found skills.
Some of the criteria used for establishing progression into this phase of adolescent programming include the following:
- Evidence of the internalization of Innercept principles as seen in interactions with peers, staff and family.
- Safe, consistent functioning within the Innercept program for 3 months or greater.
- Increased ability to self-regulate in regard to academics, personal health, schedule, and peer interactions with accomplishment of some of the identified goals, while pursuing the other longer-term goals for treatment.
- Ability to maintain progress on shared goals with less intense therapeutic support and more community-based activities, without regression in functioning.
- Capacity for delayed gratification and ability to set and achieve longer-term goals.
