AFTERCARE
West Ridge Aftercare is an eight-month program, which begins immediately following discharge from residential treatment. This is the moment of truth, where all the progress made in residential care is put to the test in a main stream atmosphere of school and home. During this critical time of adjustment, Aftercare works to assist with structure and direction towards success as a teen enters once again everyday life.
Clinical
The West Ridge graduate will continue to work on treatment goal as outlined in an Aftercare treatment plan and will meet by phone and/or in office sessions twice a month with their West Ridge therapist. The therapist and the case manager will meet monthly to evaluate the direction of the student and changes may be made accordingly.
Case Management
A Case Manager will be assigned to track the student's progress twice monthly in the following area:
- Spiritual development
- Family relations
- Educationally
- Leisure time (what occupies their spare time)
- Socially (who they spend time with)
A Personal Success Team
The Case Manager will travel to the family's home to facilitate the organization of a "Personal Success Team" which may include family members, friends, neighbors, clergy and others. Specific roles for each are identified, and the team members and the student enter into an agreement which allows the team member to interact with, and assist the student on their road to success.
Drug Testing
Upon request from the parents or clinically ordered, drug testing is also a tool offered trough the Aftercare program.
Tune-ups
If clinically appropriate and approved, the student may return to residence at West Ridge Academy for up to 14 days to assist with their treatment focus. This service is provided without additional cost*.
*Transportation (one trip, to and from WRA) and 14 total days of residence for the student are covered by Aftercare tuition. These 14 days of residence may be used all at once or split into additional tune-ups, depending on your therapist's recommendation. If an additional trip is required following an initial tune-up back to West Ridge, parents will be responsible to cover this cost. All other expenses such as escorts for travel, uniforms, and additional tune-ups are NOT covered by Aftercare tuition.
Length
Aftercare is an 8 month program and begins immediately upon graduation from residence.
FAQs
Q: Why does my teen need Aftercare? Isn't residential treatment enough?
A: Statistics prove the most vulnerable time for teens completing residential treatment is within the first six months of returning home. During this crucial adjustment period, your teen has changed, but often friends and the surrounding environment have stayed the same, making it easy to fall into old destructive patterns and behaviors. West Ridge Aftercare assists to provide structure and guidance to help your youth navigate a successful return to friends and family.
Q: What makes West Ridge Aftercare more effective than just finding a counselor near our home?
A: West Ridge Aftercare builds on strong relationships formed during residential treatment. Because our clinical staff is familiar with your teen's diagnosis, treatment history, and personality, they hit the ground running. With their assistance and our"arms around" approach, you never have to go at it alone, or waste valuable time and resources by beginning again with an unfamiliar counselor.
Q: What if I have a problem at home with my teen during Aftercare?
A: As part of Aftercare, a Case Manager will visit or call twice a month (geographically determined) to evaluate how well your teen is transitioning to everyday life. In cooperation with our clinical staff, and working closely with you, the case manager will provide necessary instruction and intervention to correct behavioral relapses. If more intensive intervention is required to help your teen regain focus, Aftercare includes short returns to residential at West Ridge Academy called tune-ups for up a total of 14 days. These returns will be clinically approved.
For Answers to additional questions please contact our Aftercare team at:
1-801-282-1094
