Evolve Teen Treatment Center - Ojai

Evolve Ojai is a comprehensive residential treatment program that offers personally tailored treatment with solution-focused and evidence-based methods for up to 6 teens aged 12-17 at a time. Situated in spacious and luxury homes, clients have access to private or shared rooms, nutritious chef-prepared meals, computers to participate in 2 hours of schooling Monday-Friday, and amenities such as a pool, fitness center, and outdoor lounge space. Their facility is licensed and staffed 24/7, offering clients a safe and structured therapeutic environment conducive to healing. Their dual-diagnosis program specializes in the treatment of mental health, addiction, and co-occurring disorders using a combination of methods including group therapy, family therapy, motivational interviewing (MI), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). As part of a thorough admissions process, experienced clinicians provide an extensive and thorough assessment which results in clients receiving a personally tailored treatment plan that is regularly monitored and updated as needed to meet each teen’s unique treatment needs and goals.

What They Treat

Evolve treats a wide range of mental health disorders, substance abuse disorders, and co-occurring disorders.

Mental health and behavioral disorders include anxiety, depression, self-harm or suicidal ideation, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or trauma, bi-polar and other mood disorders, gender dysphoria, disordered eating, borderline and other personality disorders, mood or behavioral dysregulation, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and psychosis.

They offer comprehensive treatment for substance abuse disorders including alcohol, cannabis, opioids, prescription medications including stimulants or sedatives, synthetic drug use with hallucinogens and stimulants, and tobacco-related disorders.

Their dual-diagnosis treatment facility is also capable of treating those struggling with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders. They also offer treatment to teens who are diagnosed with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who have a co-occurring substance abuse or mental health disorder.

Experiential Therapy

In addition to evidence-based methods, the clinician-led treatment methods at Evolve include a range of experiential therapies. Equine-assisted therapy is a therapeutic tool that can be used to break down barriers and resistance to the therapeutic process through working with horses. Art therapy may be used as a peaceful and relaxing activity that reduces stress, improves self-awareness, and helps patients process past traumas. Expressive therapies such as music and dance therapy can boost mood, increase general wellbeing, and body image, while drama therapy can improve communication and relationship skills and help teach empathy. Accredited instructors lead surf therapy, using surfing as a transformative experience that can develop executive functioning skills, practice social skills, and teach stress management techniques. Hiking is a form of nature therapy used to promote positive self image, a new way to respond to others and one's environment, and better equip individuals to respond to the challenges of daily life. Weekly yoga sessions and physical activity in fitness centers are also offered at Evolve.

Clients can also participate in weekly outings that include trips to the beach, movies, hiking trails, miniature golfing, and museums, used to model how to experience the world and serve as a special bonus for hard work and achievements.

Evidence-Based Care

The compassionate and professional clinical team at Evolve lead evidence-based therapies for clients and their families through individual, group, and family therapy sessions. Specializing in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Evolve goes to great lengths to ensure their programs adhere to the structures and philosophies of DBT, with clients participating in 4 DBT groups per week. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also used as an effective treatment for depression, anxiety, substance use, and eating disorders, assisting clients in changing unhelpful thought patterns. Motivational interviewing (MI) is used to meet clients where they are currently, and help identify personal goals and priorities in life and find their personal motivation to make behavioral changes. Mindfulness is another evidence-based technique that is incorporated into all areas of treatment, used to assist teens in being mindful of the present moment and reach acceptance without judgment, replacing mindlessness with awareness.

Other treatment methods used for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders include seeking safety, relapse prevention, anger management, meditation, and life skills.

Family therapy and family support groups are also part of the comprehensive treatment offered at Evolve, enabling family members to be an involved part of the treatment process and collaborate with care providers.

Evolve are Joint Commission and CARF Accredited facilities, and accept most major insurances.