At Timberline Knolls, we have moved toward a more “ACTivated” form of DBT in order to provide the most comprehensive, cutting-edge care to our residents. This approach is empirically supported as a short-term intervention, which proves a critical attribute in the field today due to shorter lengths of stay in treatment.

In addition, each resident attends a group that is diagnosis-specific. She might participate in an ED, substance, trauma or mood group. Adolescents also attend self-image, leisure and process groups. With the Recovery Principles being an integral part of our treatment approach, evenings for adolescents are spent in support groups on-lodge, or they may leave campus for more specific support meetings.

“We want our young residents to learn how to make good decisions on their own,” Nora said. For instance, each girl carries a recovery card. When she attends groups the behavior is rewarded with extra phone time.

Family Therapy

Family involvement is an essential component of all treatment; but it is particularly critical with young people.

With remarriage, estrangement, even alternate lifestyles, the family system can be extremely complex. It is highly advisable for the parent and family to be in counseling apart from the resident.

Timberline Knolls family therapist Jordan Litvak, LCSW, meets first with the resident, completes an assessment and creates a family diagram, displaying members and history. The next step is to talk with the parents and set up the first family session. They establish goals together and meet once a week in-person if possible, by phone or in web meeting. Often the therapist meets informally with a resident to provide additional help.

Parents are also encouraged to participate in Parent Talk, a weekly meeting accessible via phone conference or in person. Facilitated by two Timberline Knolls senior family therapists, parents can ask anything they want. Unlike multi-family group, there is no agenda. “We find this to be a very effective form of communication. Our parents find a great deal of strength and support,” Jordan said.

Weekend programming for our adolescents includes Families Anonymous, Expectations of Recovery as well as DBT and the Family.

Expressive Therapies

Adolescents engage in art, yoga and dance/movement therapy throughout the week. These are avenues to express thoughts and feelings as well as gain appreciation and respect for their own bodies.

“The importance of this multi-disciplinary approach cannot be understated,” Jordan said. “During art therapy, a resident of mine drew a picture of a family member who abused her. We knew something was going on, but she wasn’t ready to talk about it. Now she is and we can address it.”

TK Academy

Ten months out of the year, our young residents attend school right on campus with licensed educators and a principal. They can learn in a safe and supportive environment while earning credits toward graduation. In the 2015-2016 school year, Timberline Knolls supported 479 students from 40 states and three foreign countries.

The Recovery Path

The vast majority of our residents ultimately step down to a PHP or day program after residential treatment. Each resident is provided with an aftercare plan to stay on her journey to recovery.

Committed to constant growth, refinement, adjustment and adaptation, the Aftercare department works closely with other departments at Timberline Knolls, especially the professional outreach representatives in business development, to ensure the best outcome for residents.