You Are Not Alone

At Alta Mira, we believe that the family involvement is one of the most important components of a successful treatment experience. Family members are often the driving force behind their loved one’s admission to rehab, and we honor their stake in the outcome by including them as much as possible in the treatment process.

Our approach to working with family and friends is layered and comprehensive. We understand that schedules and geographic locations may pose some limitations in terms how family members may be able to participate, so we make several options available.

Here is a description of our comprehensive family program from intake to discharge:

• Collaboration

  During and immediately after the intake process, we ask family members to provide a narrative of the client’s problem as well as a letter to the client stating how it has felt for them to watch the drug and alcohol use continue, how it’s affected them as individuals and the relationship as a whole, and finally, what they would like to see change in the future. Portions of these letters will be used during the assessment and treatment planning process, and later during the family sessions.

• Treatment updates

  With written permission from the client, certain family members will receive weekly telephone communication from the primary therapist with weekly treatment updates. This minimizes miscommunication and ensures that the family is part of the solution instead of part of the problem. By keeping the lines of communication open between the client, the staff and the family, we see fewer surprises and less manipulation.

• Phone therapy sessions

  During the course of treatment at least one family therapy session will be conducted by phone with client, primary therapist and Family members. This is in addition to and not in lieu of the private face to face family therapy sessions and the multi-family group.

• Private family therapy sessions

  Families are invited and encouraged to attend at least one private face to face family therapy session with client and primary therapist.

• Multi-family group

  Every three weeks we offer a 3-Day Family Program over the weekend.  Family program starts on Friday where our clinicians meet with family members alone to educate them about the disease of addiction and their loved ones’ treatment experience.  Saturdays are primarily reserved for multi-family group sessions with all of the clients. Families are strongly encouraged to attend. On Sunday, there is an extended group session with families and clients, and then individual meetings with each family, the client and therapist.  The focus of the family program includes a combination of education, communication, goal setting, problem solving and other therapeutic activities.

• Children’s counseling

  We offer private counseling sessions and groups if the numbers allow it, for children of clients aged 7-12. Clients are encouraged to discuss this option with their primary therapist.

  Hear Alta Mira’s Ben Eiland talk about discharge planning.

• Discharge & relapse prevention planning

  At time of discharge client and staff will share with designated family members the discharge plan, including any specific recommendations for continuing treatment, suggestions for family members, and instructions for responding to a relapse should one occur.