Frequently Asked Questions
What are the credentials of therapists working at Phoenix Outdoor? Phoenix Outdoor provides the highest quality therapy to its students and their family. Phoenix therapists have master and doctorate level degrees with a particular specialty in working with adolescents. Our staff includes individuals who are certified as addictions counselors both on the state and national level.
How often will the therapist see my child? The therapist typically visits with a student individually once a week for approximately an hour and will also conduct one weekly group therapy session. The therapist also spends time with field instructors each week to receive specific feedback about your student's progress as well as to give further direction in order to meet specified treatment goals. Unlike other programs the therapist's offices are located at base camp, so if your student needs additional time with the therapist, it is easy to facilitate these meetings.
How does the therapist work with my child? The therapist works quickly to build a positive relationship with your child and to begin helping your child understand how his or her decisions led to the current placement at Phoenix. Therapists will often emphasize appropriate responsibility for choices, making amends to those who have been hurt, developing honest communication with parents, and setting future goals. Phoenix Outdoor therapists strive to help adolescents resolve conflicts in their lives so they can move forward with meaningful goals and hope.
What is a treatment plan? Once a student comes to Phoenix Outdoor, the therapist spends significant time meeting with the student in order to create an individualized treatment plan just for that student. The treatment plan contains agreed upon goals for progress in the program and a mechanism to monitor how students are progressing toward those goals.
How often will I get to talk to my child's therapist? You will have a weekly scheduled call with your assigned therapist. Teleconferencing is available when both parents cannot be in the same location for their designated call time. Although it is beneficial to have both parents participate together in the weekly call, updates with the therapist can be made individually. The therapist will discuss your child's progress and help you take the appropriate steps to create a successful aftercare plan. You will also have access to your therapist's email address and cell phone for questions or any concerns that arise throughout the week.
What happens between therapist visits? The therapist directs the activities of the Field Instructors to ensure that the appropriate approach is followed for each child. Using a structured curriculum, the Instructors direct group discussions, individual writing assignments, and group activities throughout the week. The curriculum is focused around core values such as courage, responsibility, honesty and trustworthiness. Field Instructors also provide feedback for therapists so that they can more appropriately work with the student.
How will I know that my child is ready to graduate from Phoenix Outdoor? With your assistance, the therapist develops specific and realistic goals for your child at the onset of their program. Regular evaluation of your child's progress toward these goals helps determine the length of stay necessary. Students typically graduate between five to seven weeks, although length of stay varies.