Evolve Treatment Centers for Teens – Vanalden

Los Angeles, California

5358 Vanalden Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 91356

(877) 821-1654
3.1 (12 reviews)

About Evolve Treatment Centers for Teens – Vanalden

Evolve - Vanalden, located in Tarzana, California, offers dual-diagnosis residential mental health and alcohol and drug rehab treatment for adolescents and teens ages 12 to 17. The Tarzana location focuses on dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and also offers experiential therapy and aftercare support. Amenities include a swimming pool, school room, and gym.

Services in the residential DBT program include individual, family, and group therapy; addiction education; life-skills training; medication management; education support; and weekly group outings. Approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), DBT, and motivational interviewing (MI), along with experiential therapy such as equine therapy, art therapy, surfing, psychodrama, and hiking.

Aftercare support at Evolve – Vanalden includes a transition plan, relapse prevention, connections to community recovery programs, and ongoing support groups.

Evolve – Vanalden is in-network with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, HealthNet, Sharp, First Health, and Kaiser Permanente. Because insurance plans vary, be sure to contact your insurer to verify out-of-network benefits and other coverage information.

Dollar icon Payment Options

  • shield-cross iconPrivate insurance
  • self-pay iconSelf-pay options
  • check iconFinancing available
  • monthly iconMonthly: $45,000

Medical briefcase icon Levels of Care

outpatient iconOutpatient

Outpatient Programs (OP) are for those seeking mental rehab or drug rehab, but who also stay at home every night. The main difference between outpatient treatment (OP) and intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) lies in the amount of hours the patient spends at the facility. Most of the time an outpatient program is designed for someone who has completed an inpatient stay and is looking to continue their growth in recovery. Outpatient is not meant to be the starting point, it is commonly referred to as aftercare.

medically-assisted-detox iconMedically Assisted Detox

Drug and alcohol addiction often takes a heavy toll on one's body. Over time, a physical dependence can develop, meaning the body physiologically needs the substance to function. Detox is the process of removing drugs and/or alcohol from the body, a process that can be lethal if mismanaged. Medical detox is done by licensed medical professionals who monitor vital signs and keep you safe, healthy, and as comfortable as possible as you go through detox and withdrawal.

aftercare iconAftercare Support

Their clinicians and discharge coordinators work closely with parents, schools, and referring providers to ensure a seamless, successful transition from treatment to daily life. The Evolve team gathers critical data and engages in dialogue regarding problem and treatment history, strengths and deficits, and avenues for growth. Their goal is sustainable, lifelong recovery. Teens finish their programs with the tools and motivation to evolve and grow after they leave. Upon discharge from the more supervised and structured elements of their programs, they provide a detailed transition plan to support our teens in the months and years to come.

12-step icon12-Step

12-step programs are addiction recovery models based on Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). A number of substance abuse programs (including some drug and alcohol rehab centers) use the 12 steps as a basis for treatment. Beginning steps involve admitting powerlessness over the addiction and creating a spiritual basis for recovery. Middle steps including making direct amends to those who've been hurt by the addiction, and the final step is to assist others in addiction recovery in the same way. 12-Step offshoots including Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA), Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA), Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA) and Gamblers Anonymous (GA).

inpatient iconInpatient

EVOLVE Residential Treatment Programs (RTC) support adolescents 12-17 years old struggling with mental health, addiction, and behavioral issues. At the Residential level of care, teens live on-site with 24-hour support and supervision. They believe in the positive power of the family dynamic, so their treatment centers look and feel like homes. They’re small, serene, and quiet, with never more than six teens at a time in any one residential center. Every resident feels like they’re in a personal, individualized recovery center designed to meet their specific therapeutic needs.

intensive-outpatient iconIntensive Outpatient

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) are for those who want or need a very structured treatment program but who also wish to live at home and continue with certain responsibilities (such as work or school). IOP substance abuse treatment programs vary in duration and intensity, and certain outpatient rehab centers will offer individualized treatment programs.

partial-hospitalization iconPartial Hospitalization Program

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a short-term form of intensive rehab, usually for those with acute symptoms that are hard to manage but don’t require 24-hour care. PHPs have structured programming (i.e. individual and/or group therapy), and usually meet 3-5 days a week for around 6 hours (i.e. 9am-3m). Some PHPs are residential (patients sleep on site) and some are not, so patients sleep at home. PHPs can last from 1-6 months, and some offer transportation and meals.

heart-hands iconIntervention Services

Intervention services helps family or friends of addicts stage an intervention, which is a meeting in which loved ones share their concerns and attempt to get an addict into treatment. Professional intervention specialists can help loved ones organize, gather, and communicate with an addict. They can guide intervention participants in describing the damage the addict's behavior is causing and that outside help is necessary to address the addiction. The ideal outcome of an intervention is for the addict to go to rehab and get the help they need.

User icon Programs

check iconAdolescence program

lgbtq iconLGBTQ program

men iconProgram for men

women iconProgram for women

bed iconTotal beds:

6

House check icon Settings & Amenities

  • home-setting iconResidential setting
  • private iconPrivate setting
  • luxury iconLuxury accommodations
    Evolve maintains a setting that provides a sense of security, while simultaneously providing a nurturing environment that includes comfortable living quarters, school area, fully equipped gym, swimming pool, chef, ample grounds, basketball, tennis and/or volleyball courts, ping-pong and more.
  • spa2 iconYoga studio
  • private-room iconPrivate rooms
  • pool iconSwimming pool
  • music2 iconMusic room
  • meditation iconMeditation room
  • hiking iconHiking
  • weight iconGym
  • building1 iconDay school
  • computer iconBusiness center
  • art iconArt activities
  • hiking-poles iconHiking trails

Shield icon Insurance

Our Policy: Evolve Treatment Centers for Teens – Vanalden works with several private insurance providers and also accepts private payments when possible, please contact us to verify your specific insurance provider.

Heart icon Treatment

alcohol iconAlcoholism

The goal of treatment for alcoholism is abstinence. Those with poor social support, poor motivation, or psychiatric disorders tend to relapse within a few years of treatment. For these people, success is measured by longer periods of abstinence, reduced use of alcohol, better health, and improved social functioning. Recovery and Maintenance are usually based on 12 step programs and AA meetings.

drugs iconDrug Addiction

Drug rehab in California teaches participants constructive ways to stay clean and sober. Treatment revolves around helping individuals stop using the substance they are addicted to and learn healthy habits to avoid relapse.

check iconDual Diagnosis

Many of those suffering from addiction also suffer from mental or emotional illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety disorders. Rehab and other substance abuse facilities treating those with a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder administer psychiatric treatment to address the person's mental health issue in addition to drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

mental-health iconMental Health and Substance Abuse

A combined mental health and substance abuse rehab has the staff and resources available to handle individuals with both mental health and substance abuse issues. It can be challenging to determine where a specific symptom stems from (a mental health issue or an issue related to substance abuse), so mental health and substance abuse professionals are helpful in detangling symptoms and keeping treatment on track.

opium iconOpioid Addiction

Opioid rehabs specialize in supporting those recovering from opioid addiction. They treat those suffering from addiction to illegal opioids like heroin, as well as prescription drugs like oxycodone. These centers typically combine both physical as well as mental and emotional support to help stop addiction. Physical support often includes medical detox and subsequent medical support (including medication), and mental support includes in-depth therapy to address the underlying causes of addiction.

Hand holding medical sign icon Clinical Services

inpatient-file iconCognitive Behavioral Therapy

CBT focuses on making connections between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It’s based on the belief that when negative thought patterns are identified and adjusted, positive changes in feelings and behavior can take place. When people think of therapy in general, CBT is what comes to mind: talk, think, talk more, then apply the concepts from discussion to daily behavior. At Evolve, they always focus on changing behavior. If the talk doesn’t lead to positive change, then they find something that does.

art-brush iconCreative Arts Therapy

It’s no secret teens respond well to music and dancing. Expressive therapies like these improve self-understanding and teach productive ways to cope with uncomfortable feelings. Writing original lyrics helps identify and understand big emotions, and playing music has a magical way of simultaneously soothing and releasing those same emotions. Dance, like music, has an amazing capacity to unite mind, body, and soul in a single moment of pure joy and self-expression.

dialectical iconDialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a modified form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a treatment designed to help people understand and ultimately affect the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. DBT is often used for individuals who struggle with self-harm behaviors, such as self-mutilation (cutting) and suicidal thoughts, urges, or attempts. It has been proven clinically effective for those who struggle with out-of-control emotions and mental health illnesses like Borderline Personality Disorder. DBT Group Therapy is a highly effective treatment for individuals with intense emotions, disrupted relationships, and impulsive behaviors. Evolve meets teens—as individuals and as groups—where they are in the moment, while maintaining a keen awareness of the necessity for change. Evolve uses DBT to help them understand and transform patterns of behavior such as self-harm, suicidal thinking, and substance abuse. DBT group therapy teaches teens to tolerate distress without making situations worse, be in the moment without judgment, observe and change strong emotions, and ask for what they want and need in an effective and productive way.

Eating Disorder Treatment

Eating disorders include anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and dysfunctional eating patterns. Many psychologists and other mental health professionals consider eating disorders to be food addictions, meaning food is being used in an addictive way (similar to drug or alcohol addiction). Certain substance abuse treatment programs will have treatment for eating disorders as one of the services offered. An eating disorder may also present as a co-occuring disorder or dual diagnosis alongside drug and alcohol addiction.

equine-therapy iconEquine Therapy

Equine therapy, aka equine-assisted therapy (EAT), is a form of experiential therapy that involves interactions and activities with horses. Horses have a unique sensitivity to human emotions, which makes equine therapy an effective and widely accepted therapeutic tool. Teens can address and break down barriers and resistance toward the therapeutic process through their connection with horses. Their equine specialists hold certifications in the use of horses in therapeutic setting and specialize in working with teenagers with substance abuse and mental health issues. Equine therapists are present during the therapeutic process and work collaboratively with their clinical team in the development and implementation of the individual treatment plan.

medical-detox iconExperiential Therapy

Experiential therapy is a form of therapy in which clients are encouraged to surface and work through subconscious issues by engaging in real-time experiences. Their surfing program is all about taking therapy into nature. The National Surf School and Instructors Association accredits their surf instructors, who specialize in using surfing as a therapeutic tool and transformative experience. Therapeutic hiking groups provide their teens a unique opportunity to connect with nature. Nature hikes offer opportunities to develop a new self-image, a new way of relating to others and the environment, and new ways to respond to the challenges of daily life. Boxing helps teens learn to strategize, apply tactics, work hard, play hard, and recognize the proper time and place for this type of interaction. Evolve residential treatment centers are equipped with gym facilities their teens can use when they have down-time or free time. They take weekly trips to the beach, movies, special hiking trails, museums, miniature golf courses, and more.

family iconFamily Therapy

Research clearly demonstrates that recovery is far more successful and sustainable when loved ones like family members participate in rehab and substance abuse treatment. At Evolve they believe teens cannot be completely understood in isolation from their families. When possible, practical, and productive, they require family members or caregivers to participate in family therapy sessions at least once a week. They prefer families to attend sessions in person, however, they accommodate sessions by telephone or web chat if necessary. The primary therapist will determine how to conduct family sessions. In addition to the family therapy sessions, families participate in multi-family parent support groups held every Sunday. These group sessions allow for families, teens, and therapists to meet either as a large group or in small, intimate groups to collaborate and share their treatment experiences. Parents need support, too. And sometimes, they need to talk to other parents without kids around. They offer support groups designed to teach parents a new set of skills to help them cope with their new normal.

Fitness Therapy

Fitness therapy blends exercise with psychotherapy for a fun, inspiring, and effective way of treating addiction and other issues. By incorporating movement into counseling sessions, clients become more empowered, motivated, and goal-oriented, all while strengthening their bodies and becoming more flexible. Fitness Therapy is usually used to complement a course of treatment (inpatient or outpatient) to make it even more successful. Increasing the connection between a patient’s mind and body helps both with healing as well as in creating new, healthy habits.

intervention iconGroup Therapy

Group Therapy is a powerful therapeutic tool at all levels of treatment. Peer approval and acceptance means everything to teens. During group sessions, therapists help teens develop and explore interpersonal relationships and work on specific treatment goals. At Evolve, they use group therapy in a variety of ways. Their teens participate in recreational groups, daily process groups, and 12-Step meetings when appropriate.

mental-health iconIndividual Therapy

In individual therapy, a patient meets one-on-one with a trained psychologist or counselor. Therapy is a pivotal part of effective substance abuse treatment, as it often covers root causes of addiction, including challenges faced by the patient in their social, family, and work/school life.

life-skills iconLife Skills

Life skills trainings involve all the skills a person must have in order to function successfully in the world. During treatment, they offer career and college counseling, vocational opportunities, educational support, and student advocacy. Each center is equipped with a state-of-the-art computing facility that enables students to access public and/or private online learning programs and resources.

desert iconMotivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a clinical approach to helping people with substance abuse issues and other conditions shift behavior in positive ways. It is more goal-oriented than traditional psychotherapy, as MI counselors directly attempt to get clients to consider making behavioral change (rather than wait for them to come to conclusions themselves). Its primary purpose is to resolve ambivalence and help clients become able to make healthy choices freely.

recreational-therapy iconRecreational Therapy

Recreational therapy (aka therapeutic recreation) uses creative and fun activities to help with addiction recovery. Recreational therapists lead patients in entertaining and engaging activities like sports or games; art (drawing, painting, sculpture); drama, music, and dance; and/or community outings (field trips) to improve patients' physical, social, and emotional well-being.

house-medical iconTrauma Therapy

Trauma therapy addresses traumatic incidents from a client's past that are likely affecting their present-day experience. Trauma is often one of the primary triggers and potential causes of addiction, and can stem from child sexual abuse, domestic violence, having a parent with a mental illness, losing one or both parents at a young age, teenage or adult sexual assault, or any number of other factors. The purpose of trauma therapy is to allow a patient to process trauma and move through and past it, with the help of trained and compassionate mental health professionals.

Check icon Accreditations

CARF

The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) is a non-profit organization that specifically accredits rehab organizations. Founded in 1966, CARF's, mission is to help service providers like rehab facilities maintain high standards of care.

CARF Accreditation: Yes
Accreditation Number: 283634

Joint Commission

The Joint Commission, formerly known as JCAHO, is a nonprofit organization that accredits rehab organizations and programs. Founded in 1951, the Joint Commision's mission is to improve the quality of patient care and demonstrating the quality of patient care.

Joint Commission Accreditation: Yes
Accreditation Number: 588016

Phone icon Contact

Phone icon (877) 821-1654
Building icon

5358 Vanalden Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 91356

Call Now - Help is Available
Get Help Now - 213-584-2127
Question iconSponsored
Fact checked and written by:
Anna Spooner
Edited by:
Kerry Nenn, BSW

Reviews

3.1 (12 reviews)
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Google Rating

3.1 (12 reviews)
Joshua Babin
3 months ago
5

Evolves approach to mental health and substance abuse treatment is truly holistic. They address every aspect of a teen's well-being, and the results are life-changing.

Megan Bean
3 months ago
5

Response from the owner3 months ago
Thank you for sharing your feedback. Although we cannot respond to individual reviews, we remain accountable to our clients, their families, and our colleagues, whether we are celebrating success or learning from shortcomings. With that said, we welcome all feedback and encourage people to call (818) 351-7933 with any concerns so that we can address them appropriately and privately. Quality care is at the forefront of all our decisions, as we strive for excellence in all aspects of the client experience. For more information about Evolve, visit https://evolvetreatment.com/.
Andrea Seibt
4 months ago
5

This presentation about BPD was outstanding. It was comprehensive, relatable, and very educational. I really appreciated having access to something this valuable at no cost. Thank you, Evolve!

Response from the owner4 months ago
Thank you for sharing your feedback. Although we cannot respond to individual reviews, we remain accountable to our clients, their families, and our colleagues, whether we are celebrating success or learning from shortcomings. With that said, we welcome all feedback and encourage people to call 818-351-7933 with any concerns so that we can address them appropriately and privately. Quality care is at the forefront of all our decisions, as we strive for excellence in all aspects of the client experience. For more information about Evolve, visit https://evolvetreatment.com/.
Noah Weatherton
7 months ago
1

You hurt my friend, you suck. This forsaken place needs to treat their patients better. It is about the patients' well-being, not the money you get from insurance. Foods good tho (not on the weekends).

Response from the owner5 months ago
Thank you for sharing your feedback. Although we cannot respond to individual reviews, we remain accountable to our clients, their families, and our colleagues, whether we are celebrating success or learning from shortcomings. With that said, we welcome all feedback and encourage people to call (818) 351-7933 with any concerns so that we can address them appropriately and privately. Quality care is at the forefront of all our decisions, as we strive for excellence in all aspects of the client experience. For more information about Evolve, visit https://evolvetreatment.com/.
Stella Feldman
1 year ago
3

I was here about a year ago. the only thing that was good was the food. they treated us like prisoners and always reminded us that we were sick and should not be making any decisions. with that being said my roommate is now my best friend in the whole world. the punishments were really harsh. once someone got caught with drugs and the whole house went on lockdown for 3 days. I was unable to talk to my family and even when we weren t on lockdown i only could talk to them 5 minutes a day.

Mei Fetter
1 year ago
5

My name is Mei Fetter. I was a client here at Tarzana Vanalden back in 2021 (I think). I was 17 at the time and am almost 20 now. This place is strict and implements many rules. Yet, I personally believe it is what is needed for adolescents who are struggling. I think so many kids are used to doing whatever they want, whenever they want, and sometimes the law needs to be laid down. To those that say staff are mean or punished someone. I believe it s more tough love and what we call, consequences. Crazy, right. They provide a wide range of therapy and cool experiences (some of which I sadly never got to do because of covid). They also provide you with the skills needed to cope with your struggles. Many may not think this place has helped, yet sometimes I believe that those who go in, have a mindset of not accepting help or putting in the work necessary to heal. Someone who does not want help, cannot be helped, and will leave dissatisfied. Are there certain things that I was not a fan of here? Sure. But no matter where you go, treatment won t be all rainbows and butterflies. It is a hundred times better than sending your child to an adolescent psychological ward ten times. My experience there was a turning point in my life. Staff helped me face some of my fears and learn more about myself.I turn 20 in October. I work as a behavioral therapist who provides therapy to children with autism. I am going to be a sophomore in college, majoring in counseling psychology, and have a perfect GPA. I go out and try new things like aerial silks and ninja warrior training. I was such a quiet person who couldn t advocate for myself, and am now outgoing to the point I probably embarrass people. It s been two years since this residential. I have had so many hard moments but have skills in the back of my mind that have helped me get to a point in my life where I can say I am happy. They are skills that are priceless, timeless and can guide you through life.Something to keep in mind is that any mental health treatment center isn t there to fix your child and turn an off-switch for maladaptive behaviors, drug use, suicidal thoughts, etc. You won t come out a completely new person. You come out with a new mindset, new skills, higher emotional intelligence, and the opportunity to be more successful in life than you did walking in.Everyone s experience at an Evolve residential is different, but I would like to share mine as I had a positive one and don t want all potential customers to be influenced by the negative reviews.

Response from the owner1 year ago
Mei, thank you for taking the time to share your experience at Evolve Treatment Centers Tarzana. Your story is truly inspiring, and it's clear that you've made incredible progress since your time with us. Your perspective on the strictness and rules is insightful. Sometimes, adolescents need structure and boundaries to help them navigate through challenging times, and it's heartening to hear that you recognize the importance of consequences and tough love in the healing process. We appreciate your understanding that not everyone may be ready to accept help or put in the necessary work for healing. Your personal growth and achievements since your time at Evolve are remarkable, and we're immensely proud of your journey to becoming a behavioral therapist, excelling in college, and exploring new passions. We wish you continued success, happiness, and endless adventures in the years to come.
Reuben and Monique Hernandez
1 year ago
5

Honestly, I think all the negative reviews are from people who have problem following rules set forth to ensure the effectiveness of treatment. My daughter enjoyed her stay here and she learned a lot from it. Obviously, going into treatment you have to expect sacrifices from everyone, so trust in the process. If you go in with an open mind and a willingness for a better life, you can leave Evolve better equipped to handle things you weren t able to deal with before. Again, I m speaking on behalf of my daughter. She couldn t voice this herself, but this place helped our entire family cope with what was happening with our teen. Thank you.

Response from the owner1 year ago
Reuben & Monique, we deeply appreciate your kind words and are thrilled to hear that your daughter had a beneficial and enjoyable experience during her stay with us. We are delighted that our efforts not only helped your daughter but also supported your entire family in coping with the challenges you were facing. Family involvement is an integral part of the healing process, and we are grateful for the opportunity to have played a role in your collective well-being. If there is anything else you'd like to share or if you have any suggestions for us to further improve our services, please feel free to reach out. Your feedback is invaluable as we continue to strive for excellence in providing top-notch care to all our clients and their families.
info simplifyandmove
1 year ago
1

i would not recommend this treatment center. We had a horrible experience. It was wayyy to strict for our needs and they would not adjust to the child s individual needs. My dad, who was a HUGE part of my daughter s life, got covid in Aug 2021 and was dying while my daughter was in treatment. We asked the treatment center to release her for 3 hours so she could go to the hospital and say goodbye. They said no. They said insurance won t pay if she leaves even for 3 hours. I said, don t tell them. Just let her leave and say goodbye. They said no. My dad died. And they would not let her leave to attend the funeral. They were pretty threatening about it too, saying they ll tell insurance and insurance will make us pay for the entire treatment, which if you know how much this costs, is a very scary thing to hear. So we said, screw this, we will take her out and figure it out but our daughter said she would stay, as it s what my dad would want her to do (get better). And at the end of her six week stay, she was NOT better. We ended up finding a much better treatment center called Rowi (outpatient) . It was night and day. Evolve was like a prison. I would tell all parents to find a better option.

Kraezy Kk
2 years ago
1

nobody really
2 years ago
1

Well,When if first left Evolve I thought I was fixed. Turns out two years later, now that I m back in treatment, it didn t worse and EVOLVE MADE ME WORSE.First on all the staff are MAD inconsistent. Randomly making up punishments and targeting kids they don t like. I stayed at evolve 3x the time I should ve and didn t make a lot of progress. I was shunned for participating in CoDA and NA meetings that I thought I had belonged in. I had a severe allergic reaction to nuts and was not allowed to rest from groups on bendryl with my throat almost completely closed and hives dappling by body.Evolve turns DBT into psychological abuse. I truly believed that I was only my diagnosis and was treated as such. It s taken almost two years to undo the label of borderline in my head. While I still suffer with it I m getting help elsewhere.The only good thing was the off campus outings and therapy. (Surf, equine, music, art) but other than that Evolve was nothing but wasted money.

And Peggy Rose
3 years ago
3

It was ok, I stayed for a full 2 months but they often got upset when we showed symptoms of what we were there for. I made friends and learned some coping skills, but if those coping skills ever failed I would be told it was my fault and that I was choosing to stay stuck. It almost felt like we were forced to be happy. I complained about a staff named Emily multiple times because she was quite rude, was not respecting my peer s pronouns, and often invalidating of our feelings. Nothing was ever really done about it, and when I tried to tell my mother I was told to hang up because I was asking to go home without actually asking. It didn t really accommodate Neurodivergent people, there was a lot of noise and we were never really given anything to cope with that. Other than that my experience was decent. I met some really cool people and the most of the staff were really nice.

Jennifer Slawta
5 years ago
2

All the experiences I've had with counselors and psychologists for myself as well as for three out of my four children have been positive until my experience at Evolve in Tarzana.After watching a downward cycle in my son in terms of choices being made, behaviors, and a loss of motivation that we were unable to abate despite counseling and other interventions, we chose to admit my son to Evolve.I spoke with the intake coordinator at Evolve several times. She listened, was sympathetic, sensitive, and reassuring, and always responded immediately to my calls and emails. She indicated and had no doubt that Evolve could help my son and that Evolve was the right place for him.With respect the Tarzana facility, we were misled on a number of issues during our discussions with the intake director. The intake coordinator told me that Evolve in Tarzana had excellent and experienced staff that specialized in trauma. In truth, the Tarzana facility was open less than a year and the counselor assigned to us had been at Evolve less than 2 months, had only been out of college for 2 years, and had minimal experience in the areas where we needed intervention. What I believe now is that the intake coordinator was trying to fill beds at the Evolve facility in Tarzana.The counselor s approach to us and our family sessions was aggressive, antagonistic, borderline patronizing, and unprofessional; there was a complete disconnect and lack of rapport. This wasn t only apparent in our family sessions; my son later reported how much he disliked the counselor and that he had to comply with her and her treatment to move forward in the program with the goal of being released by the end of the month.The counselor s approach was neither productive nor constructive. Her aim was to cause combat and discord, fringing on being accusatory instead of therapeutic. My husband and I felt defensive over things that were non-issues and wondered why the counselor remained focused on trivial things that weren t problems in our family. The trauma my son had, which his local psychologist and psychiatrist wrote letters about to Evolve, were dismissed as not being important or having any impact on the behaviors and choices my son was making.The driving force of Evolve seems to be to make money and chase insurance companies. We heard repeatedly that our son had to display the behaviors we wrote on his admission paperwork in order for him to stay and for them to receive insurance money. Even when my son did display some of these behaviors, the counselor initially ignored and dismissed the behaviors; it was the psychiatrist who grew concerned, reached out to us, and indicated that my son qualified for residential treatment care. My son did note that there was another excellent counselor at Evolve who had much more experience whom he liked, but she wasn t assigned to our family.Evolve s fee for one month in $45,000. As a luxury facility with a tennis court and a fee of $45,000, Evolve should have a tennis teacher work with the residents at least once per week, preferably more, and Evolve should resupply tennis balls when they are hit over the fence and lost. It seems the tennis court is there for looks instead of for use. There should also be daily physical fitness with a certified trainer for at least an hour/day. Further, meditation should be a daily activity instructed by a counselor, not weekly or occasionally.I do want to acknowledge that we had no trouble with any of the other staff at the Evolve facility in Tarzana. The director, after much persuasion, took over my son s case and in doing so, was professional, productive, knowledgeable, and treated us all with respect. The other staff we were in contact with at Evolve, including the psychiatrist, the person in charge of my son s discharge, and the daily staff all behaved appropriately, professionally, and respectfully. Our experience may have been vastly different if we d had a different counselor assigned to us or had been routed to a different Evolve facility.

Response from the owner5 years ago
Thank you for your review. Evolve wants to hear when experiences are not as expected. We are committed to working with families on any issues they have while their teen is with us and long after they go home. We welcome this sort of feedback, as the most ideal outcome is when problems can be resolved with the Program Director to a satisfactory conclusion as you described. At Evolve, our teens participate in some sort of physical activity every day, such as yoga, hiking, surf, free gym, and more. Our goal is to give teens the opportunity to explore many forms of physical fitness in order to find what works for them. Our staff is there to guide and participate in activities with them so that they can discuss how each teen can best incorporate fitness at home. One of Evolve's main therapeutic modalities is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which largely encompasses mindfulness. Clients participate in a Core Mindfulness group at least once a week, in which they learn and practice the fundamentals of DBT's mindfulness module. Additionally, clients engage in mindfulness activities daily before groups, meals, and bed. Our goal is to teach teens that being mindful is about focusing on the present moment and not being distracted or overwhelmed by obtrusive thoughts. In our experience, practicing these skills throughout the day can be more impactful than directed meditation in the early stages of learning to regulate emotions. As per our license and Joint Commission and CARF accreditations, teens must meet criteria for the treatment they receive from us. Since it would be unethical to treat a teen who does not need it, our documentation is an important factor in maintaining high-quality standards of care. We regularly document the behaviors and symptoms a teen displays and/or reports, and update the treatment plan accordingly. Each treatment plan is reviewed weekly by the clinical team, and updates are provided to insurance companies for ongoing authorization. Much like getting authorization for medical procedures, we must be able to demonstrate the need for ongoing care. Our attention to these details allows teens to get the help they need while reducing costs to families, as much of our treatment can be covered by insurance. Evolve has strong relationships with insurance companies and we are proud of our ability to advocate for coverage on behalf of our clients. Again, we thank you for your feedback. We are always happy to share information with anyone interested in the work we do.
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