Adult Program
The Thelma McMillen Center for Alcohol and Drug Treatment of Torrance Memorial Medical Center is committed to helping individuals and their families cope with abuse and addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. Participants find assistance through a three-phase, nine-month outpatient program that addresses the needs of both chemically dependent individuals and their families. Treatment begins with an initial assessment, followed by a 12-week course of intensive and transitional therapy conducted on an outpatient basis. A 24-week after-care program provides additional support for ongoing recovery. Both program enrollees and their families participate in their own treatment and support programs every step of the way.
Assessment
Provided as a community service to patients, families and referring organizations, assessments are offered free of charge and are aimed at creating an individualized treatment plan for program participants. The staff of The Thelma McMillen Center is committed to providing resources and referrals, and works closely with physicians, employee assistance program directors , insurance companies, and all referral sources to ensure that patients receive helpful and appropriate treatment. Assessments consist of several screenings to help determine the best course of treatment based on the patient's needs.
- A counselor specially trained in alcohol and drug treatment will gather pertinent information about the individual.
- If detoxification is necessary, the individual can make arrangements with the staff to have a physician supervise the detoxification process.
- If outpatient treatment is deemed appropriate, a health screening will be performed.
- Program enrollees will then be asked to complete a self-assessment that identifies key issues and personal goals.
- Finally, a therapist conducts a comprehensive review of the patient's psychological, social and spiritual status. The purpose of the review is to collect detailed information about emotional and behavioral issues, the patient's history of chemical abuse, his or her family status, current relationships and other areas of concern.
Intensive Treatment
During this phase of treatment, individuals confront the complex and demanding issues that arise during the early stages of recovery.
- An integrated series of lectures and workshops dealing with addiction issues such as anger, depression, denial, grief and 12-step spirituality offers participants guidance and assistance as they search for a new way of life.
- Individual and group therapy allows participants to focus on problems that may have contributed to their present difficulties and undermined their past attempts at sobriety.
- Program enrollees are also expected to attend a prescribed number of 12-step meetings held at off-site locations. Relapse sessions are available at the hospital.
- Before patients move on to the next level of treatment, they must meet several behavioral benchmarks, and work with their primary therapist to formulate a plan for the transitional phase that follows.
To help program participants succeed family members play an integral role in the treatment program, and are deeply involved in the recovery process. Spouses, significant others and children are encouraged to attend lectures, participate in multi-family group therapy alone or with the patient, and join support groups to help them face past problems that have resulted from chemical dependency. The program also provides the opportunity to meet alone or as a family with a primary therapist. The goal is to help them prepare for the challenges they'll encounter as their loved one navigates the road to recovery.
Time per week: 11 hours
Duration of intensive treatment: six to eight weeks
Evenings or days per week: Four to five
Transitional Treatment
The transitional phase of treatment is designed to reinforce the recovery process at every turn
- Combines two individual counseling sessions, group therapy, lectures and family sessions to provide an intensive approach to relapse prevention and continued sobriety.
- Participants are also expected to attend a prescribed number of 12-step meetings outside the hospital.
Time per week: 7 hours
Duration of transitional treatment: Minimum of six weeks
Evenings or days per week: Three
Continuing Care
Participants and their loved ones continue to receive ongoing support to keep them moving in the right direction as sobriety becomes a way of life.
- Participants continue with weekly group therapy sessions and four individual counseling sessions.
- Additional private therapy sessions may be requested by the participant, if the need arises.
Time per week: Two hours
Duration of continuing care treatment: 24 weeks
Evenings or days per week: One