Thelma McMillen Center for Chemical Dependency Treatment

Treatment Programs

Adult Program

The Thelma McMillen Center for Chemical Dependency Treatment of Torrance Memorial Medical Center is committed to helping individuals and their families cope with addiction to drugs or alcohol. Participants find assistance through a four-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.

Teen Program

One of the few outpatient substance abuse treatment programs for adolescents in the South Bay, Torrance Memorial's Teen Outpatient Program serves youths ages 13 to 17 with substance abuse problems. The goals of the Teen Outpatient Program are to educate and support adolescents to stay clean and sober, create a healthy family environment and develop a sober social peer network. Incorporating a combination of individual, group and family counseling, educational material and 12-step philosophy.

Free Assessment

A Free and Confidential Assessment (confidential to the fullest extent under federal and state law) with a trained professional is available to anyone seeking help. Intake inquiries are taken 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 310-784-4929 for the Adult Program and 310-257-5760 for the Teen Program. The assessment appointment generally lasts 60 to 90 minutes.

Abuse Track

Many safety-conscious organizations and the federal government have begun using random drug testing for employees working in sensitive or security-related positions. At times, individuals who fail these tests may not meet the criteria for chemical dependence, but are still required to participate in a treatment program. Abuse Track offers these individuals, who are not assessed as chemically dependent, a specialized program of assessment, education, group therapy and prevention.

• Program participants are given a full physical, psychological, social and spiritual assessment. Treatment team members then refer to this assessment throughout the program to ascertain that a more serious problem does not exist.
• The individual participates in education about substance abuse, group therapy to discuss thoughts and feelings about the use of chemical substances and random urine screens.

Time per week: Two and a half to five hours
Duration of Abuse Track treatment: 12 weeks
Evenings or days per week: One to two

Family Support

Spouses and children are deeply involved in the recovery process. They may also attend lectures, participate in multi-family group therapy individually or with the patient, and take advantage of a number of support groups that help them face the problems they've experienced in the past. 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.

Alumni

Those who've completed the program are invited to participate in several events held throughout the year as well as provide guidance to others entering the chemical dependency program.

About The Team

Members of the treatment team have highly specialized training in the treatment of chemical dependency, and include licensed psychologists and skilled clinicians. Just as important as the team's impressive credentials and depth of experience in the field of chemical dependency treatment, is the stability of the staff. Many staff members have been with the program since its inception in 1991. In addition, many staff members have successfully been through recovery, and maintain long-term sobriety.