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The OPI program is broken down into
two distinct phases followed by our After Care Program.
Phase One
- Participants live under the supervision of an Independent
Living Specialist (ILS). Participants are required to have a cell phone
and be available by cell phone.
- The minimum overall commitment to OPI is 6 months. The first
phase is a recommended 90 days but can be individualized based
on criteria set by participant & staff.
- We provide not only the support but the stimulation, excitement
and passion necessary for participants to begin defining a career
direction or enroll in a local college or university while benefiting from the opportunities available in
a metropolitan environment.
- The wide spectrum of services offered focuses on the
participant’s
ability to gain independent living skills.
- Emotional & organizational support allows participants to set
both long and short term goals, make decisions and handle the
anxiety associated with making choices & persevering.
- We work with the participant to define areas of growth that require
attention and support whether it’s academic or emotional
or dealing with issues related to substance abuse.
- We feel it is essential for young adults to try to find a clear sense of
meaning in what they do. Whether school or work, we try to create a focus for them -
a tangible career objective or goal, working toward that goal by creating unique
opportunities initially characterized as "field trips". Here participants meet people
involved in careers of interest to them and learn more about this career path or goal.
- Giving back/volunteering: We believe that volunteering is not
only a literal way of giving back to one’s community but
also an opportunity to deepen an inner sense of worth and establish
a set of values. Our volunteering opportunities range from working
with special needs children, at homeless shelters and shelters
for animals to participating in the Museum of Tolerance and the
LA County Museum of Art.
- In order to develop a balance within their own lives,
participants
learn about philosophies & techniques that help them achieve
a sense of internal focus including techniques such as meditation,
tai-chi, visualization, and relaxation.
- Participants engage in two psycho-dynamically oriented groups per week, one Apartment Milieu Group
per week (see OPI Specialized Groups page) as well as
numerous supervised recreational/educational activities.
- Our approach is very individualized. Some young adults, while sophisticated in many
areas of life, require additional guidance and support when it comes to their ability
to interact in social situations and with peers. Two special groups are held for these
young people: one focuses on personal exploration, the second is experiential
(see OPI Specialized Groups page).
- Our approach is also very individualized for those with a history of substance abuse.
It is geared toward helping the young adult maintain their sobriety while gaining a greater
understanding of their particular substance abuse issues. Participants meet with our Director
of Substance Abuse Counseling to discuss program opportunities that include
specialized, in-house substance abuse focus groups (see OPI Specialized Groups page) as well as
attendance at community based 12-step meetings.
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Phase Two
Phase II is highly individualized. There is a gradual reduction in the intensity of
supervision and structure, a process that is continually reviewed and monitored by staff
and administration to facilitate the most appropriate transition possible.
Phase II participants sign an agreement defining expectations and OPI responses
if these expectations are not met. The Phase II period lasts a recommended 90 days
but the length is based on criteria set by participant and staff.
Living Situation
Some Phase II participants want to remain close to their Phase I peers so they choose
to live in a Phase I apartment where there is supervision even at night.
Others want to have greater proximity to other Phase II participants. For them we have
Phase II apartments. Still others require
a greater degree of independence. They live in a Phase II apartment located in a different
apartment complex but within a 3 minute drive from OPI.
Our objective is to always provide an individual approach to each participant that
facilitates the completion of their goals and objectives.
The Phase II Program
- In the beginning participants continue attending two OPI outings per month, some groups, and
supervised weekend activities. They attend sub-specialized chemical dependency groups or social
skills development groups if relevant.
Community activities become optional. ILS staff members check in weekly or more if necessary.
Participants are no longer subject to the structure of OPI's Behavioral System.
- Participants assume more personal responsibility and develop a sense of personal structure, setting
their own curfews and working with peers and staff on standards for cleanliness and hygiene. The
result is a situation more representative of young adults living together in college or
having an apartment with roommates. They are still supervised by ILS staff but with less
frequency than in Phase I.
- Participants do not have to attend daily morning meetings.
- Participants continue their educational program and/or work schedule, meeting with staff
and an ILS once a week or more if needed, reviewing long and short term goals, weekly
schedules and budgets.
- Greater structure is re-instated if necessary in terms of curfews and attending
morning meetings.
- By the end of Phase II participants have set the foundation for success in either the academic
or work environment and discharge planning begins.
Discharge Planning
During Discharge Planning, participants help decide their next step. Options include
continuing in Phase II for additional periods, each one lasting three months; transitioning
to the OPI After Care Program; transitioning to the Woodland Hills community while continuing outpatient
treatment with OPI therapists and psychiatrists or tranferring to a new location where they can
continue working on goals and objectives.
Our recommendation is based on input from OPI department heads, ILS's, administrators,
parents, educational consultants and attending therapsists/psychiatrists.
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After Care
- OPI Administration and ILS help After Care participants find their own apartments near OPI.
Participants continue to be engaged in the OPI functions they were in before, maintaining
a supportive network of friends and mentors. It is recommended that participants attend the
psycho-dynamically oriented therapy groups twice per week and any sub-specialized
groups as necessary.
- ILS staff, the Program Director, and Director of Milieu Management check-in with participants
providing counseling, supervision, continued support and feedback
regarding their ability to meet identified goals and objectives. OPI staff can visit their apartments,
helping them learn to maintain living spaces, budget, automobiles, etc.
- Participants are encouraged to attend all OPI community activities/outings and continue
the support and counseling provided by our Directors of Counseling, Education, Substance Abuse
Counseling, Volunteer Services, and Career Services.
- OPI continues to provide transportation to those who need it.
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