Part Five: FAQs with Anne LaRiviere, Director of Admissions for OPI Living Programs
Anne LaRivere, Director of Admissions at the Optimum Performance Institute
As Director of Admissions for OPI Living Programs, I started an FAQs blog post series to outline some frequently asked questions that we receive from parents and referring therapists. In this installment, I answer two questions that come up regularly, touching on goals and transportation. As the school year winds down, I often speak with parents and participants about how our programs can help establish goals and objectives for young adults while they participate, and how continuing or attending school fits in during treatment.
Question: My young adult doesn’t know what he/she wants to do at this stage of life. College is a possibility or maybe getting a job. He/she has some interest in music and acting. How can you help them find a goal?
Answer: Before coming to OPI we send prospective participants a questionnaire asking them what they enjoy doing, both for fun and as a stepping-stone toward the future. Even if they don’t have a clue what their answers are, this process helps them realize that finally, at OPI, they will get the support they need to begin the process of moving forward, developing passions and setting goals.
Upon arrival, they begin working with our departments of Education, Career Development and Volunteer Services and Extracurricular Activities to develop their segments of the participant’s personalized treatment plan and goals. That plan may change as participants move forward and achieve small successes to build upon in their maturation process—by, but discovering newfound or re-awakened passions is always our objective.
Don’t worry about the Los Angeles freeways: we drive everybody everywhere!
Participants may choose to:
- Attend Pierce Community College, Santa Monica City College, UCLA/UCLA Extension, Valley College, Cal State Northridge or Moorpark College, to name a few.
- Get certified in auto mechanics and other vocational areas.
- Enroll in courses at the Westlake Culinary School, L.A. Musicians Institute or the Los Angeles Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.
- Volunteer on a regular basis for the community organization of their choice.
- Be involved in numerous other activities around the Los Angeles area.
Since the OPI Living Program is located 45 minutes from downtown Los Angeles and Malibu, the possibilities are almost limitless. We like to say we have never met a young adult with life goals and interests that we can’t help them explore and connect with.
Question: My young adult has a driver’s license. Can he/she bring their car to OPI or Roanne?
Answer: Not in Phase One. In Phase Two, whether or not they can bring their car depends on his/her progress and if it could interfere with their treatment. Input is required by members of their treatment team, their therapist/case manager, parents and sponsors who make the decision as a group.
If you would like further information or have questions that you’d like me to answer, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment on this blog post or email me directly at Anne(at)OPILiving(dot)com. You may also fill out our contact form with your inquiry. We’re here to help!