OPI Intensive

OPI Intensive is an integrated component of the Optimum Performance Institute (OPI).

Phase I: Stabilization

The first goal of OPI Intensive is to help participants learn to regulate their emotions in real life situations.

This is accomplished within our environment by utilizing comprehensive DBT and a proven array of Mindfulness Techniques which together become part of one’s daily routine. Participants have multiple and varied opportunities to learn to communicate emotions and desires with greater clarity and success in the context of individual and group therapy as well as through close interaction with peers and staff.

Because participants have repeated opportunities to internalize NEW WAYS to regulate their emotions, they create the skillful habits they need to move forward in life.

Phase II: Mobilization and Finding Direction

The second goal of our OPI Intensive is to help our participants find balance and direction in their lives, discover personal goals in real world situations and persevere at the tasks necessary to reach these goals.

At OPI Intensive , special Transformative Renewal Therapy℠ (TRT) techniques—an enhanced mindfulness approach developed here over the years—help participants rediscover and experience internal passion and joy and share it with others.

As they learn to engage the world in less perfectionistic, black/white ways, they are empowered to break the debilitating chain of isolation that held them back and address fears of the future so they can begin to develop a life that’s worth living.

Participants continue to practice and internalize these DBT, Mindfulness, Transitional and Independent Living Skills. It is a process that requires a village of supporters who help create and validate new realities where internal changes are occurring at OPI as well as within the greater Los Angeles communities.

Our Special Agents of Change? Our highly experienced staff in our OPI Departments of Education, Career Development, Volunteer and Community Services. Together they help participants enter or return to college, embark on a career path, go to a technical school, and take advantage of the multitude of resources and mentors in our area.

By providing this seamless continuum of care at OPI Intensive from immersion through mobilization and greater independent living, our participants are able to persevere, achieve their goals and gain independence. 

PHASE I –  30-Day Immersion

Phase One (Immersion) is where participants begin the vital relationship with their Therapist/Case Manager who follows them throughout their full continuum of treatment and remains the point person for family and referring professionals.

The 30-Day Immersion Phase Includes:

• One Individual Case Manager/Therapist who follows the participant through all OPI Intensive phases and remains the point person for family
• One Independent Living Specialist (specially trained in DBT) for every two participants, ensuring continued oversight and safety
• Room and board in beautiful, fully staffed apartments complete with swimming pools, workout rooms, etc.
• Transportation to all appointments and activities within 20 miles
• Highly structured yet nurturing, compassionate environment
• Opportunities for access to activities at OPI and greater LA Community (if appropriate)
• Core DBT Mindfulness Skills Training focusing on development of:
  • Distress tolerance
  • Interpersonal effectiveness
  • Emotion regulation
• DBT and Mindfulness Individual and Group Therapy
• Psychiatric evaluation and medication management
• Special activities promoting Mindfulness i.e. Yoga, Equine Therapy
• Individual Life Skills Coaching (24/7 skills coaching available)
• Recreational activities including using swimming pool and tennis court on grounds plus surfing, trips to local beaches, museums, shops, movies, etc.
• Mindfulness Groups
• Expressive Art Therapy
• Goals Workshop
• Improv Group
• Writing Workshop
• Community Meeting
• Chemical Dependency Track (individual and group therapy and drug testing) if applicable
• Friday and Saturday outings
• Introduction to Transitional Living Skills (preparation for Phase II)

PHASE II – 30-Day Transformationals

Here, participants move into separate, fully staffed apartments in complexes also complete with swimming pools, work-out rooms, etc. They begin the move back into real world situations and scenarios.

In this phase they begin to focus on Transformative and Independent Living Skills techniques centering on reversals in anxiety, depression, and disorders of emotion dysregulation. DBT and Mindfulness Techniques are continually reinforced in these real life scenarios.

These 30-Day Transformationals are individualized and designed to increase independence. Participants begin working with our highly skilled OPI Departments of Education, Career Development, Volunteer and Extracurricular Services to start developing and achieving real world goals while repeating and reinforcing their DBT and mindfulness techniques.

This Phase includes:

• Participants can finish high school, embark on a career path, take or continue college courses, go to a technical school, embrace a hobby or interest, volunteer and more.

Each 30-Day Phase includes:

• One Independent Living Specialist for every two participants (DBT trained)
• Continued work with personal therapist/Case Manager who remains the point person for family and referring professionals (DBT trained)
• Engagement in our phased, step-wise plan for identifying and achieving personal goals and independent living skills
• DBT psychotherapy
• Individual and Group DBT Psychotherapy
• Individual Mindfulness Activities
• Individual Life Skills Coaching
• Psychiatrists continue monitoring Medications (if applicable)
• Transportation provided to numerous colleges, universities, as well as to job locations, culinary, film, fashion and acting schools, and more
• Goals Workshop
• Improv Group
• Writing Workshop
• Community Meeting
• Chemical Dependency Track (individual and group therapy and drug testing – if applicable)
• Friday and Saturday outings

Participants may continue in our 30-Day Transformational Phases until they feel ready for less supervision and greater independence.

30-Day Continuing Growth:

At this point, participants may choose to enter our Continuing Growth Option.  Here they live in either staffed or unstaffed apartments, while continuing to utilize OPI Intensive Services as well as their own individual therapist/Case Manager as needed.

At this point, they may also choose to return to their former living situation and continue working with their therapist, there. Or they may choose to receive continued guidance and support through Skype from the therapist they developed a relationship with at Roanne.