Individual Counseling

One-on-one counseling is an integral part of The Family Foundation School program. Students receive individual help from our consulting psychiatrist, our psychologists and staff clinicians, as well as from our administrators, teachers, and even other students.

Most students spend several hours each week discussing their program, problems, and progress with their sponsor (an adult staff assigned to them at enrollment) and their "junior sponsor," an experienced peer who very often becomes their best friend.

 
Diagnostic Evaluations

Several weeks after enrollment, all students undergo psychological screening and an initial evaluation by a Ph.D. clinical psychologist. The evaluation report is shared with the student's family leaders, counselor, academic coordinator, and sponsor---the team who will guide the student through the program.

Individual Counseling

Ongoing individualized counseling, conducted by masters-level staff counselors, is available to all students as a way to help them better understand themselves and their behaviors. In their one-on-one sessions, students can talk about their emotions and receive guidance and advice privately and confidentially. The program is strictly optional, and is offered to students in addition to the daily group counseling, weekly peer group and support group counseling, and family counseling, which are all integral to the FFS program.

Individual therapeutic counseling is also provided for any student in need, as determined by our psychologist, consulting psychiatrist, or a staff clinician, or as suggested by staff. Individual counseling may be necessary during crisis intervention or when dealing with a special need or problem, and can continue as long as needed.

Psychiatric Medication

Students who are on psychiatric medication receive regularly scheduled evaluations by our consulting psychiatrist throughout the course of their prescribed medication.

Once students are free from drugs and alcohol, and in a setting where adequate sleep, exercise and a balanced diet are part of the routine, we are often able to sort out legitimate, organic mental illnesses, which are effectively treated pharmacologically, from psychological and developmental issues, which respond well to behavior modification, cognitive restructuring and healthy living. While some students are still on their prescribed medication when they leave, the majority find they no longer need it. Naturally, any changes or reductions in medication are thoroughly discussed beforehand by the nursing and counseling staffs, family leaders, the child's parents, and the prescribing physician.