Including families in therapeutic interventions with their children is one of the best ways to enrich family life for all family members, and to prevent a child from relapsing after treatment. At Santiam Crossing, parents and children participate in family therapy through twice-monthly conference calls that include the child, the parent(s), the Santiam therapist, and, when possible, the family’s therapist from its own community. On the third weekend of each month, students join with their parents on campus to work toward successfully reuniting the family. Therapy issues addressed include family structure, communication, parenting consistency, trust and responsibility, and managing together the child’s behavior and future.

Parents will participate in three parent coaching sessions upon their child’s enrollment. These sessions are designed to support parents. On these calls parents will learn what to expect while their child is enrolled at Santiam Crossing, learn how to become fully engaged in their child’s treatment, and discover how to best support their child. The coach will also help prepare parents for their first on-campus visit with their child. Each session will be approximately an hour in length.

The role of a coach is much different than that of a therapist. The coach acts as a sounding board and as a catalyst for your own solutions, decisions and actions. The coach asks questions designed to help you clarify your process and will provide observations and options. The coach helps you find solutions, reduce your stress level, achieve balance, and will assist you in strengthening your relationship with your child by helping to improve communication and deepen connections.

We are partnering with Next Step for Success to provide the coaching. Each of their coaches is certified and has hands-on experience working with families who have a struggling teen or young adult. And, they have an in-depth understanding of the challenging process involved in putting your child in treatment.

We also highly recommend that you work with Next Step for Success when it comes time for your child to transition home. This period of transition is a critical element in determining the long-term success of your child. The coaches are available to provide support as a students leaves Santiam Crossing and tests themselves in the world to which they return. They can be reached directly at 541-504-5224 or online at http://www.nextstepforsuccess.com. (There is an additional fee for this service.)

Note: The weather is variable at Santiam Crossing so bring layers, rain gear, and appropriate shoes.

* Parents are encouraged to attend every family weekend. Travel time and time off from work can be a significant issue for some families, and not everyone will be able to attend every meeting. Students who have families who are not coming will participate in an off-campus activity.