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Lifeskills uses a highly effective three-step clinical process; Assess, Treat,
and Practice. Throughout treatment, individual progress is measured
and benchmarked using Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF)
and the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scores. Both measures are wellknown
and reliable indicators of the severity of illness and level of functioning.
The progress and status of our patients is also monitored through Outcome
Studies that are done for two years following discharge.
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Assess – During the first two weeks of treatment all patients undergo a
comprehensive battery of assessments to identify the nature, severity, and
status of their illnesses
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Treat – Based on Assessment findings, each patient is assigned to a level that
correlates with their status in recovery and ability to function autonomously.
A treatment alliance is formed between the patient, treatment team, and
close significant others to identify the goals of treatment at Lifeskills. Then
a multi-dimensional treatment plan is developed that identifies specific
clinical and behavioral interventions that will act as agents for change.
Treatment plans specify the therapies and activities that will be of most
benefit to the patient. They also include building strong self-directed living
skills, gaining self-awareness and insight, strategies for coping and self-control,
medication management (when necessary), and developing sober
support systems.
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Practice – Lifeskill’s residential setting provides a “lab for living” which gives
patients the ability to practice and improve their independent living skills
while undergoing intensive treatment. Skills such as social interactions,
relationship building, meal planning, budgeting, furthering education, and
job-hunting, are tested, and refined as needed in treatment planning. Because
patients are in a therapeutic community of peers, they feel safe to practice old
as well as new skills, and receive the feedback necessary for future success.
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Patients requiring medications (psychotropic or otherwise) are evaluated and
monitored by Lifeskills’ Medical Director and Psychiatric RN. The use of
medications when indicated to minimize disruptive symptoms, optimize
social and cognitive functioning, and prevent relapse, is a part of Lifeskills
treatment regime. Lifeskills offers supervised self-administration of
medications as approved and/or prescribed by our Medical Director, Dr.
Cesar Benarroche. Dr. Benarroche keeps current on the most up-to-date
psychopharmacology literature and practice. He is a member of
American Psychiatric Association, the American Society of Addiction
Medicine, and the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatrists.
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The significant results that are achieved during treatment at Lifeskills,
are evident in our Outcome Studies. Currently 89% of our patients
remain abstinent from drugs and alcohol at least six months following
treatment, and 100% report that their quality of life has improved.
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We achieve positive outcomes because we do not put recovery on a
timetable. Length of stay at Lifeskills is entirely dependent on the unique
needs of our patients, the complexity of their condition(s), and the rate at
which progress is made.
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During their stay, patients are placed in a Level System that indicates
their ability to deal with and overcome the challenges posed both by
their disorders and everyday living. The Level System gives Lifeskills’
patients concrete indications of the progress they have made, as well as the
changes still necessary to reach their treatment goals.
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Discovery…The Assessment phase of treatment where needs,
direction, and goals are established. Patients receive treatment and education that enables
them to identify the role that substance abuse or mental illness has
played in their lives, and they begin to explore recovery skills and
strategies. Medication management is utilized when necessary.
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Dedication…Patients show personal commitment to recovery
from addiction and psychiatric disorders as evidenced by personal
interactions, communications, participation in treatment, and
attitudinal change. Patients take responsibility for their lives and
behavior and are able to demonstrate and test the coping and relapse
prevention skills learned in work, school, or volunteer situations.
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Implementation…Patients are able to function with increased
independence and decreased amounts of therapeutic support in
treatment and in outside work or school situations.
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Lifeskills differs from many treatment programs in that patients are placed
in the Level that reflects their current recovery status - rather than arbitrarily
beginning at zero. Patients who are more secure in recovery can transition
relatively quickly into a normal living routine. More impaired individuals
receive extra time to stabilize before having to add the pressures of increased
responsibility and less structure.
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