Therapeutic Approach
Every adolescent who receives treatment at Cove Forge participates in a treatment program that is tailored to his special needs. Residents participate in individual therapy at least once a week, group therapy four days a week, and family therapy at least twice a month, as well as a variety of workshops and educational courses. Residents also participate in experiential ropes therapy on our 16-station high and low ropes course twice a week.
Philosophy
Mental illness and mental retardation are disorders that significantly disrupt the lives of individuals and their families. Young men experiencing serious mental illness, emotional disturbance, and/or mental retardation need a structured, supportive, and caring environment in order to grow and develop. With appropriate clinical treatment and behavior management, we believe these young men can lead enriched, productive lives and become active contributors to society.
Our mission is to provide holistic mental health services to young men requiring specialized care in a nurturing residential setting. Treatment at Cove Forge is based on a holistic view of adolescents and their families that recognizes each person's unique strengths and challenges.
We believe there are six crucial components to effective treatment for our patients and their families:
- Each individual needs to develop an understanding about their choices and their ability to control their lives.
- Each individual needs to develop a concept of self apart from their disease or disability.
- Treatment of the disease and/or disability involves the treatment of all systems present within the individual's environment.
- These systems of support need to be networked so the individual's needs are addressed, allowing the adolescent to develop a positive sense of sense and achieve the highest level of personal growth.
- Each individual will learn tools to effectively manage his life as well as his mental illness and/or disability.
- Each individual needs to feel a sense of belonging, which can be met through participation in school, work, or play, in order to establish stable patterns of behavior.
Through a variety of therapeutic interventions and positive role modeling, the young men at Cove Forge develop the tools they need to return to their families and communities and overcome behavior and emotional challenges they may face as they mature into adulthood. By establishing healthy, stable patterns of behavior, our patients and their families are able to reach their highest potential for success.