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.
Treatment Programs
Cove Forge offers two distinct residential programs for young men:
The Trust House – Dual Diagnosis Residential Treatment Facility
The Trust House is a residential program for adolescent and young adult males, ages 12 to 21, with a dual diagnosis of serious emotional disturbance, mental illness, and mild to moderate mental retardation. Housing a maximum of 21 young men, the average length of stay is one to two years, depending on each individual's specific needs and goals.
The Challenge House - Residential Treatment for Mental Illness/Serious Emotional Disturbance
The Challenge House is a residential program for adolescent males, ages 12 to 18, who are experiencing serious emotional disturbance and/or mental illness. Housing a maximum of 15 young men, the average length of stay is 8-12 months, depending on each individual's specific needs and goals.
Treatment at our adolescent mental health and mental retardation programs is tailored to the special needs of each individual. The key features of our programs include:
- Fully accredited academic program provided through the Williamsburg Area School District
- Medical care and 24-hour nursing
- Group therapy 4 times per week
- Individual therapy once a week or more based on need
- Family therapy at least twice a month
- Nursing group once a week
- Adventure-based counseling/ropes therapy 2-3 times per week
- Monthly intensive treatment teams that involve family, referral sources, and Cove Forge clinical staff
- Monthly psychiatric evaluation (more frequently as needed)
- Specialty “freestyle” therapeutic groups on as needed basis
- Comprehensive assessments
- Individualized treatment planning
- Daily living skills education and practice
- Prevocational/vocational experiences
- Recreational activities
- Continuing care and discharge planning
- Referrals to specialty services
Every treatment plan is developed and implemented by a multidisciplinary team that includes a medical director, psychiatrist, therapists, behavior specialists, 24-hour nursing staff, and other mental health specialists, as well as the resident, his family, and referring agencies. Together, we explore the underlying issues surrounding the resident's diagnosis and work to improve the resident's decision-making process, coping strategies, and life skills.
The framework for treatment at Cove Forge is based on the tenets of reality therapy (LINK TO THERAPEUTIC APPROACH). Our team of clinical professionals uses reality therapy to help the young men in treatment realize that they have control over their own behaviors and can make healthier choices to get their needs met.
Cove Forge is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO) and is licensed by the Office of Mental Health, the Office of Children & Youth Families, and the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare as a Type 53 Provider.