Connections Program FAQ
Below are frequently asked questions about our Connections Program—a comprehensive approach that bridges gaps in therapeutic services by offering a true continuum of care. We provide many of the same services found in 24-hour care settings, delivered in a less restrictive way that allows clients to remain at home, maintain stability, and stay connected to their communities.
What is the Connections Program
The Connections Program at Shoreline Therapy Center is a community based integrative outpatient program that provides intensive behavioral health care for children adolescents and adults. It sits between traditional outpatient therapy and residential treatment combining clinical services with real world community based support.
Who is the program designed for
The program serves children adolescents and adults who are struggling with a wide range of psychological and behavioral health conditions. It supports individuals who may be new to treatment those with long standing challenges as well as clients who may otherwise require residential care or are stepping down from inpatient or residential treatment.
How is this different from traditional therapy
Unlike office only therapy models the Connections Program delivers treatment across multiple environments including home school and community settings. This allows clients to apply skills in real time supporting lasting change and functional independence rather than insight alone.
What is the treatment approach
The program uses a directive solution oriented multidisciplinary model. A licensed therapist leads a coordinated team that may include family therapists, case managers, recreational coaches and other specialists. Services include individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy, case management, home based counseling and health and wellness support.
What role does the care team play
Each client is actively supported by a collaborative team that meets regularly to review progress and adjust treatment. The team works with the client and family to set goals develop action plans and monitor progress from multiple clinical perspectives ensuring comprehensive and consistent care.
What do recreational coaches do
Recreational coaches help integrate treatment into daily life. Depending on the client needs they may assist with organization homework resume building and daily structure as well as engage clients in community based activities such as hiking bowling or tennis to build skills and connection.
How is the family involved
Family involvement is a core part of treatment. Weekly family therapy sessions alternate between family only sessions and sessions including the client. Families participate in goal setting treatment planning and ongoing progress monitoring.
What is the goal of the program
The primary goal is to help clients achieve functional independence meaning successfully engaging in their home school work and community environments. Treatment focuses on rebuilding and strengthening real world connections so clients can function effectively within their daily lives.
What does functional independence mean
Functional independence refers to the ability to live successfully within one’s environment without needing intensive or restrictive levels of care. It is achieved by addressing underlying clinical needs while simultaneously building practical skills in real world settings.
Does treatment only happen in a clinic
No. While traditional therapy is included much of the program takes place outside the office in homes schools workplaces and community settings where clients actively learn and practice life skills in context.
Does the program work with outside providers
Yes. The Connections Program is a collaborative system that partners with outside providers including pediatricians and physicians recognizing the connection between mental and physical health.
What makes the Connections Program unique
The program bridges a gap in the continuum of care by combining intensive team based clinical treatment with real world application in the least restrictive setting possible. It emphasizes frequency and duration with care delivered in the environments where clients ultimately need to function.
At its core the program is built on relationship based care teamwork and the belief that lasting change happens when treatment is embedded in everyday life and community connection.
Client Stories
Our Connections Program has a definite structure, but this structure gives us the freedom to creatively address a variety of clients with a variety of issues. As you can see in the client stories below, we treat each client as a unique individual and the programs we design to address their issues are customized to meet their individual needs. Click on one of the links below to see actual programs and schedules for different types of individuals:
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Kelsey, 6-Year-Old with Behavioral Issues »
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Erik, a 10-Year-Old on the Spectrum »
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Scott, 15-Year-Old Transitioning Back After Wilderness Program »
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Christie, a 17-Year-Old Boarding School Student Demonstrating Self-Harming Behavior »
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Angela, an 18-Year-Old College Student Suffering from ADHD »
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Paige, a 19-Year-Old Struggling to Find Direction »
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Derek, 25-Year-Old Failing to Launch »
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Mike, a 35-Year-Old with Autism »
Exclusions, Limitations and Caveats
Since we are not a residential facility, there are certain situations or cases we cannot take. However, if you are uncertain about whether we can help address your situation, do not hesitate to call us. If your situation is one we cannot treat, we would be happy to direct you to a therapist or program that can. The following are situations we cannot treat:
- Actively Aggressive Individuals: Displaying a propensity to cause harm or violence towards self, others or property.
- Active Substance Abuse/Addiction: While we work with many recreational users, we do not treat those with a serious dependence on any substance.
- Unsafe Home: We do not treat victims of abuse, violence or neglect.
- Medical Intervention: We cannot provide medical intervention or dispense prescription medication or treat wounds or injuries, nor provide ambulation or hospitalization.