Clear Reflection
Counseling Associates, LLC
180 elm st. milford, nh 03055
335 Nashua St. Milford, NH 03055
250 Commercial St. Manchester, NH 03101
Adolescent Mental Health
Intensive Outpatient Program
The innovative Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) at Clear Reflection Counseling Associates in Milford, NH, is specifically designed for adolescents aged 11 to 17 and their families who require support beyond weekly individual counseling but do not necessitate inpatient hospitalization. Our program facilitates minimal disruption to daily routines, allowing participants to attend after school while continuing their involvement in other healthy activities and extracurriculars, all while participating in a more supportive alternative to traditional therapy.
Our modern and well-maintained space is clean, safe, inclusive, and engaging, without the sterile medical feeling, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all participants and families. Our team of child and adolescent specialist include Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors, Masters in Education Academic Specialists, Board Certified Behavior Analysts, and Peer Counselors who utilize the 6-9 hours per week that adolescents spend with us to establish trusting relationships, which we believe enhances the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions and fosters positive, lasting change.
Additionally, our Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program offers supplemental therapies, including movement and mindfulness groups, arts and crafts, music sessions, and nature activities, and animal assisted therapy with our in house comfort pup, Indie!
along with a family component to enrich the program via our weekly Parents Group on Thursday evening at 5pm and in the form of our robust case management team. Each participant and family is assigned a dedicated Family Support Specialist who will follow stay in touch with parents or caregivers throughout the admission as well as act as an individual counselor for your child.
Clear Reflection is also pleased to announce the addition of Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Amy Herb, to our team as an excellent added resource to the teens and families that we work with.
Our program addresses a range of challenges, including mental health concerns, family dynamic challenges, peer-related issues, and the typical difficulties associated with adolescence!
The IOP meets three times a week from 3 pm to 6 pm, with an optional Multifamily Parents Group available weekly on Thursday evenings at 5pm right here at the office! We encourage a minimum attendance of two days per week, with participation for approximately 2 to 3 months before transitioning to individual therapy, either with Clear Reflection or through a referral.
The Adolescent Intensive Outpatient at Clear Reflection has two main parts:
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First is the adolescent group therapy component. This is the main component of our program and what we believe to be the most effective aspect of the IOP. This is where we shine and where we might be different than a lot of other programs!
The groups include structured process groups, didactic coping skills groups, and unstructured community building groups. Whether in a process group, during an arts and crafts activity, or taking a group walk on a beautiful day, the underlying focus and theme of the program is always on being a positive and healthy group member first. We believe this is achieved by committing to our non-negotiable group norms called "The Behavioral Guidelines" which are essentially an outline on basic human decency and healthy living which can be achieved by anyone willing to commit to the practice! ​​
The benefit of this type of behavioral based focus is that it is not specific to any mental health diagnosis or any particular challenge or stressor. We believe, and have seen time and time again over the years, that focusing on positive solutions rather than specific problems, creating proactive and concrete plans, and establishing and committing to healthier habits are the most effective practices and A comprehensive approach for optimal health and growth!
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Individual check ins with counselors and case managers are done throughout the program as well and healthy snacks such as fruit, cheese, crackers, and popcorn are provided daily!
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The second component of the program is the family component. The family component includes weekly multi-family parents group, biweekly phone calls to parents from a case manager, self-paced educational modules online (coming out Summer 2023), and referral to long-term family therapy when needed. Family sessions can be accommodated when necessary and per child and parent’s agreement.
Success is linked to active participation in both components of our program and those who are willing and able to dedicate themselves to our simple (but not necessarily easy) approach often report drastic improvements in their lives!
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While the program description above is a simplified, cliff notes version, Victoria goes into much further detail on our approach and philosophy in the Parents Handbook below:
A glimpse into our comprehensive and proprietary approach...
Parents Handbook
Parents Group Flyer
The Behavioral Guidelines
Program Flyer
The Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program is in network with, or works through single case agreements with most commercial insurance and NH Medicaid Plans.