Aired: September 15, 2008 – 11:00 AM PST
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www.latalkradio.com
http://www.optimumperformanceinstitute.com
TITLE: Challenges of Transitioning into Adulthood for Young People
Special Guest: Dr. Robert Fischer and Anne LaRiviere, Co-Founders of the Optimum Perfomance Institute
Dr. Robert Fischer and Anne LaRiviere, place for young adults searching for purpose in life. Listen to them discuss with Allen the challenges of transitioning into adulthood for young people today. These guests are very informed and experienced with 17-25 year olds learning how to be responsible members of society. Listen, and get advice and help for yourself, or for the young person in your life.
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What is the Optimum Performance Institute?
OPI is a small, highly individualized, co-ed transitional program for young adults ages 17-25 who are progressing through our therapeutic, educational, recreational and recovery curriculum in order to find balance in their lives and their place as responsible members of society.
Who are OPI Participants?
- Participants come to OPI from primary treatment, wilderness or therapeutic programs or from their homes or university: All need a structured, supportive environment as they complete their high school or college and/or get a job, gain independent living skills and begin to establish their own identity and purpose in the world.
- Our Participants may have one or more unique challenges. They may be unsuccessful in persevering in the academic and/or work worlds. They might be unable to individuate or leave home. They may struggle with anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, Asperger Syndrome, drug/alcohol or other issues: We do not accept Young Adults who used intravenous opiates or who have Borderline Personality Disorder.
What key components set us apart from other programs?
- OUR STRUCTURED PROGRESSION TO ADULTHOOD
- At OPI we understand young adults must know they are Progressing, not Regressing, and that it’s possible to develop a Passion in life. Simultaneously they require appropriate individualized structure, continuum of care and compassionate support as they gain independence.
- PARTICIPANTS go to school, get a job or both:
- At OPI, our Participants can graduate from high school, get a GED or attend one of many local colleges or universities. They can enroll in a local culinary or fashion institute, attend Acting or a Musicians school or learn a trade. They are employed throughout our community.
- EVERY PARTICIPANT’S SCHEDULE: Every Young Adult has a schedule that combines their personal goals with our comprehensive schedule of therapy and activities (see OPI’s Unique Structure):
- Therapy: We believe moving forward in the real world requires patience, tolerance and compassion for ourselves and others. Participants develop this understanding in group therapy (required) and individual therapy (recommended). We provide all transportation: Sometimes the best therapy takes place casually, in our milieu or recreational activities with OPI’s highly skilled staff of Independent Living Specialists
- Substance Abuse groups (if appropriate): Participants must be clean/sober for at least 30 days before arriving. But they still need support as they learn to live in a sober environment. They attend special groups within OPI as well as community-based and/or OPI-based 12-step meetings. There is random drug testing.
- Additional Specialized/Individualized Care: Sometimes a young adult needs a personal staff with them for a short, defined period of time to focus on specific objectives. This is available in the form of our Individualized Life Coaches.
- Volunteer (optional) and Community Service (required once/month): Community service activities can range from serving food at homeless shelters to beach clean-up. Our Participants volunteer everywhere from animal shelters to libraries.
- OPI’S LIVING SITUATION: OPI’s 6-month commitment begins in lovely Phase I apartments that are staffed 24/7. Here Participants start the systematic process of working on individual goals/objectives.In about 3 months, after discussions among Participant, treatment team and parents, Participants may move to Phase II. Here there is a systematic and structured decrease in supervision while they work on specified objectives. Continuum of care remains paramount. We still provide transportation. They can remain in groups and activities.After 6 months they may continue in Phase II or move into OPI’s AfterCare where they remain close but become more independent in their own apartments If they move into Outpatient Therapy we continue to monitor their goals and objectives. And for those who leave, who have been accepted at colleges closer to home, friendships made here will last a lifetime.
OPI’S THERAPEUTIC TEAM includes seasoned professionals including Robert F. Fischer, M.D., executive director; Jeff Kestenbaum, LCSW, Director of Clinical Services; Martin Cisneros, Director of Chemical Dependency Services and other therapists & psychiatrists. With nearly a century of combined experience, their abilities are unrivaled.
