Principles

We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to heal their past and work toward a better future.

Young people arrive at VisionQuest out of balance. Whether the diagnosis is delinquency, behavioral acting out, substance abuse, or mental health issues, our work is to help the child get into balance and begin travel along a more positive path.

We accomplish this through an approach that addresses all aspects of the child. It begins with a thorough diagnostic assessment which is conducted by our treatment staff along with the young person, his or her parents, and any other involved professionals. We look at the child’s past history, current status and future aspirations from the aspects of healthy mental, physical, and spiritual development. As appropriate, various tests are done to assess physical health problems, behavioral health concerns, and/or educational issues. Based on what is learned, a treatment plan is developed that is specific to each child, reflecting his or her particular needs and direction.

Relationships are key at VisionQuest. We refer to our work as “Guided Centering” -- helping young people to find balance within themselves, with staff assisting them through this process. Through the day-to-day interactions and conversations between youth and staff, insights occur and new doors open. The staff’s respect, compassion, high expectations and firm boundaries provide fertile ground for healthy change.

Our therapeutic approach borrows from the American Indian concept of a “medicine wheel” in which effective treatment requires a balance of strategies from several different directions. In our treatment milieu, we draw on four fundamental modalities

• Guided Centering – relationships and support
• Extraordinary Experiences – healing and growth
• The Path of Honor – ethics and pro-social values
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/Functional Family Therapy – behavioral control and problem-solving

<Click here for more details about the VisionQuest Medicine Wheel.>