Program Overview     Weekly Program  Twice Monthly Program

There are currently two adult group programs which meet in the Brentwood Satellite office or nearby and two groups that meet in Encino.  These are ongoing groups for adults. Members discuss difficult or troubling events in their lives as well as effective ways they have learned to cope with situations. One of the biggest advantages that a group has over individual treatment is the opportunity to hear how others have dealt with similar situations. It can also be extremely helpful to have the support of others when difficult times arise.  We use a variety of approaches, including just talking about problems, role-playing, video-taping, computer animation, going out, and other exercises designed to make treatment more effective

Group size is limited to 8 participants, aged 18 and older.

Both groups focus on helping participants address general life issues, improving social functioning, developing and practicing more effective problem solving approaches, and managing life stressors. Additionally, some of the group members use our LUNCH Points or Progress Communicator online programs outside of group to track positive behaviors and manage urges or difficult to control behaviors.

No one is ever required to participate in any of the activities. For people who are fearful or shy, simply watching others participate can be an enormously effective intervention
Group members can request that treatment focus on specific areas, for example, anger management, how to reduce worrying, and other areas of interest

Group Costs

The group is billed  per person for each session. Contact our office for private rates. Regional Center Funding is accepted at the rate of 5.5 hours per month for the Weekly Group and 2.5 hours per month for the Twice Monthly group (This includes meetings, phone contact, and necessary reports). Please contact our office for Vendor number and details.

Typical Client Target Symptoms/Behaviors

Both programs primarily target the following symptoms and behaviors:

• Chronic Shyness, Trouble Communicating
• Difficulty Handling Changes in Routines
• Impulsiveness, difficulty organizing, planning, or monitoring
• Problems with Assertiveness
• Chronic Stress, Anxiety, Fears or Phobias
• Learning to respect social boundaries
• Difficulty Managing Anger
• Feelings of Sadness or Lack of Motivation
• Trouble Making or Keeping Friends

Weekly Adult Group (Mondays from 4:00pm-5:00pm)

This group meets the first Monday of each month from 4pm to 5pm and has been running for over 12 years.  The group is designed to provide support, social skills training, and limited crisis intervention for clients with developmental or severe learning challenges.

Typical Weekly Group Participants range in age from their mid 20's to early 40's. Most members are involved in one or more social groups in the community, some have part-time jobs, and most live in their own apartment or with a roommate.  A few of the members drive to group.

Twice Monthly Group (5:05pm-6:05pm)

For clients with less intensive needs, this group meets on the first and third Monday of the month at a nearby coffee house and has been meeting there for the past year (having met in an alternate location for the previous six years).  Most of the clients in this group have jobs, live on their own, and use the program to discuss relevant topics of concern and problem solve.

Typical Twice Monthly Group Participants range in age from their mid 20's to about 50. Most members are involved in one or more social groups in the community, nearly all have part-time or some full-time jobs, and most live in their own apartment or with a room.  About half of the members drive to group.