Polaris Residential Treatment Centers For Teens
A Safe Haven for Recovery
Polaris was created by a team of mental health professionals whose life’s work is to help young people and their families. As a highly focused teen treatment center, we identify the unique qualities of your child and adjust to their needs.
Joint Commission Accredited
The teen years are an especially vulnerable time for young people.
A breakdown in family communication and functioning can lead to a sense of despair and hopelessness. There is hope. Our Residential Treatment Centers for Teens provide proven, evidence-based care that addresses these complexities, reuniting families in the process.
The Polaris difference
At Polaris, our team believes in a different approach to recovery. We address teenage mental health disorders in a unique, mindful way; allowing adolescents to confidently begin the journey into the next chapter of their lives.
Recovery, healing & growth
Residential Program
About us
Expert Team
Meet the team behind Polaris.
Admissions
Get Started
To determine eligibility, our experienced team of intake professionals will conduct an in-depth interview and thorough evaluation.
Our Mission & purpose
Our mission is to provide the best possible treatment for your son or daughter. Teen mental health issues can be caused by a variety of factors: trauma, biological predisposition, environmental factors at home or in school, and so forth. We deeply understand the need for a thorough clinical evaluation and personalized treatment planning to ensure a successful long-term impact.
Our clinically trained staff treats the whole person using customized, tailored strategies for teens struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar and other mood disorders. We also treat subsequent secondary destructive behaviors like self-harm, substance abuse, and eating disorders.
What We Treat
Mental health can be complex. Polaris treats a multitude of primary and co-occurring mental health conditions and can facilitate psychological testing for diagnostic clarification.
Mental Health Primary Diagnosis
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Major Depressive Disorder
Polaris uses a variety of both evidenced-based and cutting-edge treatment models to effectively alleviate depressive symptoms and support your child in developing successful coping strategies that they will be able to use long after they leave Polaris. With the proper mental health treatment, teens who are depressed can get better.
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Anxiety & Panic
Teen anxiety is a common mental health struggle caused by constant worrying, stress, and fear. And while anxiety affects people of all ages, teenagers struggle with it the most.
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Post Traumatic Stress
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can significantly impact a teen’s daily life, often resulting from a traumatic event or series of events. Polaris offers a compassionate and secure environment where teens with PTSD can receive evidence-based treatments tailored to their specific needs. Our goal is to help them manage their symptoms and develop resilience, ensuring they can lead a fulfilling life beyond their time with us.
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Bipolar I/II
Polaris provides a loving, safe environment to help manage all types of bipolar disorders. With support from experienced professionals, your teen will receive specialized care to ensure long-term impact.
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Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents unique challenges that require specialized approaches. At Polaris, we utilize both proven and innovative treatment models to support teens with ASD. Our dedicated professionals work to enhance their social, communication, and behavioral skills, empowering them to thrive in various aspects of life. With the right support, teens with ASD can achieve significant progress.
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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be overwhelming, causing distressing thoughts and repetitive behaviors. Polaris offers a nurturing and structured environment where teens with OCD can access effective treatments. Our experienced team focuses on helping them manage their symptoms and develop healthier coping mechanisms, fostering long-term improvement and well-being.
Co-occurring Diagnosis
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can challenge a teen’s ability to focus, control impulses, and manage daily tasks. At Polaris, we offer a supportive environment and evidence-based treatments designed to help teens with ADHD thrive. Our dedicated professionals work on enhancing their attention, organization, and coping skills, ensuring long-term success.
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Gender Dysphoria
Gender Dysphoria can deeply affect a teen’s emotional well-being and sense of identity. Polaris provides a safe, inclusive space where teens can explore their gender identity with the support of experienced professionals. Our personalized treatment plans aim to alleviate distress and promote self-acceptance, helping teens lead fulfilling lives.
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Specific Learning Disorder
Specific Learning Disorders can make academic achievement and daily functioning more challenging for teens. At Polaris, we employ specialized and innovative treatment approaches to support teens in overcoming these obstacles. Our team focuses on enhancing their learning strategies and building confidence, enabling them to reach their full potential.
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Eating Disorder
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) involves an obsessive focus on perceived flaws in appearance, causing significant distress. Polaris provides a compassionate environment where teens with BDD can receive targeted treatments. Our experienced professionals help them develop healthier self-perceptions and coping strategies, fostering long-term improvement.
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Attachment Related Disorder
Attachment Related Disorders can impact a teen’s ability to form healthy relationships and manage emotions. Our treatment programs aim to address the underlying issues and build strong, positive attachment patterns, promoting emotional stability and healthy relationships.
Secondary Behaviors
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Nonsuicidal Self Injury (NSSI)
Nonsuicidal Self Injury (NSSI) involves self-harm behaviors that can be a coping mechanism for overwhelming emotions. With our experienced, compassionate professionals, we at Polaris help teens develop healthier coping strategies and emotional regulation skills to address the underlying causes of NSSI.
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School Avoidance
School Avoidance can significantly disrupt a teen’s academic and social development. At Polaris, we work to identify the root causes and develop strategies to re-engage them in their education, ensuring long-term academic success.
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Technology Use
Overuse of gaming, social media, and online relationships can impact a teen’s mental health and daily functioning. Polaris provides a balanced approach to help teens manage their technology use. Through structured programs and guidance from our experts, we aim to restore healthy habits and promote meaningful real-life connections.
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Substance Use
The early stages of substance use, such as cannabis or alcohol, can lead to more significant issues if not addressed. Polaris offers a proactive approach to support teens at the beginning of their substance use journey by implementing evidence-based treatments focused on preventing escalation, promoting healthy choices, and fostering long-term sobriety.
How We Treat
Individual Therapy
- Three Individualized Sessions Weekly: Teens receive three one-on-one sessions per week, with additional support as needed.
- Relational and Attachment-Focused: Our approach emphasizes building strong, trusting relationships to foster healing.
- Expert Clinicians: Our psychodynamically oriented therapists are specially trained to work with teens, understanding the unique challenges they face.
- Comprehensive Therapeutic Modalities: We utilize a range of therapies, including CBT, DBT, Brainspotting, and ERP, to tailor care to each teen’s specific needs.
Family Therapy
- Two Family Sessions Weekly: Teens engage in personalized sessions with their families twice a week.
- Two-Day Family Intensive: Families are invited for a focused, two-day intensive to strengthen connections and support healing.
- Relational and Collaborative Approach: We prioritize building collaborative therapeutic relationships to foster understanding and growth.
- Psychoeducation Focus: We provide education on crucial topics such as boundaries, communication, and family dynamics, including internal family systems, to empower both teens and their families.
Skills-Based Group Therapy
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): Teens learn essential skills for managing emotions and building healthy relationships.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT/TF-CBT): Focused on helping teens reframe negative thought patterns and address trauma.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encourages teens to embrace their emotions and commit to positive behavioral changes.
Experiential Therapy
- Yoga: Promotes physical and mental well-being through mindful movement.
- Meditation: Helps teens cultivate inner calm and focus.
- Martial Arts: Encourages discipline, self-confidence, and physical fitness.
- Surf Therapy: Combines the healing power of the ocean with therapeutic practices.
- Puppy Group: Provides comfort and joy through interactions with therapy dogs.
Creative Arts
- Art Therapy: Allows teens to express themselves and explore emotions through creative visual arts.
- Improv: Encourages spontaneity, confidence, and teamwork in a fun, supportive environment.
- Music Therapy: Uses the power of music to help teens process emotions and foster healing.
Supportive Care Services
- Regular Psychiatry Sessions: Teens receive biweekly or weekly sessions with our experienced psychiatrists.
- Nutritional Guidance: Meal planning is available with a registered dietitian, tailored to each teen’s needs.
- Psychological Testing: Comprehensive testing is provided when necessary to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
We Are in This Together.
Polaris Teens Make Healthy Lifestyle Changes That Provide Them With A Foundation For Lasting Recovery.
Together, under the supervision and guidance of our skilled program therapists. Our network of experienced and caring teen treatment experts focuses on creative therapeutic options that work.
We utilize proven treatment modalities that create a solid foundation. Our mission is to give patients the tools they need to thrive in everyday life. All of our primary and family therapists are trained in the Post Induction Therapy model of developmental immaturity for Trauma Informed Care.
Discover the Polaris Difference
The Right Help For
Your Teen…
Addressing mental health issues in the adolescent stage can make a distinct impact in changing the trajectory of a young person’s life. Polaris offers trusted treatment that has helped hundreds of teens become the best versions of themselves. Your child requires a team of dedicated, experienced experts skilled at assessment, treatment, and aftercare planning.
Our state-licensed program is diligent about maintaining excellence in our standard of care and has been nationally accredited by both the Joint Commission and the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP).
Discover the Polaris Difference. Contact our intake & assessment team to learn about our program, schedule a tour, or to verify insurance benefits.
“I Am Extremely Grateful For The Tools I Learned Through The Polaris Treatment Program And All The Time I Spent There.”
“We are so proud of our daughter and how far she has come in 7 weeks with you. She speaks very highly of everyone at Polaris and of her time there. We had a really nice day with her for the first time in a long time. She was cheerful and positive and looked healthier than she had all year. We talked a lot about her goals for this year and what she would like to get out of it. And, we laughed a lot together. Thank you for taking such good care of her and giving her the structure and stability to continue on this journey.”
“Polaris really helped our family. We are grateful for everything the staff did for us. They taught us skills through family and individual therapy. The team was supportive throughout the entire process. I have seen an improvement in our lives after the program. Thank you for all you do!”
“Polaris was the best experience and changed my life. The staff is so nice and genuinely cares about the clients. The chef is amazing. The house is beautiful and very clean, and the activities are super fun. I was taught how to cope with my issues, and I’m forever grateful for Polaris.”
“Working with Polaris Treatment Center has been a truly rewarding experience for our entire family. Their team, dedication, values, and exceptional one-on-one therapy are second to none. We were broken, and now we are a functioning family moving forward to a hopeful future.”
“I went here in early 2019. This place made such a huge difference in my life. All of the staff were friendly, the therapists were extremely helpful, and I made so many friends here that I still talk to. I cannot say enough good things about this place. It really made a big difference for me, and I can confidently say that I am a better person today because of it. Thank you to all the Polaris staff who helped me!”
“I attended Polaris a year ago and it was an amazing experience. Not only did i learn to surf, but made some great friends, began opening up to my parents, and learned to trust. Towards the later part of my stay, my team there really helped my family and me find a long-term placement. For anyone looking into short-term residential, I would highly advise going here.”
“If not for Polaris, I’m not sure where I’d be. The program was extremely helpful, yet the staff is really what made my experience wonderful. They were so encouraging and helpful, and I made some amazing connections while there. Thank you, Polaris!”
“By far the best adolescent treatment center in the country!! The whole staff is caring and professional. They really listen and want to help not just the adolescent but the whole family. My daughter was not in a good place, making lots of bad choices, and she has completely changed for the better. Has goals and is working towards them. Thanks to all she learned at Polaris. Can’t say enough good things about them.”
“Working here has been an amazing experience. Everyone is so supportive and helpful. Management is great at communicating, which, in my experience, is hard to come by. I am thankful to be part of this awesome team that is dedicated to changing lives.”
Why choose Polaris
Our Approach
Our experience, personalized attention, and evidence-based treatments are what distinguish our organization as one of the best residential treatment centers for teenagers. Our staff has dedicated their lives to treating troubled teens. We take an individualized approach to treatment that includes a variety of proven modalities.
Safe Setting
Feeling comfortable and safe is absolutely essential to a successful recovery. The approach was to create an environment that was both peaceful and private, yet central enough to Los Angeles, with access to the best clinicians and recreational activities that our teens so enjoy. We provide need-adapted treatment that is detached from the stigma of mental healthcare.
Tools For Life
One of the reasons the teenage years are particularly difficult is because they are a challenging transition between childhood and adulthood. Because we specialize in addressing the specific needs of adolescents, we know what it takes to help them overcome the challenges they are facing, and prepare them to thrive as adults today.
Polaris Newsletter
See Our Latest Newsletters
August 2023
Polaris Primary Therapists Jovon Riggins, LCSW & Katherine Abdelkerim, LMFT At The IOCDF Conference
November 2023
Polaris Celebrates This Season Of Gratitude! Thank You To Our Wonderful Community Of Friends And Colleagues.
Polaris is up to a lot this Summer. We are celebrating 10 years!
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Joint commission accredited
Polaris Teen Center® is Joint Commission accredited. This gold seal reflects our commitment to meeting exceptional Behavioral Health Care Performance Standards. Polaris® strives to offer the best possible treatment to our patients and their families. We’ve clinically certified our staff to ensure we provide the safe, intimate level of care you’d expect for your teen.