A
FUTURE OF
AMAZING
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A place to believe in the beauty of their dreams... Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and nestled in a residential community just outside the city, our school for at-risk females fosters a rehabilitative and therapeutic atmosphere within a prep-school environment. This unique, holistic approach is specifically designed to empower young women to recognize their true potential. For many of these young ladies, it is the first time they have seen themselves in such a positive light. For each of them, it is their first step toward embracing the success and achievement; and ultimately a pathway to self-sufficiency as a dynamic, capable young adult.
Adolescent-specific, co-occurring treatment, motivating achievement. MENTAL HEALTH THERAPY Young ladies who demonstrate a medical necessity for mental health services will receive treatment within The Academy’s licensed and accredited Outpatient Mental Health Program. This program, which operates in a separate building on the New Outlook Academy campus, is fully staffed by master’slevel therapists. Following a psychological evaluation, our Medical Director prescribes treatment and provides medication management. Evidence-based treatment modalities utilized by our therapists include but are not limited to: * Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) * Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT) * Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Our master’s-level therapists are trained in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy. In addition, to prescribed individual counseling, they also facilitate a gender-specific post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) group counseling program.
Opportunity, encouragement... and a new outlook on life EVIDENCE-BASED COUNSELING All of our young ladies will participate in evidence-based group counseling programs designed to develop their social competencies and decision-making skills. Genderspecific programs include:
• Aggression Replacement Training (ART) • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) • Thinking 4 A Change (T4C) • ARISE Life Skills • Triad Youth for Girls • Restorative Services Program
and the ability to achieve them.
Educational opportunities that inspire achievement and success. At New Outlook Academy, we recognize that academic accomplishments and competency development are critical to a young woman’s confidence and success. Our licensed, private secondary school is staffed by certified educators and offers academic tracks which include: • Fully transferable credits toward matriculation • The ability to earn a high school diploma • College within the High School • GED preparation and testing • SAT preparation and testing • Fully-funded online college courses • College and career planning and placement New Outlook Academy’s 44-acre site is home to both a 53-bed general residential school, as well as a 54-bed non-hospital, inpatient drug and alcohol program. Every young lady who earns her high school diploma from New Outlook Academy is eligible for the Samuel A. Costanzo Scholarship, worth $2000, payable to the trade school or college of her choice.
EXCEPTIONAL QUALIFICATIONS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE New Outlook Academy consistently earns exceptional ratings with: • The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) • The Pennsylvania Department of Drug & Alcohol Program (DDAP) • The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) • The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) • Pennsylvania Academic and Career Technical/Training Alliance (PACTT) • All five Pennsylvania Managed-Care Organizations
Gender-focused counseling, transformation and self-awareness. INPATIENT DRUG & ALCOHOL TREATMENT Young women are rarely able to recognize the impact that addiction has had on their lives. In order to effectively reach these clients, we utilize an adolescent-specific treatment philosophy. Our therapy focuses on multiple issues that may trigger substance use, such as anxiety, depression, frustration and boredom. At New Outlook the journey on the road to recovery is significantly enhanced by a therapeutic milieu including: • Educational opportunities • Trauma-informed mental health services • Evidence-based counseling • Trades training • Extra-curricular activities All of these services are provided within a nurturing, prep-school environment. At the onset of intensive treatment, each student receives a comprehensive assessment which results in a clinical Individualized Treatment Plan (ITP). In pursuit of the goals and objectives established, each student’s schedule includes: • Seven, one hour clinical drug and alcohol group therapy sessions per week • Two, one-hour sessions of individual counseling weekly • Multiple evidence-based group counseling sessions per week Our intensive one-on-one interaction provides the support and focus necessary to incorporate the skills and knowledge acquired in group therapy into their day-to-day activities and responsibilities. Our drug and alcohol therapists reflect on a student’s daily performance and participation to redirect behavior and effort, as needed, or reinforce progress and achievement.
New Outlook’s multi-dimensional approach is intentionally designed to meet the individual needs of each young lady. We use a combination of proven treatment including: • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy • Motivational Interviewing • Chronic Disease Model • Rational Emotional Therapy • 12-Step Approach, - including a weekly, on-campus NA meeting Clients also participate in an additional group curriculum, “A New Freedom”, which is a female-specific substance abuse treatment program.
PACTT-AFFILIATED TRADE TRAINING
COMMUNITY SERVICE
When our young women receive trades training, they begin to take control of their future. They not only receive course theory but also hands-on instruction. Additionally, the classes teach work-ethic and employability skills desired by today’s job market.
New Outlook Academy students have the opportunity to participate in community service projects which are intended to teach them the value of volunteerism and community involvement. Whether they are contributing to a large event such as the Pittsburgh Autism Walk or providing snow removal for their elderly neighbors, these young women experience the pride and self-esteem inherent to helping others.
Furthermore, students can also earn industry-recognized certifications in ServSafe, OSHA-10 and First Aid/CPR.
RESTITUTION & WORK PROGRAMS Students have the opportunity to satisfy restitution obligations through participation in our work program. Our young ladies also acquire employability skills and a sense of work ethic which are useful in their post-discharge, career planning.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES At New Outlook Academy, we believe it is important to inspire our students every day to experience new opportunities. The young ladies can participate in a plethora of activities and field trips which foster increased self-confidence and pro-social skills. Activities include: • intramural sports and games • yoga and exercise classes • museums, zoos and science centers • theater and ballet performances • college and professional sporting events
TRANSITION PLANNING AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT Because life beyond New Outlook Academy presents very real challenges, successful discharge planning must begin at admission. We strongly encourage family involvement and engagement throughout each student’s stay at New Outlook Academy including regular phone calls, video conferencing, on-campus visits, and home passes. Placing agencies and community resource partners will collaborate in transition planning as each student prepares to return to her home and community. The goals established in the Individualized Service Plan and Transition Plan, serve as a road map for a successful reunification and a self-sufficient future beyond the New Outlook Academy experience. We attempt to instill a deep sense of accomplishment and achievement in our young ladies before they leave so that they are free to realize their true potential.
For more information, contact us at 800-852-0152
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania www.theacademyschools.com