Frequently Asked Questions

Aerie provides tailored group, individual and family therapy within a therapeutic milieu, while also integrating academic services, life skills, and health and wellness activities to enhance participants’ treatment and discharge plans. Aerie staff have extensive experience working with youth, and utilize a relational approach that focuses on participant strengths and promotes self-advocacy through positive youth development.

Aerie provides Integrative Therapy through a trauma-informed lens to attend to the unique needs and strengths of participants and families. These models may include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Family Systems Theory, Structural Family Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Attachment Work, Brainspotting, and Solution Focused Therapy (SFBT). Participants and families work with their assigned therapist to identify specific short-term goals related to transition planning. From there, treatment focuses on building insight, decreasing distressing mental health symptoms, and capitalizing on participant strengths, relationships and interests to re-engage participants in their life.

Aerie works with adolescents struggling internally with depression, anxiety, family conflict, trauma, identity related challenges and social struggles. Most of our participants have a history of self-harm and suicidal intensity, but can be safe overnight at home through safety and support planning. Most of our participants have also been avoiding school, and don’t feel confident as a learner due to having a unique neurocognitive profile or because mental health challenges are impacting executive functioning. We work well with dual diagnoses and teens coping through mild-moderate substance use, but are not a recovery program treating substance use as a primary diagnosis.

The Aerie PHP averages 3 to 4 weeks.

The Aerie IOP averages 6 to 8 weeks.

The amount of time in each program is dependent on multiple factors including, but not limited to: ongoing stabilization, engagement in therapy and programming, progress towards treatment goals, and insurance approval/financial considerations.

Parent/guardians can call, email, or submit an inquiry on our website. We will answer questions about our program, and confirm space and initial appropriateness for PHP/IOP levels of care. Once confirmed, insurance information is gathered for Aerie to run a Verification of Benefits (VOB). VOB results will be reviewed together for clarity about insurance coverage and potential out of pocket expenses. If financially viable, Aerie will the send a confidential link for a Pre-admit Assessment/Application for parent/guardians to submit for final clinical & medical approval. If approved, the admission will be scheduled and waivers and releases will be sent to complete and review on the day of admission. Upon arrival, participant and family will be greeted, introduced to staff, receive a tour, and review the program and expectations prior to joining the group.

Aerie does not provide transportation for participants. However, we will work with families to explore external transportation options if needed.

Aerie participants are responsible to bring their own lunch and/or snacks. However, Aerie does provide healthy snacks and drinks to supplement.

The Aerie PHP is from 10AM to 3PM. The Aerie IOP is currently from 12PM to 3PM.

Personal devices and laptops are permitted within appropriate usage guidelines as reviewed with each participant and family upon admission.