Treatment Program for Adolescents with Problematic Sexual Behavior
This specially designed program has been established for the treatment of adolescents. Caregiver participation in the program is required. Treatment is Evidence-based practice.
When: Every Tuesday group sessions take place at 4:30-6:00 pm (This includes Adolescent and Caretaker Groups. Groups run concurrently) Where: Crown Counseling 1308 North Main St. Crown Point, IN. 46307 Cost: FREE This project is supported by Grant2020-mc-fx-k033 awarded by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office of Justice (OJJDP) Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.
For further information about the program, contact Maria Alvarado MS., LMHC, NCC, CSAYC at 219-663-6353 or via email at mariaa@crowncounseling.org or Jacob Biancardi MS., LMHC, CSAYC at 219.775.2241 or via email at jacobb@crowncounseling.org
Eligibility: • Teens ages 13 – 18 (some exceptions for younger and older) • Court ordered to attend treatment with caregiver; or, self-referred • Have oversight by the court • Capable of participation in productive group discussions • Have a caregiver available to participate in weekly group sessions • Have adequate supervision to remain in the community during outpatient treatment
Clinicians: Jacob Biancardi, MS., LMHC, CSAYC LaRia Crews, LSW Naomi Knoerzer, MS., LMHC, CSOT Maria Alvarado, MS., LMHC, CSAYC
Group Treatment Requirements
1. Group (Adolescent and Caretaker) treatment program meets weekly on Tuesdays from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. (Time may change) 2. Caretaker(s) are required to participate in 12 months of weekly treatment sessions to be eligible for successful graduation. 3. Treatment may be extended beyond 1 year for youth with ongoing problematic behavior. 4. Adolescents who have previously completed specialized treatment for problematic sexual behavior prior to entering this treatment program may be eligible for the 6 month treatment. 5. Group members will participate in group activities such as written activities, group discussions, combined activities with caregivers, and attending guest presentations. 6. Topics covered in the group include: • Psychoeducation on what is legal and appropriate sexual behavior • Healthy sexual decision-making • How to improve family communication • Developing and maintaining safe and healthy social relationships • Understanding and managing feelings, and • Managing and reducing stress 7. If warranted, additional individual and/or family therapy may be offered to support teens and families. Some examples include helping teens heal from trauma, assisting with managing depression and/or anxiety, or improving the family relationships. Caregiver Involvement 1. Caregiver involvement is a required and essential feature of the treatment program; caregivers are required to attend group sessions every week. 2. The Caregiver’s Group meets weekly at the same time as the Adolescent Group. This group assists caregivers in managing their adolescent’s problematic behavior through in-depth discussions and educational activities. 3. Topics discussed in the caregiver/adolescent joint sessions include: • Guiding and supporting adolescents in developing safe and healthy sexual values and behaviors • Developmentally appropriate supervision and monitoring of adolescents • Enhancing overall communication of caregiver and adolescents
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my teen denies engaging in problematic sexual behavior?
ANSWER: It is not uncommon for teens to deny this type of behaviors out of fear of worrying about what would be said about them, family or friends judging them, or the repercussions of their actions. Although, our Adolescent Group is created for teens who acknowledge that they have engaged in problematic sexual behaviors, we encourage them to participate in group with hopes that they will feel supported and not judged. By doing so, this will not only support the teen, but their caretaker as well and they will learn that group is supportive and a safe environment in which true change can take place.
Crown Point Office: 1308 N Main St. Crown Point IN 46307 Hammond Office: 7025 Indianapolis Blvd, Hammond, IN 46324 1-219-663-6353