Treatment Methodology

Everstand’s Diverse Program Continuum is Supported by a Consistent Treatment Philosophy

Everstand’s treatment philosophy utilizes advancements in neuroscience that support treating complex trauma and toxic stress through a relationship-based approach.

This focus allows clients to heal from their past experience and develop new protective factors and transferable skills.

Our treatment model connects all service lines at Everstand. While each child’s needs are unique, what they unfortunately also share is often a history of complex trauma. That is where the evidence-based practices used at Everstand shine. Evidence-based interventions provide proven outcomes.

During an episode of care movement within continuum is fluid and flexible in both duration and design. Our partnerships with state and local entities, community connections, and our unique Mid-Atlantic footprint mean the Everstand can often keep a child more local to their family and other supports.

Introduction to Brain Science and Trauma Informed Care

Experiences early in life and at other sensitive periods of development change our brains in ways that make us more or less vulnerable to health problems across the lifespan. Science tells us that the experiences we have in the earliest years of our life actually change brain architecture in lasting ways.

*The research and information on this page are attributed to the Alberta Family Wellness Initiative.

To learn more please visit their website and watch their video on Brain Builders.

Learn more about Brain Science and 101 on Trauma-Informed Care from our President and CEO, Laurie Anne Spagnola, MSW

A Co-Occurring Program for Substance Use and Mental Health

The Seven Challenges

What is the Seven Challenges?

The Seven Challenges Program is a comprehensive counseling program designed for adolescents who engage in substance use, to motivate a decision and commitment to change.

It helps young people look at themselves, understand what it takes to give up a drug abusing lifestyle—and prepare for and attain success when they commit to making changes.

At the same time, treatment addresses symptoms of depression, anxiety, anger management, school problems, self-esteem and many more co-occurring issues.

In the Seven Challenges, we do not fit clients into the program; rather, we wrap the program around the concerns of the youth we serve.

How does The Seven Challenges Program Work?

Everstand’s masters-level, licensed therapists and counselors receive initial certification and ongoing continuing education from The Seven Challenges. During the sessions themselves our staff create an atmosphere where youth can open-up and talk honestly about themselves and about their lives. We help them look at why they are using drugs. Whether they realize it or not, they are using drugs for a reason. Often it is to cope with psychological problems, skill deficits, or problems at home, with friends, or at school. Everstand helps our clients understand what they are seeking from drugs, and then develop the ability to meet their needs in healthy ways. When they learn to deal with life without drugs, they can make sincere decisions to overcome drug problems and successfully follow through. Everstand’s purpose statement is enriching communities, one family at a time, and in The Seven Challenges the family component is so important. Our clinicians join with youth and their families as problem-solving partners by teaching tools and providing support to ensure success. We face the challenge together. Treatment may include:

Individual Therapy
Group Therapy
Family Therapy
Substance Use Education
Seven Challenges Journaling
Relapse Prevention

What are the Goals of The Seven Challenges?

Improve client engagement with holistic counseling. Sessions balance discussion on drug and any other identified problems.
Help clients identify and clarify their own issues and concerns and understand them in the context of their life’s circumstances.
Promote mindful self-awareness and teach decision-making skills.
Increase emotional literacy by teaching about trusting & respectful relationships and building resilience in the face of setbacks.
Create an individualized plan for success, including strategies for relapse prevention.
Help clients restore control over their lives by removing the power and allure of alcohol and other drugs.
Counsel without shame, blame or stigma.

Why did Everstand choose to implement The Seven Challenges?

We know that the best way to get lasting outcomes is to help young people pause, think, and make their own wise decisions to change. Everstand chose The Seven Challenges Program because it is an evidence-based intervention with a proven track record of helping young people overcome underlying psychological problems that often go along with drug abuse or drug dependence (for more on this topic please see our Introduction to Brain Science). The Seven Challenges was created specifically for adolescents and is tailored to their unique developmental stage.

Which Everstand programs are using The Seven Challenges?

Below are all the Everstand programs that offer The Seven Challenges, please see our referral page for who to contact at each program.

Residential Programs in Maryland and West Virginia
Outpatient Mental Health Clinic (Pasadena, MD)

*Strawbridge School is using the principles and framework of the Seven Challenges model for the Challenging Behaviors Group

Make an Admissions Referral

Our residential programs require a referral from a state or federal entity to begin the admissions process. The referring party varies slightly depending on which state Everstand operates within.

If you are a state or federal employee and wish to make a referral, please click here to access our referral directory.

Referral Directory »

Everstand programs are open to any individual or family regardless of their religious beliefs.

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