Positive Directions is an out-patient psychotherapy and substance abuse counseling program within VMH Care. A dynamic, humanistic program, we place an emphasis on providing a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for both clients and staff.
Psychotherapy
Our psychotherapy program offers high-quality, low-fee individual and family therapy for general emotional problems such as depression and anxiety, conflicts in relationships, identity and career concerns, loss and bereavement, financial and other life problems, as well as more serious disorders for clients who have a psychiatrist or qualify for psychiatric treatment at VMH Care’s Adult Out-Patient Program.
Substance Abuse Counseling
Positive Directions offers substance abuse counseling services to both self-referred and court-referred clients. Treatment consists of individual, group, and family counseling, referrals to adjunct services such as psychiatric and social services and 12-step meetings. Additionally, each week Positive Directions hosts several self-help meetings on-site including Narcotics Anonymous, Marijuana Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, Secular Organization for Sobriety (SOS), Recovery, Inc., Adult Children of Alcoholics, and Codependents Anonymous.
Proposition 36
Positive Directions accepts referrals for Proposition 36 non-violent drug offenders from authorized CASCs (Community Assessment Service Centers) Only. Our Proposition 36 program is an intensive out-patient program which includes a multi-leveled treatment plan, referrals to adjunct services such as psychiatric and social services, two to three hours a week of group treatment, one hour of individual counseling, family counseling, random drug testing, and mandatory 12-Step meeting attendance.
How to Apply for Services
- Call Verdugo Mental Health at (818) 244-7257
- Press option 5 to access the Positive Directions telephone tree
- You can begin the application process by pressing option 3 and leaving your name and contact number
EITHER...
An admissions counselor will get back to you within one business day to discuss with you whether we have the right services for your needs, address you questions and concerns as well as give you further instruction regarding the application process.
OR...
Drop by the main lobby of VMH Care Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM and ask the front desk staff for an application for Positive Directions. You will need to bring in some type of income verification in order to qualify for the sliding scale fee - this could be a paycheck stub, last year's federal tax return, or evidence of your unemployed status.
Once we have received your completed application, we can usually have you assigned to a therapist within two to three weeks.
Staff Qualifications
All staff providing psychotherapy and substance abuse counseling are Marriage and Family Therapist trainees and interns trained and supervised by highly qualified, licensed MFTs and Certified Chemical Dependency Counselors experienced in psychotherapy and substance abuse treatment. Interns and trainees providing substance abuse counseling receive additional experience and training in alcohol and drug counseling.
Hours
Although the Positive Directions administrative office is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday, counseling services are available in the evenings as well as the day as well as Saturdays.
Fees
Our sliding scale ranges from $30 to $60 depending on income and number of dependents.
For further information and a downloadable application
