reSTART CENTER FOR LIFESTYLE SUSTAINABILITY
Located in rural Fall City, Washington, just 35 miles east of Seattle is the Nation’s First Therapeutic Treatment Center specializing in Internet Use and Gaming abuse issues and co-occurring mental health conditions.
CURRENT TRENDS: THE HYPERCONNECTED CLIENT
Young adults are increasingly affected by the rapid changes in mobile technology and the “always on” connectivity made possible by the Internet. Many treatment providers, therapeutic boarding schools, wilderness programs, therapists and educational consultants are now seeing more clients with co-morbid technology issues than ever before.
“At reSTART, a large part of our mission involves a commitment to staying on top of the ever evolving state of digital media. This long-term strategy allows our team to provide state of the art education, treatment, and support to our clients, their families, and the professionals involved in their care.”
If you don’t know how, where, what or why a person is using technology, it’s fairly difficult to treat, let alone assess for its presence. Understanding digital technology use and the way it affects our client’s lives is what we’re known for, and what we do best.
CLIENT SNAPSHOT
Our typical “failure to launch” client is prone to procrastination, denies using media problematically, prefers using the Internet, computer or console system over spending time with others, is failing college classes, has poor hygiene, sleeps most of the day, is physically deconditioned, and often makes excuses and promises to caregivers saying, “this time will be different.” Many of our clients have mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, ADD, mood disorders, OCD, learning differences, social phobia or Asperger’s syndrome. reSTART accepts young adults between the ages of 18 and 28 who use digital technology “too much,” and/or as a way to “escape or avoid” life’s problems.
PROGRAM MODEL
Our unique strengths-based Internet and Technology Addiction Recovery program focuses on client possibilities, fostering a fresh perspective on the obstacles interfering with personal success. Clients receive individualized, whole-person, evidence based care from clinicians who understand digital technology use, the drive for independence and the issues facing young adults today.
reSTART’s one-of-a-kind treatment design uniquely blends a home based recovery community (where social skills are learned and practiced) with a wilderness based adventure program to assist clients in reconnecting with all aspects of “Real Life” engagement—both the practical and the natural part of life.
PROGRAM DESIGN
Intensive “RESTART” Program: Treatment for problematic Internet and Gaming use involves a 45-90 day period of abstinence where users disconnect from all devices and reconnect with a clinically rich, experimentally based structured environment. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of the factors influencing technology use, provides mental health stabilization, and allows for greater clarity and implementation of individualized treatment goals. In this phase, clients develop a “Life Balance Plan” which outlines their approach to developing a sustainable relationship with technology while realizing their full potential.
“The LAUNCHING PAD” Pre-care or Aftercare Program: This journey begins with a brief session of therapeutic assessment and evaluation to address technology use prior to entering or departing from a wilderness program, therapeutic boarding school, or residential care setting. Clients live on-site at the reSTART center and spend their time developing a Life Balance Plan which outlines their future relationships with digital media. Clients complete the plan at their own pace; typical length of stay is 1-6 weeks.
“REAL TIME” Independent Technology Limited Living Skills Program: Clients live, learn and grow together as they develop the skills of independent living in a digital technology limited setting. This program is appropriate for graduates of the intensive program, or for young adults who have completed a wilderness or therapeutic program, or those who would benefit from living in a limited technology environment as part of their personal aftercare plan. Clients receive weekly counseling and coaching services, attend groups, and participate in adventure based activities. Our program assists young adults in community college engagement, community volunteering, internship experiences and finding work. Average length of stay is 6-12 months.
Family COACHING Program: Parent and family involvement in the assessment and treatment process is essential to providing quality treatment services. Partnering with families enables the client to develop vital family relationships necessary for maintaining a sustainable lifestyle.
Alumni “LIFE SUPPORT” Program: Professionals are partnered with alumni to provide ongoing coaching and mentoring based on individualized needs.
CLINICAL LEADERSHIP
Hilarie Cash, Ph.D., LMHC, Co-CEO and Education Director
Cosette Dawna Rae, MSW, LSWAIC, Co-CEO, Clinical and Program Director
reSTART Internet Addiction Recovery Program, LLC
(800) 682-6934
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