Adolescent Treatment Program

Introduction

Many factors can cause young men today to struggle with their sexual feelings and decisions (including exposure to pornography, lack of adequate adult support and guidance, having been sexually, physically or emotionally abused or neglected, social isolation, loneliness, depression, etc.) sometimes resulting in sexual acting out against others.

Cornerstone's Adolescent Treatment Program is an on-going outpatient program for adolescent males who have acted out sexually. The program consists of weekly group, individual and family therapy. The program ranges from 6-18 months in length, depending on the needs of the client.

Upon successfully completing the program, young men will be able to:

Admit and take full responsibility for their inappropriate sexual behavior.
Understand how their problem developed, identifying their offense cycle and how to interrupt it.
Develop healthier ways to get their sexual needs met and resolve issues that get in the way (like sexual abuse trauma).
Develop empathy for how their sexual acting out harmed the victims.
Develop healthier ways to meet emotional and interpersonal needs.
Learn strategies and techniques to keep from acting out further.

Who is eligible for the program?

Adolescent male age 12 -18 who has acted out sexually/committed a sexual offense.
No chronic history of physical violence.
No active chemical dependency.
Referred by juvenile courts, other providers or family.

We welcome referrals of clients who may need a more flexible approach, particularly those with complicated family situations or co-existing conditions such as ADHD, Asperger's Disorder, Bi-Polar Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, etc.

What about parents and other family members?

Parent and family participation is crucial to the success of the program (especially in cases of sibling incest). Parents and other family members are often significantly affected by the adolescent's behavior. Family participation will:

Support the adolescent as he proceeds through treatment.
Maximize the family's strengths.
Help the family deal with their responses to the sexual acting out.
Help the adolescent maintain his gains after graduation from treatment.