The Family Program is a hallmark of Sierra Tucson's successful treatment. Because family members and significant others are considerably affected by addiction and mental health disorders, their involvement is critical to the recovery process. Families and their loved one in treatment are given an opportunity to learn about addictions and disorders, discuss issues that have involved them for many years, and heal together. This is often a life-changing week where relationships can begin to mend from confusion, hurt, and misunderstandings. Family members are guided to work on their own issues, develop self-care techniques, and learn how to support their loved one.

This intensive four-day program begins on Monday at 8:00 a.m. and ends on Thursday at 6:15 p.m.  The Family Program is designed to assist patients and family members in identifying problems that have had significant impact on the family system; in changing attitudes and, ultimately, behaviors between family members and patients; and in clarifying the role of healthy support. Therapists model and teach new communication skills, which give the patients and family members a means to change behaviors and enhance the healing process. A Couple's Workshop provides an opportunity for all couples in the Family Program to tend to their relationship issues and to receive educational and therapeutic support for recovery.

A family therapist works with adult family members during the week, providing support and education specific to the patient's issues. In afternoon sessions, the family group includes the patient, the patient's process group members, and the unit therapist. A family therapist may provide individual counseling for family members, as deemed necessary, and will include other clinical staff if appropriate. If a family member evidences the need for inpatient treatment or requests admission to Sierra Tucson, the family therapist will refer to the Intake Department for assessment. Continuing care recommendations are given to family members to support their ongoing recovery.

# Top

Children's & Teen Programs

As part of Sierra Tucson's Family Program, Children's and Teen Programs are specifically designed to meet the needs of young family members.

The Children's Program Coodinator facilitates group activities for children 7 - 12 years of age. Although some group sessions are shared with the patient and other family members, much of their time is spent separately. The children's needs are addressed using age-appropriate experiential activities, games, and art to help them understand and process emotionally the turmoil they have experienced. Educational components teach about the reasons a parent or other family member is in treatment and assist in the development of communication skills. The Children's Program Coordinator facilitates therapeutic work with the children's parents/family.

A Teen Program is provided for adolescents 13 - 17 years of age. Teens join in various aspects of the adult Family Program and participate in therapeutic work with their parent or other family member in treatment. They are also provided age-appropriate groups and activities to support their involvement in a healthy family system. This is an opportunity to learn new life skills and gain understanding about setting healthy boundaries; dealing with anger, shame, resentment and forgiveness; and regaining trust. The components of the Teen Program are similar to the Children's Program but are provided at an age-appropriate level.

Where to Stay During the Family Program

Sierra Tucson suggests the following Tucson locations for accommodations during the Family Program: