Via Avanta Review
As a part of Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, a Los Angeles-based community organization, Via Avanta is a residential treatment facility for women struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. Located in Pacoima, California, the program recognizes the value of keeping mothers with their children during treatment and welcomes kids up to age six.
Accommodations and Food
Clients share a semi-private rooms, equipped with twin beds and dressers, and a bathroom with one other resident. Cribs or toddler beds are provided for the little ones. The facility also includes a play area for kids, therapy rooms, a common area, a lecture hall and offices. Smoking is permitted in designated areas outside the building.
The women work together to make the meals. By helping out in the kitchen, clients learn important life skills. Special dietary requests can usually be accommodated.
Treatment and Staff
This 90-day treatment program focuses on healing women, ages 18 and above, on all levels: spiritual, physical, emotional and mental. Clients must be Los Angeles County residents with drug or alcohol-related problems, mental health issues and financial struggles. Dual diagnosis support is offered, as is medication management. While detox is not offered, referrals to outside facilities can be made. Court-ordered clients are welcomed, as are self-referrals. There is usually a waiting list of three to five weeks.
While in treatment, the women participate in a rigorous schedule of 12-step work, individual and group therapy, life skills classes, relapse prevention, alcohol and drug education, parenting classes, prenatal education and physical fitness. For mothers, there are Mommy and Me activities, an outdoor playground for the kids and family therapy. Trauma-informed therapy techniques are used during specialized groups focused on helping the women deal with issues that result from domestic violence and abuse.
When it comes to AA/NA, clients attend several meetings per week and local volunteers bring 12-step meetings into the facility for those who are not yet permitted to leave. Residents are encouraged to get a sponsor and continue attending regular meetings after treatment has ended.
Staff are bilingual and bicultural (English-Spanish) and include LCSWs, CADCs and psychiatrists.
Extras
Assistance with court, parole, probation and custody obligations are available. The program provides HIV and STD testing, independent living training, employment assistance, housing placement and alumni groups.
Weekly yoga groups and guided meditation help the women learn healthy ways to unwind and relax.
In Summary
Via Avanta provides a safe place for women who could not otherwise afford treatment to turn their lives around. As a result of this program allowing children, mothers seeking help don’t have to worry about separating from their little ones. Through the 12 steps, life skills and evidence-based therapies, Via Avanta can give women a chance to transform their lives.
Via Avanta Location
11643 Glenoaks Blvd
Pacoima, CA 91331
Via Avanta Cost
Free. Reach Via Avanta by phone at (818) 897-2609. Find Via Avanta via Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services on Facebook
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Sponsored DISCLAIMER: This is a paid advertisement for California Behavioral Health, LLC, a CA licensed substance abuse treatment provider and not a service provided by The Fix. Calls to this number are answered by CBH, free and without obligation to the consumer. No one who answers the call receives a fee based upon the consumer’s choice to enter treatment. For additional info on other treatment providers and options visit www.samhsa.gov.
