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Desert Sage Youth Wellness Center - California Area Indian Health Service

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At a Glance

1 Accreditation(s)

Medication

Inpatient

Accreditations

The Joint Commission

Long-Term Addiction Treatment for Indigenous Youth

This government-funded treatment center provides long-term, 24-hour inpatient treatment for American Indian and Alaska Native adolescents ages 12–17 with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Youth are referred when outpatient services are not sufficient. The average length of stay is 120 days, allowing time for stabilization and engagement in structured care.

Culturally Centered, Evidence-Based Services

Treatment includes trauma-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, relapse prevention, and family counseling. Cultural components are incorporated with the support of local Tribal partners, in alignment with the center’s mission to provide care that reflects the traditions of the communities served.

Academic Support Integrated into Recovery Structure

Youth continue their education through a virtual curriculum coordinated by a licensed teacher. Transcripts from Sherman Indian High School are awarded at discharge for coursework completed during treatment. A five-level system helps youth track progress in treatment and school, with increasing responsibilities and privileges. Aftercare planning is included to support continuity of care after discharge.

Campus-Like Setting for Structure and Connection

The campus-style environment includes modern amenities designed for youth, such as an art room, gymnasium, weight room, and music/TV room. Outdoor spaces include a basketball court, walking path, and a recreation field. Youth also have access to a cultural building and can participate in supervised recreational activities as part of the treatment program.

Financial Assistance

Provided Not Provided
Free
Payment assistance
Sliding fee scale

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Treatment

Treatment Setting

  • Residential inpatient
  • Long-term residential

Treatment Approaches

  • Anger control support
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Incentive-based therapy
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Relapse prevention support
  • Substance use counseling
  • Trauma-focused counseling

Additional Support and Services

  • Case management support
  • Mental health support
  • Social skills training

Counseling and Education

  • Family therapy
  • General health education services
  • Group therapy
  • Hepatitis education and support
  • HIV/AIDS education and support
  • Job training and educational support
  • One-on-one counseling
  • Substance use education
  • Tobacco and vaping cessation counseling

Transition Support

  • Discharge and next steps planning
  • Ongoing recovery care
  • Overdose prevention and naloxone education
  • Post-discharge follow-up

Testing & Pre-Treatment

  • Breathalyzer testing for alcohol
  • Hepatitis B testing
  • Hepatitis C testing
  • Monitoring for metabolic syndrome
  • Oral fluid testing for drugs or alcohol
  • Testing for HIV
  • Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections
  • Tuberculosis screening
  • Urine testing for drugs or alcohol

Medication-Based Treatments

  • Buprenorphine (any)
  • Naltrexone (any)
  • Buprenorphine (extended-release, injectable)
  • Buprenorphine with naloxone
  • Buprenorphine without naloxone
  • Clonidine
  • Medication for mental disorders
  • Naltrexone (oral)
  • Nicotine replacement
  • Non-nicotine smoking/tobacco cessation

Other Conditions Treated

  • Anger
  • Anxiety
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Depression
  • Grief and loss
  • Personality disorders
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Schizophrenia
  • Self-harm
  • Stress
  • Suicidality
  • Trauma

Amenities and Experiences

Amenities

  • Basketball court
  • Access to nature
  • Healthy meals
  • Outdoor relaxation lounge
  • Walking paths

Room Amenities

  • Air conditioned rooms
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry service
  • Outdoor space
  • Shared bathroom
  • TV
  • Shared room options

Activities

  • Art therapy
  • Games
  • Movies
  • Music therapy
  • Fitness activities
  • Gardening
  • Hiking
  • Job training
  • Life skills workshops
  • Offsite outings
  • Spiritual or faith-based services

Setting

  • Desert

Policies

  • No smoking allowed
  • No vaping allowed

Ownership Type

  • Government (Federal)
  • Indian Health Services

Reviews

Summary

(5)
  • Great basketball courts available for use.
  • Friendly and welcoming staff enhances the experience.
  • Strong sense of community among visitors.

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