Clinical Approach

Medically Reviewed by Bill Brown, LCMHC

Our Approach

At Confluence, every aspect of the experience is designed to provide effective, evidence-based interventions to treat young adults experiencing mental health, relational and life development challenges. Our program focuses on stabilization, assessment and treatment. The structure and schedule is designed to provide an optimal environment in which to provide these services.

Confluence’s clinical approach is built around third-wave cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT). These treatment approaches are the most-researched, current and empirically-validated modalities for treating a wide range of mental health disorders. They also provide a framework for encouraging motivation and engagement in life’s responsibilities. Third-wave CBT builds from and incorporates earlier CBT approaches. However, an emphasis is placed on building behaviors that support action towards realizing one’s goals and living in accordance with one’s values.

Third-Wave CBT

This most recent development in CBT research and practice explains emotional suffering as the result of the interplay between language (how we interpret experience) and our desire to impact and control our environment. As we attempt to control experience we may work to avoid undesirable or uncomfortable experiences. This experiential avoidance imbues the uncomfortable experience with a gripping power that further captures one’s experience. It also leads to a decrease in response flexibility.

In other words, in order to reduce our suffering we restrict the ways we think, feel and act. As we restrict our range we become increasingly committed to behaviors simply designed to avoid suffering. This avoidance creates more suffering. And as we all know, suffering (or discomfort, displeasure, rejection, loneliness, sadness) are part and parcel to the human experience. We can’t avoid them. They are a real part of life and choosing not to feel and experience these difficult aspects of life only leads to more discomfort and suffering. We have to engage these aspects of our experience in order to be well adapted, resilient, healthy and motivated.

This engagement is the heart of third-wave CBT. Third wave CBT interventions focus on learning how to observe and accept the process of thinking and feeling. Our treatment emphasizes commitments to change, the articulation of personal values, a focus on the here and now, and learning how to think about our thoughts.

Our Clinical Process

Confluence offers a space where participants can fully focus on their well-being and mental health. Getting help doesn’t have to be boring and dull. The Confluence treatment program is full of positive experiences, enriching community, meaningful adventure, and supportive relationships. We ignite engagement, spark curiosity, and invite fun to the table too.

Stabilization

Confluence provides an opportunity where participants can wholly focus on their well-being and mental health. The setting and program create a space where the entire purpose of the day-to-day experience is designed to support patterns of improved health. Free from the stressors of everyday life — from work and school responsibilities, to technology use and strained relationships — participants have the ability to cut out the noise that so often is pulling them away from center and contributing to their distress. This quiet helps participants better view and understand their patterns, examine their actions and make shifts towards lasting health.

Assessment

One of the primary clinical objectives at Confluence is to provide Participants with comprehensive clinical assessments. Assessments at Confluence include psychiatric evaluation, biopsychosocial assessment, nursing assessment and neuropsychological testing. The depth and scope of these services help Participants and their family better understand the strengths and challenges facing a Participant. Assessments inform treatment planning and primary objectives of the clinical work, while providing valuable insight into a Participant’s path forward and potential future needs. Comprehensive assessment services and Confluence’s team of professionals collaborating on an individual’s care lead to better conceptualization, accurate diagnoses, effective treatment planning, sound interventions and positive outcomes for participants and families.

Treatment

Participants at Confluence engage with their clinical team from start to finish of the program. Treatment is designed to alleviate symptoms associates with mental health diagnoses. Reducing the intensity and frequency of negative symptoms allows for participants to be less in the grip of symptoms and more engaged with their world – from school and work experience, to family and social relationships. Treatment helps develop new tools, strategies and mindsets for managing one’s experience and supports lasting shifts in how a participants views themselves and their relationships to the world around them. Lastly, Confluence window of care offers participants the time it takes to learn, practice and cement skills need to make durable shifts in their health.

Experiential

Treatment doesn’t have to be boring and dull. It can be full of positive experiences, meaningful adventure and supportive relationships. It should spark curiosity and invite fun to the table too. Confluence provides transformational experiences that encourage and support introspection, development and change. Read more about Confluence experiences here.

Relational

We believe healing and true change happens in the context of relationships built on honesty, trust and a commitment to emotional safety. This supports a discovery and development of the self that leads to lasting change. Confluence is founded on a recognition that every person has the potential to improve the quality of their experience, but our belief is every young adult has the potential to move beyond that. We believe every person has the capacity to thrive.

Psychoeducational

Better understanding and knowledge of one’s experience lies at the foundation of our work with participants. Learning about mental health and how it effects our thoughts, emotions, relationships and actions is key to recovery and wellness. Our participant handbook and curriculum supports this educational model so participants not only can heal from mental health challenges, but so they can develop prevention and self-care strategies for long-term health. Read more about the River Model here.

Interventions

The team at Confluence helped our son immensely. We couldn't be happier with the results and would highly recommend the program for young adults that are ready and willing to actively engage in making significant progress toward a healthier life.

Quite frankly, our daughter’s transformation at Confluence saved her life. The experience was the most challenging of her life but it has changed her profoundly - she is learning to communicate, know herself and deal with her inner mental self.

Explore Your Health Insurance Benefits

Confluence Behavioral Health is a state-licensed residential treatment center providing intermediate mental health care. Many insurance plans will cover costs for mental health care services provided by Confluence.