Now Accepting Clients

The Heart of Our Program: Tailored Teen Mental Health Care

Understanding the Unique Needs of Teenagers

As an organization at the forefront of addressing adolescent mental health challenges, we’ve seen firsthand how crucial specialized care is for this age group. Teenagers are at a pivotal stage in their lives, where they’re not only facing the universal challenges of adolescence but often grappling with more complex mental health issues. At Interval Teen, our focus is on understanding these multifaceted needs, providing a nurturing environment that fosters growth and healing.

Our approach is rooted in the belief that every teenager’s experience is unique, requiring personalized care and attention. This philosophy guides our comprehensive program designed for young women aged 13-17, focusing on their emotional well-being and the cultivation of resilience and coping skills.

The Heart of Our Program: Tailored Teen Mental Health Care

Program Highlights

We are dedicated to supporting the healing journey of our residents through a variety of therapeutic modalities. Our program includes individual, group, and family therapy, alongside skill-building groups and family participation. Experiential activities, such as yoga and equine therapy, play a crucial role in promoting wellness and developing healthy hobbies. By integrating DBT-informed therapy and focusing on relationship-building, we create a holistic path to recovery.

Services Offered

Our comprehensive suite of services goes beyond traditional therapy. It includes experiential activities aimed at holistic wellness, such as kayaking, martial arts, and a music lab. The academic program is tailored to meet individual needs, ensuring that education continues seamlessly. Transition planning is a key component of our program, preparing residents for reintegration into home, school, and community environments.

Specialized Care for a Range of Mental Health Issues

At Interval Teen, we specialize in treating a wide range of mental health issues that affect teenagers, including depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and trauma & stress-related disorders. Our experience has taught us that issues such as impulse control, gender identity, and social isolation require nuanced understanding and dedicated care. Our approach is to treat the whole person, addressing not just the symptoms but the underlying causes of their distress.

Our dedicated team of professionals is skilled in creating personalized treatment plans that resonate with our residents. By fostering an environment where young women feel understood and supported, we pave the way for meaningful healing and lasting recovery.

Why Choose Interval Teen for Your Teen

Choosing the right teen mental health facility is a decision that can significantly impact your teen’s future. At Interval Teen, we offer a comfortable and secure environment designed for stabilization and recovery. Our gender-specific residential program addresses the unique challenges faced by adolescent girls, providing them with the care and support they need to overcome these hurdles.

Our staff’s commitment to providing the highest quality care is evident in our around-the-clock support and personalized approach to treatment. We prioritize the well-being of adolescents in Ventura County, striving to empower teenagers and their caregivers towards healthier lives.

Our Mission: Supporting Whole Person Healing

At the heart of our mission is a commitment to supporting the entire healing journey of the teenagers we serve. We aim to empower not just the residents in our care but also their families, fostering a community that understands and values mental health. By providing education, support, and tailored treatment, we work towards transforming the lives of young women, setting them on a path to wellness and fulfillment.

Our belief in the transformative power of dedicated, compassionate care drives us to continually assess and adapt our programs. We stay informed of the latest in mental health research, ensuring that our approach remains cutting-edge and effective. In doing so, we not only support our residents in overcoming their current challenges but equip them with the tools they need to navigate future obstacles with confidence and resilience.

Joining the Interval Teen Community

Deciding to seek help for your teen’s mental health challenges is a significant step towards healing. At Interval Teen, we understand the weight of this decision and are here to support you at every turn. Our experienced team is dedicated to answering your questions, guiding you through the admissions process, and ensuring that your teen receives the care they deserve.

We invite you to reach out to us to learn more about our program, explore how we can meet your teen’s needs, and take the first step towards wellness. Together, we can make a difference in the life of your teen and set them on a path towards healing, growth, and a brighter future.

For more information or to inquire about admissions, contact Interval Teen at (866) 420-2480 or visit our location at 1408 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Suite 100, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362. Join our community today and take the first step towards healing and wellness for your teen.

Our Mission: Supporting Whole Person Healing

Why is Specialized Care Important for Teen Mental Health?

When it comes to teen mental health, one size definitely does not fit all. Adolescence is a time of significant physical, emotional, and social changes. Coupled with the challenges of mental health issues, it can become overwhelming. Specialized care, like what we offer at Interval Teen, is crucial because it allows for a deep understanding of these unique challenges. Our approach is not just about addressing the symptoms; it’s about understanding the individual in their environment, recognizing the complexities of their experiences, and tailoring our care accordingly. For example, a therapeutic session for a teenager dealing with anxiety due to social pressures would differ vastly from one dealing with trauma. This nuanced understanding ensures the care provided is truly effective.

Think about a teenager you know. What changes or struggles have they experienced? Reflecting on this can help highlight the importance of specialized care tailored to their unique journey.

What Role Does Experiential Therapy Play in Teen Mental Health?

Experiential therapy plays a pivotal role in teen mental health by engaging young people in activities that promote healing beyond traditional talk therapy. At Interval Teen, we integrate activities like yoga, equine therapy, and martial arts, which serve as powerful tools for self-discovery and expression. Through these experiences, teens learn to process emotions, develop resilience, and build confidence in new and empowering ways. For instance, equine therapy can help a teen struggling with self-esteem by teaching them about trust, communication, and boundary-setting, reinforcing these lessons in a real-world, hands-on environment. It’s not just about the activity; it’s about what the teens learn about themselves through the process.

Can you think of an activity that has been particularly transformative in your own life?

How Do You Address the Underlying Causes of Mental Health Issues in Teens?

Addressing the underlying causes of mental health issues in teens requires a multi-faceted approach that goes beyond symptom management. At Interval Teen, we use a combination of individual, group, and family therapy, alongside DBT-informed therapy and skill-building groups. This allows us to peel back the layers of a teen’s experience, uncovering and addressing root causes such as trauma, family dynamics, or social pressures. For example, in a case where a teen is dealing with depression that stems from bullying, our approach would involve not only helping the teen develop coping mechanisms but also working through the trauma and rebuilding their sense of self-worth. It’s about healing the whole person, not just treating the symptoms.

Have you ever experienced a time when addressing the root cause of a problem led to a more effective solution?

Why Opt for Gender-Specific Care in Teen Mental Health Treatment?

Gender-specific care in teen mental health treatment recognizes and responds to the different ways in which mental health issues manifest and impact teens based on their gender. At Interval Teen, our focus on young women allows us to tailor our program to address the unique challenges they face, such as body image issues, societal pressures, and gender-specific trauma. By creating a safe, supportive environment, we enable our residents to openly discuss and work through their experiences without the added pressure of maintaining a certain facade often found in co-ed settings. This focused approach fosters a sense of community and understanding, making the healing process more relatable and effective. For instance, a support group for anxiety can delve into topics like sexual harassment, which may be more comfortably and openly discussed in a gender-specific setting.

Can you visualize the benefits of having a space to discuss sensitive issues without the fear of judgement?

How Important is Transition Planning for Reintegration into Daily Life?

Transition planning is a critical component of the healing journey, acting as the bridge between the intensive support of a residential treatment setting and the return to daily life. At Interval Teen, we emphasize preparing our residents for reintegration into their homes, schools, and communities. This involves not just the teens, but their families as well, ensuring everyone is equipped with the tools and skills needed for a successful transition. We cover everything from academic planning to navigating social relationships, aiming to smooth the adjustment period and reduce the risk of relapse. It’s a process akin to learning to ride a bike with training wheels and then gradually removing them as confidence grows. The ultimate goal is to ensure each teen is not only ready to face their world again but is also equipped to thrive in it.

Have you or someone you know ever faced challenges when transitioning from one major life phase to another? How did preparation or lack thereof impact that experience?

Resources

Interval by La Ventana Treatment Programs

800-560-8518
1408 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd

Thousand Oaks CA 91362 US


View Larger Map

Medical director

Dr. Manju Sharma-Beatty, MD

Dr. Manju Sharma-Beatty, MD is a psychiatry specialist in Ventura County and has over 21 years of experience in the medical field.

She has extensive experience in Psychotic Disorders as well as Addiction and substance abuse.

Dr. Manju Sharma-Beatty received her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine in 2001. In 2005, she went on to study psychiatry at the State University of New York at Buffalo Medical Center. Dr. Beatty has given presentations highlighting topics such as personality disorders in hospitalized patients, the role of genetics in Psychiatry, side-effects of antidepressants and has contributed to the publication “Role of Antidepressants and Psychotropics”.  Dr. Beatty worked as Assistant Clinical Instructor for 3 years teaching and supervising medical students and interns all while developing communication skills protocol. Dr. Beatty has a special interest in Pharmacotherapy.

As a psychiatrist Dr. Beatty diagnoses and treats mental illnesses. Dr. Beatty may treat patients through a variety of methods including medications, psychotherapy, psychosocial interventions and more depending on each individual case.  

Dr. Manju Sharma-Beatty is known for her exceptional medical expertise and compassionate patient care. She has dedicated her career to diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical conditions while providing personalized healthcare services to her patients.  Dr. Manju Sharma-Beatty is known for her compassionate and personalized approach to patient care. She takes the time to listen to her patients’ concerns and works closely with them to develop a treatment plan that meets their individual needs.

Education Director

Deanna Ruby

For more than 30 years, Deanna Ruby has been a classroom teacher. Ever since she was a child, she knew that would be her career path.  Working with and mentoring students has been her life long passion. Her love for children and education led her to design and publish educational curriculum and several books. She is especially proud of her children’s math series, The Power of 10, which highlights a female superhero. Deanna holds an Administrative Credential and a Master’s in Educational Leadership.

Director of Nursing

Andrea Muladore

As the Director of Nursing at La Ventana Treatment Programs, Andrea Muladore brings a unique blend of compassion, leadership, and a diverse background in education and healthcare.

Before venturing into the healthcare realm, Andrea was a dedicated elementary school teacher and her transition to nursing was motivated by a profound desire to make a direct impact on people’s lives.

Andrea became an integral part of the organization’s commitment to providing exceptional healthcare services. Her role as the Director of Nursing reflects not only her proficiency in healthcare management but also her dedication to fostering an environment of empathy and quality care. Andrea leads a dynamic team of nurses with a focus on fostering a positive and supportive work environment.

Andrea’s passion lies in patient advocacy, ensuring that every individual receives compassionate and personalized care. She believes in the power of a holistic approach to healthcare, addressing not just physical ailments but also the emotional and psychological well-being of patients.

Known for her warm demeanor and a genuine commitment to patient well-being, Andrea’s approach to nursing is characterized by a holistic understanding of health. She firmly believes in the power of a caring touch and the importance of fostering a collaborative and supportive healthcare environment.

Andrea Muladore’s journey from education to nursing leadership is not just a career path but a narrative of passion, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in healthcare. As the Director of Nursing at La Ventana, she continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of both her team and the clients they serve.

Director of Operations

Wendy McCain

Wendy McCain is an accomplished professional with a strong background in mental healthcare administration. With a career spanning several years in the healthcare industry, she has shown exceptional leadership and dedication in her various roles.

Wendy’s journey began in the field of nursing, where she excelled as a Director of Nursing at La Ventana Treatment Programs. Her commitment to patient care and her ability to lead and inspire her team made her an invaluable asset to the organization. During her tenure, she implemented innovative strategies that improved client outcomes and enhanced the quality of care provided.

Recognizing her exceptional skills in operations and leadership, Wendy transitioned to the role of Director of Operations at La Ventana Treatment Programs/Interval. In this capacity, she continues to make a significant impact by streamlining processes, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring the overall efficiency of the organization. Her vision and strategic planning have been instrumental in driving La Ventana’s success.

Wendy McCain holds a deep-seated belief in the importance of accessible and high-quality mental healthcare services, and she has demonstrated her commitment to this cause throughout her career. Her educational background, work experience, and dedication to her profession make her a respected figure in the mental health field.

Wendy’s passion for mental healthcare, her exceptional leadership abilities, and her proven track record of success make her a highly regarded professional in the industry. She continues to make a positive impact on the mental healthcare community and delivers the best possible care to their clients.

 

Clinical Director

Carla Fernandez, ACSW

Carla Fernandez, a trailblazing Clinical Director at Interval Teen, embodies a profound commitment to empowering vulnerable populations, driven by her own experiences as a first-generation Hispanic woman. Growing up amidst a backdrop of limited mental health resources, Carla recognized early on the critical need for support and education within her community.
With a rich background spanning six years in the mental health field, Carla’s journey began as a behavioral therapist, serving at-risk children, youth, and foster populations. Motivated by her frontline experiences, she pursued a Master’s in Social Work, a decision fueled by her unwavering dedication to effecting positive change.
During her tenure as a mental health clinician at a non-profit organization in Santa Barbara, Carla honed her skills in providing comprehensive support to at-risk youth and their families. From psychoeducation to individual therapy, Carla’s holistic approach centered on empowering clients to achieve their treatment goals while fostering resilience and healing.
At Interval Teen, Carla’s vision is transformative. With a focus on prevention and healing, she champions initiatives aimed at equipping teens with the tools for lifelong wellness. Her mission extends beyond the residential home’s walls, as she works tirelessly to nurture empowered and resilient families within the community.
Carla’s guiding principle, “each one reach one,” underscores her belief in the power of collective empowerment. Through knowledge-sharing and mutual support, she envisions a future where healing transcends generations, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of mental health advocacy.
Chief Clinical Officer

Sharon Volner, LMFT

My philosophy is that people, whether they are struggling with mental health or addiction issues, need to know their reality.


Sharon brings a broad range of experience to her role as the Chief Clinical Officer of La Ventana Treatment Program. She has over twenty years experience working with at-risk youth, couples, families, and adults in the field of mental health and addiction. She has worked at various rehabilitation centers with youth and adults struggling with issues of addiction and their underlying psychological causes. Sharon has worked as a trainer and operator on a crisis suicide hotline. Sharon has worked directly with the homeless population in assisting them in stabilizing severe and persistent mental health and substance dependence as well as gaining housing and employment.  Sharon’s approach is multi-modal: she addresses the biological, psychosocial, spiritual, and nutritional aspects of addiction and treatment.

Sharon earned her MS in Counseling with Distinction from California State University. She is a member of CAMFT, and a Co-Leader of her daughter’s Girl Scout Troop in efforts to help young girls develop empowerment and leadership.

CEO / Chairman of the board

Our Founder - Steve Zamarripa

Steve’s Story

I started La Ventana Treatment Programs in 2007 as a personal journey looking inward for answers on a more meaningful life.  I sold my previous business in 2005 and started my journey on giving back and helping others suffering from mental health illness and substance abuse. I had an awakening and simply wanted to create a place “to help” by providing a platform where professionals and dedicated staff could work their magic towards helping people.

Growing up, my family was plagued with mental health issues and alcoholism where nobody could express their feelings and I was taught that boys don’t cry ever and did not shed a tear myself until my early forties when I divorced and I cried for my three children. I learned to survive instead of learning how to live and that survival mode where I protected myself and did not trust anybody carried me through most of my adulthood.

Mental health issues were everywhere in my life growing up but in the 1960s and 1970s there was very little discussion around mental health and facilities to help people struggling were almost nonexistent.  Most of my childhood was filled with fear. I lived in fear of my father, in fear of family secrets, in fear of emotions and feelings and in fear of people in general. I remember being afraid of many things as a child and fear was part of growing up which led to establishing survival techniques to live. 

Interval Teen was the brainchild of Rebekah Sanchez Norton, from our own clinical leadership team, and I enthusiastically  supported it when she presented it to me. I realized how my own life would have been healthier and happier had there been an Interval Teen when I was growing up.

I have learned many things since opening my first mental health facility in 2007 and I have grown tremendously as a person.  I have realized that in my family I believe there are no crimes beyond forgiveness. I have forgiven my father and my mother for their crazy dysfunctional lifestyle and for any mistakes made in raising their children. I have forgiven myself for the crimes I committed on my family, for my inability to love and for the hurt I caused so many people throughout my journey.

I am now a loved man capable of receiving love, giving love and expressing love which is more than enough for my life. This has been the greatest achievement in my recovery thus far.

I provide the community with Interval Teen in hopes of helping young women face their fears, work on their mental health issues and become strong women for the future of our society.