Evolve Teen Treatment Center

About Evolve Teen Treatment Center

Evolve Encinitas is a full-service residential treatment program that provides individualized care using solution-oriented, evidence-based approaches for up to six teens ages 12 to 17 at a time. The program is housed in spacious, upscale homes where participants can choose private or shared rooms. Clients receive chef-prepared, nutritious meals, have access to computers for two hours of school each weekday from Monday through Friday, and benefit from on-site amenities such as a pool, fitness center, and outdoor lounge area. The facility is licensed and staffed around the clock, creating a secure, well-organized therapeutic setting designed to support recovery. The center’s dual-diagnosis program focuses on mental health, substance use, and co-occurring conditions through a blend of group and family therapy, motivational interviewing (MI), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Before treatment begins, experienced clinicians conduct a detailed assessment to develop a personalized treatment plan that is continuously reviewed and adjusted to reflect each teen’s evolving needs and goals.

Evolve works with a broad range of concerns, including mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and co-occurring diagnoses. Program coverage for mental and behavioral health includes anxiety, depression, self-harm or suicidal thoughts, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related issues, bipolar and other mood disorders, gender dysphoria, eating disorders, borderline and other personality disorders, OCD, psychosis, and problems with mood or behavioral regulation. Substance use disorder treatment addresses a variety of substances and related issues, including alcohol, cannabis, opioids, prescription medications (such as stimulants or sedatives), misuse of hallucinogens and stimulants, and tobacco-related concerns.

The dual-diagnosis setting is designed to treat teens dealing with both mental health and substance use at the same time, including those with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD) when they also experience a substance use and/or mental health challenge. Along with evidence-based care, clinicians at Evolve also offer experiential therapies. Equine-assisted therapy helps reduce resistance and break through barriers by working with horses. Art therapy offers a calm, supportive way to lower stress, strengthen self-understanding, and work through past experiences. Expressive options such as music and dance therapy can improve mood and overall wellbeing and support body image, while drama therapy helps build communication, relationship skills, and empathy. Surf therapy is guided by accredited instructors and uses surfing as a motivational experience to strengthen executive functioning, practice social skills, and develop stress-management strategies. Nature-based sessions such as hiking support a healthier self-view, help teens learn new ways to respond to others and their environment, and better prepare them for everyday challenges. Weekly yoga sessions and fitness center activities are also available.

Teens can join regular outings, including trips to the beach, movies, hiking areas, miniature golf, and museums, which help reinforce healthy engagement with the world while rewarding effort and achievement. The clinical team at Evolve supports teens and families through individual, group, and family therapy. With a strong focus on DBT, clients participate in four DBT groups each week to ensure the program follows DBT principles and structure. CBT is also used to address depression, anxiety, substance use, and eating disorders by helping teens replace unhelpful thought patterns. MI helps the program meet teens where they are, identify goals and priorities, and strengthen internal motivation for change. Mindfulness is built into treatment across settings, encouraging teens to stay grounded in the present moment and practice acceptance without judgment, shifting away from automatic reactions.

Additional approaches for substance use and co-occurring concerns may include seeking safety, relapse prevention, anger management, meditation, and life skills. Family therapy and family support groups are included as part of the overall program so caregivers can stay involved and coordinate care with the treatment team. Evolve Encinitas is Joint Commission and CARF accredited and accepts most major insurance plans.

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