Troubled Teens Struggling Youth Help Line 866-968-8409
Struggling Youth Troubled Teens Help Line 866-968-8409
Troubled Teens help contact form
Caring 4 Youth is happy to assist you in finding the help you need for your troubled teens / struggling youth.

USA Guides - Youth Transport Service


Monte Nedo

  Monte Nedo [website]
27162 Sea Vista Dr. 
Malibu, CA 90265
US
Phone: (310) 457-9958
Ages:18 and over
Gender:Girls Only
Description:Monte Nido is unique in many ways. Some of the most important things that clients have appreciated that are not common to other programs are as follows:

a) The setting
b) The staff
c) The individual therapy
d) The level system
e) Transition house
f) Independent living
g) Medication treatment


a) The home-like environment is incredibly serene and beautiful and the atmosphere feels like a family setting because we take on only six clients at a time and then they live together on the estate.

b) Most of the staff at Monte Nido have recovered from an eating disorder and have been recovered for many years. We believe that individuals can become fully recovered and we do not ascribe to the concept of the disease model where one will always be in "recovery" or "recovering".

c) The Monte Nido program places a high priority on individualized plans and individual therapy as provided by Carolyn Costin, LMFT and Community Counseling. Each client has a therapist she sees three times a week, in addition to individual sessions with the clinical director, neuropsychiatrist and registered dietitian at least once a week. The therapists are assigned only two clients at a time so their attention is not divided among a number of clients. Additionally and most unique, the individual therapists, as well as other staff members eat meals with clients on a regular basis, run groups, and spend time at Monte Nido doing other activities. This promotes a bonding between therapist and client that is very strong. The therapist has a chance to see the client at her most difficult times, for example during a meal, and the therapist can serve as a role model for many situations.

d) The Monte Nido level system is set up so that clients have maximum structure and protection upon admission and then increasingly gain greater responsibility and freedom. As clients progress through our program they start shopping, planning meals, preparing their own meals, etc. Clients also go on passes with significant others in the beginning and then, if possible, alone to practice skills in the outside world. These passes can be as short as a trip to a restaurant or as long as a weekend back home. For example, a local client might go home overnight to see what it was like having dinner in her home environment and then return to Monte Nido to process the experience.

e) A transition house, Bella Mar, is provided for clients who are not ready to begin resuming their normal life and activities but who no longer need the 24 hour supervision and schedule of therapy and activities provided at Monte Nido. There are two levels at the transition house; Level 5 and Level 6 both with decreasing amounts of structure than what is provided at Monte Nido. Clients must be approved by staff to go to the transition house, as living at the house is a privilege for those demonstrating they are capable of less structure and supervision. The transition house provides a setting where clients can begin resuming normal life responsibilities gradually.

f) We offer one further step down in our independent living house. This house is on the same property as the transition house but clients are basically on their own in the sense that no therapy sessions or groups take place in the house. Independent living clients must be working or in school. This allows clients to experience a trial of living on their own without having to sign a long term lease, pay first and last month's rent, buy furniture and household items, etc. If clients are successful in our independent living house we can confidently expect them to be able to return home anywhere they choose and continue their recovery in an independent setting.

g) An Innovative Approach to Medication Treatment: rEEG

Medication treatment can often be a disheartening process for many patients with eating disorders. Often they have been put on a number of different medications but they are still suffering. The problem is that psychiatric treatment is generally a trial-and-error process that is often lengthy, costly, and unsatisfactory in its outcome.

Monte Nido offers a different approach to medication treatment. Our treatment approach is based upon a technology called referenced EEG (rEEG), which now makes it possible to base treatment on objective, physical measurement of brain activity. Dr. Hamlin Emory, one of the founders of this technology, has been using rEEG at Monte Nido for a number of years with great success. rEEG characterizes brain electrical activity along a large number of measures. A patient is then compared to thousands of patients in a large database of medication treatment and outcomes. Comparing prospective patients to others with similar EEG measurements with known medication treatment outcomes allows one to predict to which medications a prospective patient will respond. Actual physical measurement determines treatment.

rEEG has guided the treatment of thousands of patients. In addition, the scientists studying rEEG have demonstrated its effectiveness in blinded and unblinded prospective trials with treatment-refractory patients. In one study, 86% of refractory patients significantly improved with rEEG guided treatment as compared to 17% of patients treated by standard, psychiatric medication practice. In another study of 100 patients, EEG markers correctly predicted treatment outcome 87% of the time.
Director Name:Carolyn Costin
Student Profile:Monte Nido is licensed to take individuals aged 18 and above. On a case by case basis we can get a waiver from the Department of Social Services for an individual under 18 to be accepted. The majority of our clients are in their 20's and 30's but we often have younger and older clients. We try to arrange for admission at a time when the admitting person will be with others close to her age. You can inquire about the ages of those at Monte Nido when you call.

Learning to feed oneself and be at peace in one's body is difficult in today's society where what you weigh seems more important than who you are, and where abstaining from food or exercising through pain are considered virtues. Rather than being shocked at the epidemic of eating and exercise disorders, we need wonder how any female is spared from developing one.

Eating and exercise disorders are not about food and weight but about a disordered self looking for acceptance and approval, and finding it, however temporarily, through the pursuit of thinness, fitness or the comfort of food. Eating and exercise disorder symptoms are the voice through which the body expresses unmet needs, conflicts, and pain.

Admitting you have an eating, exercise, or body image problem that requires help is a difficult step to take. Choosing a treatment program or residential facility can be equally as difficult. Having recovered from my own eating disorder, I know the pain and difficulty involved in seeking and accepting help. After exploring your options I hope you find that Monte Nido™ is the right choice.

Monte Nido is a dream come true, realized after many years of treating clients in various settings and looking for something more. Monte Nido is the culmination of my own personal experience and my professional work in the treatment and prevention of eating disorders since 1979. The result is a one-of-a-kind facility.

Monte Nido's natural healing environment combined with decades of my experience, my treatment protocol and the experienced and recovered staff from my company, Community Counseling.

Our philosophy is that you can be "recovered" where the goal is not only the absence of symptoms, but the resolution of whatever problems or needs your eating disorder behaviors are trying to express. I am confident that our empathetic and individualized approach is combined with the best professional help available to help you accomplish that goal.

Control over your own life is important to you, therefore, you will have ambivalence about going to any program designed to change your behaviors. To come to Monte Nido you don't have to be ready to give up your eating disorder. We are here to show you how and help you decide.

We encourage you to call or visit us in order to get more detailed information and a personal feel for the program, the staff, and the environment.
Activities:One goal at Monte Nido is to provide a variety of activities that nourish the soul. We believe that providing activities for a fuller life is part of what helps clients gain motivation for recovery and diminishes their "need" for an eating disorder. We have outings at least every Friday and Sunday and special events periodically. Our Friday outings are in the local vicinity. Our Sunday outings can involve going to a play, to an art studio, to the beach, to a museum, to a miniature golf course, or any new idea that seems appropriate. We also attend numerous special events that might occur during the week, like plays, dance performances or concerts.
Counseling:Monte Nido contracts with Carolyn Costin, LMFT to be its Clinical Director with her professional clinical corporation, Community Counseling for Individuals and Families, Inc. to provide you with the best possible psychotherapeutic care during your stay at Monte Nido.
Campus:Nestled in the foothills of Malibu on two acres of pine, oak, sycamore, and fruit trees, Monte Nido™ lives up to its name, "Mountain Nest". Surrounded by a state park with hiking trails that lead to the beach, Monte Nido is a secluded, gated estate equipped with a gym, swimming pool, and private bath and deck in each bedroom. Our home-like atmosphere provides comfort in a unique setting where the challenges necessary for recovery take place.

Family Involvement:Family members and significant others are affected by an eating disorder. It is likely that relationships are damaged and communication is impaired or dysfunctional. We explore family background, feelings, and communication patterns, helping all involved to understand the dynamics of the eating disorder and its relationship and meaning to each person. Every Saturday we offer a Multifamily/Significant others group for all who can attend. We also provide individual family or significant other sessions and provide phone sessions for those who find it difficult to travel.

Length of Stay:Monte Nido Treatment Center: Residential Treatment Services and Transitional Care

We have a minimum requirement at Monte Nido™ of 30 days. Length of stay is generally around two to four months but clients can arrange for shorter or longer time frames based on individual needs.

We offer a level system with sequential adjustments in the amount of structure and freedom provided. Clients progress through our level system at their own pace.

Eventually, with the clinical team's approval, clients can move on to transitional and independent living depending on their needs.

Transitional and Independent Living

We have a full transition program with two houses offering both transitional living and independent living situations with varying levels of care. All Monte Nido clients are encouraged to participate in the transition program, even if only for a minimal time period, as we have found this to be enormously beneficial in helping clients practice their recovery skills prior to returning home.

Aftercare Care

Discharge and aftercare planning begin upon admission. We are committed to providing smooth transitions for every phase of recovery. We work closely with referring professionals and assist and prepare each client for re-entry into her life. If necessary, we will locate treating professionals from our nationwide data base and any other resources needed to provide continuing care. For local clients, or those who arrange to stay in the area, we have our transitional living programs, a variety of outpatient services and an ongoing aftercare group for clients and their families or significant others.

Day Programs are also available
Staff:Between Monte Nido and Community Counseling there are 30 staff members fulfilling a variety of tasks. The staff consists of:

Licensed Therapists
Licensed Therapy Interns
Neuropsychiatrist
Medical Doctor
Registered Nurses
Registered Dietitians
Nutrition Counselors
Clinical Director
Program Administrator
Program Coordinator
Sports and Rehab. Doctor
Vitamin, Herbal, Homeopathic Specialist
Certified Fitness Trainer
Yoga Instructor
Intake Coordinators
Eating Disorder Support Counselors
Residential Supervisors
Chef
Carolyn Costin, the director of Monte Nido, sets the tone for clinical care. Jeff Radant, the administrator and clinician, collaborates with Carolyn in providing treatment for our clients. Our primary therapists provide individual therapy and lead some of the specialty groups. Our neuropsychiatrist oversees all psychiatric issues and provides each client with appropriate medications as needed. Our medical doctor attends to the overall physical health of each client and helps resolve any medical issues that arise. We have two dieticians who collaborate with each client to develop healthy eating habits. Our dietitians help with meal planning, shopping and restaurant outings. Our fitness trainer and yoga teacher help establish healthy exercise goals and provide a variety of physical activities. Louise, our singing cook, provides healthy, beautifully presented fresh food for meals. Louise works individually with clients in the kitchen and makes everyone feel at home. There are several other staff including group therapists, eating disorder counselors, program co-coordinators, and specialty practitioners, who personally invest their time and energy in helping Monte Nido clients recover from their eating disorder.
Tuition/Costs:Monte Nido is $1050.00 per day. Our fee includes everything except the neuropsychiatrist fees and any individualized medical needs, such as lab work and prescription medications. Our physician can handle most medical situations at no extra cost during his weekly rounds at Monte Nido. Clients will be responsible to pay for any additional needs for a specialist or for any emergency care. Please call us if you would like more information on the psychiatric and medical fees.
Alt Link:Monte Nedo link (Alternate)
Teen Help Provider Type:
Residential Transition 18 and Over 
For more information call:

(310) 457-9958


We help Hundreds of Families with:
* Admissions Counseling
* Crisis Placement Services
* free advice on programs
* Interim short, 3-5 day crisis placements awaiting long term placements
* Pre-screened Places for Children, Adolescents, Teens and Young Adults
*Recommendation of preferred schools and programs
* Teen Transportation Services

Discriminating among the many programs or evaluating the effectiveness of your child's current program can be a daunting challenge. The Professionals we work with provide consultation to families with a personal approach. You are assured that you are in good hands.

Featured Teen Help Providers

featured gray dots line
Stillwater Academy is an accredited school developed to meet the needs of junior high and high school students as a part of their experience at Turnab ...

featured gray dots line
Horizon Family Solutions is widely recognized as a leader in the ethical and professional delivery of adolescent crisis intervention, educational cons ...

featured gray dots line
USA Guides is the only youth transport and teen transport company in the Nation that can offer a parent the complete peace of mind that they are recei ...






Copyright ©2000-2009, Caring 4 Youth, All Rights Reserved.