Avery's House

Navigating mental health challenges requires determination and guidance. Avery's House is committed to guiding teens through their journey, fostering resilience and healing.

At Avery's House in Boise, we offer a comprehensive range of behavioral health programs tailored to troubled teenagers and their families. Understanding that being a troubled teen is not a diagnosis but a state of facing multifaceted challenges, our specialized team develops personalized treatment plans for healing and growth.

We focus on cultivating positive self-perceptions, teaching effective coping mechanisms, enhancing family dynamics, and addressing past traumas. Family involvement is integral to our approach, as we recognize the impact of a teen's challenges on the whole family. Through comprehensive care, including family therapy, we aim to foster resilience and long-term positive change, paving the way for a healthier future for both the teens and their families. Learn More About Our Boise Programs - Visit https://www.averyshouseidaho.com/

The CDC data shows a troubling rise in mental health challenges among adolescents: 15.1% experienced a major depressive episode, with 18.8% seriously considering su***de. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration highlights a 60% increase in adolescent depression over the past decade. Avery's House provides comprehensive support and tailored treatment plans to help adolescents navigate these critical challenges, aiming towards recovery and well-being. CDC Source | SAMHSA Source

Healing is a journey taken one step at a time. At Avery's House, we honor each step, supporting the steady progress towards mental wellness.

Avery's House Idaho is excited to announce that we are a proud sponsor of this year's NAMIWalks Idaho, supporting the National Alliance on Mental Illness's mission to raise awareness about mental health and reduce stigma. At Avery's House, we understand the importance of accessible mental health resources and the power of community support.

NAMIWalks brings together individuals, families, mental health advocates, and organizations to champion mental health causes. We are honored to contribute to this meaningful cause and invite our LinkedIn community to join us in promoting mental health awareness and access to vital resources.

Join the walk, support NAMI, and help us make a difference in mental health advocacy!

Avery's House Summer Program in Scottsdale, designed to support adolescents facing behavioral and mental health challenges. Our comprehensive program provides teens with the tools they need to succeed at home, at school, and in the community.

Program Highlights:

🔹 Intensive Support: For conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and PTSD.
🔹 DBT Skills: Daily Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for emotional regulation.
🔹 Family Involvement: Integrated sessions with aftercare planning.
🔹 Recovery Coaching: Guidance to navigate mental health challenges.
🔹 Life Skills & Academic Support: Empowerment and credit recovery.
🔹 Community Connection: Opportunities for empathy and social responsibility.
🔹 Creative Therapies: Art, equine therapy, and music for emotional expression.

Details:
🗓️ Start: June 3, 2024

⏰ Weekdays: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

📍 Location: 11624 E Shea Blvd, Scottsdale AZ 85259

Let's empower our teens for a brighter future!

Cole Ivancic is a Primary Therapist at Avery’s House Boise where he provides person-centered therapy for teens, as well as conducting family and group therapy sessions to help families and individuals realize their goals.

Cole has worked in the mental health field for the past 12 years, spending time as a case manager, community based rehabilitative specialist, and targeted care coordinator. You can expect unconditional positive regard and a welcoming environment when working with Cole.

Cole is a native Idahoan who loves the outdoors, music, traveling, and Magic: The Gathering.

May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues and breaking down the stigma associated with them. It's an opportunity for us all to reflect on the importance of mental health and recognize the challenges faced by those with mental health conditions.

This month, let's commit to understanding and compassion. Mental health is an integral part of our overall well-being, just as important as physical health. It's crucial to acknowledge that anyone can be affected by mental health challenges and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

At Avery's House, we join this global effort by offering support, education, and advocacy for mental health. We provide resources and services to those in need, aiming to create a more understanding and supportive community. This Mental Health Awareness Month, let's pledge to be more mindful of our mental health and that of those around us. Let’s work together to create a world where mental health care is accessible to all.

Heidi Caldwell, the Executive Director at Avery’s House in Boise, is a beacon of both professional acumen and heartfelt dedication. With 18 years of experience in working with diverse groups, including a specialization in youth with disabilities, Heidi effectively leads a team that is deeply committed to aiding teens and families. Her educational endeavors, currently pursuing a master's in counseling at Grand Canyon University, further augment her extensive practical experience in the field.

Heidi's personal connection to mental health care, as a parent of a child with a mental health diagnosis, drives her commitment to ensuring families receive the essential support and resources for their loved ones' success. Outside the office, Heidi's life is enriched by the natural beauty of Idaho, enjoying activities like jet skiing and spending time by campfires, often with her beloved corgi companion. Additionally, her global perspective is continuously broadened through her experiences hosting exchange students from Germany and Moldova, underlining her interest in cultural learning and exchange.

CDC statistics show a rise in anxiety and depression among children aged 6–17, from 5.4% in 2003 to 8.4% by 2011–2012. The World Health Organization reports a 50% increase in childhood depression and anxiety worldwide over the past three decades. Avery's House offers early intervention and education to help manage these conditions effectively. CDC Source | WHO Source

Resilience shines brightest against the backdrop of challenge. At Avery's House, we nurture this resilience, helping teens find their inner strength.

For parents and guardians in the Phoenix area facing the overwhelming task of finding help for a troubled teen, Avery's House offers a nurturing and specialized solution. Traditional group homes, while providing a stable environment, often fall short in offering the intensive care needed for teens with serious behavioral or mental health issues.

Group homes typically offer basic care and support, focusing on social interaction and basic life skills. However, they may lack the specialized programs and individual attention necessary for teens with more severe challenges. This can include limited educational support and comprehensive training for complex issues.

At Avery's House, our residential treatment centers fill this gap by providing a higher level of care and specialized treatment. Our approach goes beyond basic life skills, focusing on advanced coping strategies and long-term management of challenges. We offer personalized attention and tailored therapy programs, ensuring that each teen's unique needs are met, including their academic progress.

Choosing the right environment is crucial for the healing and development of your teen. Avery's House stands as a beacon of hope, offering more than just a place to stay – we provide a path to a brighter future. Learn More About Our Residential Treatment Centers

In Arizona, a silent epidemic is impacting our youth with consequences as severe as chronic illnesses and shortened lifespans—loneliness. Defined by the CDC as the feeling of being alone or disconnected, loneliness has surged, notably among teens, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic's social restrictions. Despite the world reopening, many teens find the transition back to social normalcy challenging, with lasting effects on their mental and physical health.

This issue is more than personal; it's a public health concern, with loneliness being linked to significant risks such as heart disease, depression, and even earlier mortality. As community leaders, educators, and health professionals, understanding the depth of this problem is the first step towards forging connections and solutions for our youth.

Read the full article: https://www.averyshousearizona.com/resources/social-isolation-and-loneliness-arizona/

The CDC data reveals that about 73.8% of children with depression also have anxiety, and 47.2% have behavior problems. The National Institute of Mental Health notes that the co-occurrence of mental health disorders in children is increasing, requiring comprehensive treatment approaches. Avery's House addresses this need with integrated treatment strategies, providing holistic care for each child's unique mental health needs. CDC Source | NIMH Source

In mental health care, each step forward, no matter how small, is a triumph. At Avery's House, we celebrate every act of courage and perseverance on the path to wellness.

Empowerment & Resilience at the Heart of the 2024 Arizona Summit

The Arizona Summit, held March 7-8 at the Chandler Public Safety Training Center, marked a milestone in fostering well-being and resilience within public safety and our communities. This year, we were privileged to have Officer Candace Kanavel, Miss Arizona USA and esteemed Tempe Police Officer, host Day 1, bringing a unique perspective on empowerment and mental health.

Officer Kanavel, known for her "Yes She CAN" initiative and role as a crisis intervention specialist and hostage negotiator, exemplifies the summit's spirit—bridging the gap between public safety and community well-being.

The summit convened experts across various sectors, from law enforcement to behavioral health, emphasizing cross-training and innovative, evidence-based solutions for those who protect and serve.

A special thanks to the incredible Summit team, including Felicia Dedamio, a long-term community partner of Avery's House and all of the amazing speakers, attendees and fellow sponsors for bringing so much knowledge and hope to Arizona. Together, we're creating a safer, more resilient future.

We're honored to share a testimonial from a parent who turned to Avery's House during a challenging transition for their son. Faced with an unexpected insurance issue at a previous facility, our team, led by Kristen, worked diligently to ensure a seamless transition. The family experienced exceptional communication and a warm welcome, leading to a smooth intake process. As the parent noted, the peace and calm they felt after entrusting their son to our care is a testament to the environment we strive to create at Avery's House. We are committed to making each family's experience positive and reassuring, right from the first interaction.

Testimonial - "Avery's house came as a recommendation to us because my son was having to leave his current facility due to an insurance mix-up. Kristen and the entire staff jumped through hoops to help me get my son transitioned from his current facility to Avery's house. So far everything has gone better than I can ask for. Communication has been great and we felt so welcomed the moment we arrived. The intake process was smooth. My son just arrived but if my sons treatment goes as well as the initial intake process I feel like we will have a win. After dropping him off this mom had a sense of peace and calm that I hadnt had in a long time. I highly recommend this place."

Dusti Huddleston, LCSW is the Clinical Director at Avery’s House Boise, where Dusti oversees and coordinates the therapeutic treatment of adolescents at our residential treatment facility. Dusti provides supervision for our therapy team and ensures that each client receives the highest level of therapeutic support and programming.

Dusti received her Masters in Social Work from Portland State University in 2017. She has experience in crisis response, adolescent and family therapy, and specializes in settings specific to helping others overcome traumatic experiences. Dusti was previously the Clinical Director at a crisis center for survivors of violence and brings with her skills in crisis management and trauma- informed therapy. Dusti is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and provides a person-center approach that utilizes multiple modalities, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, Trauma- Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and attachment theory.

Dusti was born and raised in Idaho and loves spending time outside hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking with her partner and her dog.

🎉 We're Celebrating Big News at Avery's House Idaho! 🎉

Today marks a pivotal moment for us — Avery's House Idaho will be officially partnering with Blue Cross of Idaho to become an in-network provider. This step is more than just an agreement; it's a leap towards making mental health care more accessible and less stressful for families across Idaho.

Our journey has always been about creating a space where teens feel empowered, families grow stronger, and everyone feels like part of an incredible, supportive community. With this partnership, we're extending our reach, ensuring that every teen can access the care they need to shine, embrace their uniqueness, and overcome challenges with resilience and joy.

This milestone means we can now offer more families the chance to experience the transformative journey of healing, self-discovery, and empowerment that Avery's House is known for. It's about making every day a celebration of progress, understanding, and mutual respect — where every teen knows they're a superstar with a unique path to greatness.

We're immensely grateful for the opportunity to bring our vision of care, support, and celebration to more families in partnership with Blue Cross of Idaho. This is just the beginning of an exciting chapter where we continue to inspire, connect, and elevate the lives of those we serve. Stay tuned for more updates and know that we're here, ready to welcome you with open arms into our community. Together, we're making a difference, one teen, one family at a time.

The CDC reports a significant increase in mental disorders among U.S. children aged 3-17, with ADHD affecting 9.8%, anxiety 9.4%, and behavior problems 8.9%. According to the American Psychological Association, ADHD diagnoses have risen by 42% over the last 8 years. Avery's House responds to this growing need with personalized care, focusing on individualized treatment plans to address each child's complex needs. CDC Source | APA Source

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Every new day brings a promise of progress. At Avery's House, we're dedicated to turning doubt into hope, guiding teens towards a brighter future.

In the realm of adolescent mental health, traditional teen boot camps often focus on disciplining undesirable behaviors, overlooking the crucial psychological and emotional factors that underlie these behaviors. At Avery's House, we recognize the limitations of this approach, especially for teens struggling with conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or PTSD. Unlike boot camps, which rely heavily on strict discipline and a one-size-fits-all methodology, Avery's House operates as a Residential Treatment Center, offering specialized care tailored to each teenager's unique needs. Our approach includes a comprehensive evaluation to understand the emotional, behavioral, and psychosocial challenges each teen faces. We focus on identifying and treating underlying mental and emotional disorders, providing individualized treatment plans that extend beyond mere behavioral correction. Our programs emphasize emotional regulation, communication skills, self-awareness, and medication management when necessary. We also prioritize academic support, ensuring that our residents' educational needs are met alongside their mental health care. What truly sets us apart is our commitment to enhancing family relationships. We involve all family members in the treatment process, fostering healthier dynamics and understanding. This holistic approach ensures that every aspect of a teenager's well-being is addressed, offering a more effective and compassionate alternative to traditional boot camps.

Learn More About Our Approach

A few weeks ago, the Meridian community came together to commemorate a significant milestone: the 20th Anniversary of the Meridian Anti-Drug Coalition (MADC), a cornerstone in substance abuse prevention and education. Reflecting on two decades of unwavering commitment, MADC Founder and former Mayor of Meridian, Tammy de Weerd, provided a poignant look back at the coalition's inception and evolution. Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea highlighted the MADC's critical role in transforming our present approach to substance abuse, while MADC Director Kendall Nagy unveiled an ambitious vision for the coalition's path forward.

In recognition of this landmark occasion, Mayor Robert Simison issued a proclamation, designating January 25, 2024, as "Meridian Anti-Drug Coalition 20th Anniversary Day," a fitting tribute to the coalition's enduring legacy and impact.

Special acknowledgment goes to Meridian City Councilman, Luke Cavener, for expertly emceeing the event, ensuring it was both memorable and meaningful.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the MADC for two decades of dedicated service. Your tireless efforts have not only made a profound difference in the past and present but also promise to guide and inspire our community's journey towards a healthier, drug-free future. Here's to the next chapter in this vital mission. 🎉

We are proud to introduce Dr. Tamara Helfer, MD, the esteemed Medical Director at Avery's House in Idaho. Dr. Helfer, a board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist, brings a depth of knowledge and experience to our team. Having completed her Residency and Fellowship at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, she specializes in treating a broad range of psychiatric issues in children and adolescents, including depression, anxiety, autism, and mood/psychotic disorders.

At Avery's House, Dr. Helfer plays a pivotal role in shaping our treatment programs and ensuring the highest quality of care for our young residents. Her expertise and compassionate approach are instrumental in our efforts to provide a supportive and healing environment for adolescents aged 12-17 facing mental health challenges.
Join us in celebrating Dr. Helfer's contributions to Avery's House. Her leadership and dedication are integral to our mission of offering life-changing mental health care. We are honored to have such a distinguished professional leading our Idaho location.

Liv LuVisi is our Idaho-based Community Relations Specialist for Avery's House. Deeply rooted in Idaho with dual bachelor’s degrees from Gardner-Webb University in North Carolina, Liv brings a wealth of experience having worked in mental health outreach in a previous role. This background equips Liv with the knowledge to expertly navigate the diverse mental health landscape and passionately advocate for mental health professionals and their clients.

Dedicated to building connections and fostering relationships within the community, Liv is excited to join Avery's House’s team in bridging the gap in mental health services across Idaho and the surrounding states.

Beyond the professional realm, you might find Liv in a different role as a part- time local radio personality, embracing the outdoors through paddle-boarding, or enjoying the Marvel Cinematic Universe alongside her future husband, stepson, and the family cat, Mina.

Looking for a supportive approach to help your teen? We offer a compassionate and effective alternative to traditional boot camps for teens. Our focus is on: 🌿 Empathy & Understanding 🗣️ Open Communication 🌈 Holistic Growth 🧠 Evidence-Based Therapies

We believe in nurturing, not just disciplining. Our approach combines structured support with therapeutic care, helping teens face challenges and grow in a positive environment. Discover a path to well-being that respects and understands your teen.

As we step into a new year, it's a time of new beginnings and renewed commitments. At Avery’s House, we’re embracing 2024 with a deepened focus on understanding, awareness, and compassion for teen mental health.

This year, let’s all make a pledge to be more attentive, more understanding, and more supportive of the young people in our lives. Whether it's taking time to listen, educating ourselves on the challenges they face, or simply offering a kind word or a safe space, every action counts.

Mental health is a journey, not a destination. Together, we can create a world where every teen feels seen, heard, and supported. Join us in making 2024 a year of positive change, growth, and heartfelt support for teen mental health. Let’s spread awareness, break down stigmas, and build a brighter future for all. 🌟🤗

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As we approach the end of the year, it's a time to reflect on our journey, the challenges we've faced, and the growth we've achieved. For every teen and family we've worked with, you've shown incredible resilience and strength. Avery’s House is honored to be part of your journey. Here's to continuing our mission of healing and hope into the new year! 🌟

As the holiday season wraps us in its warm embrace, we at Avery's House want to extend our heartfelt wishes to each and every one of you. This time of year is about connection, reflection, and spreading cheer, and we're so grateful to be a part of a community that values the mental health and well-being of our young people.

As we celebrate, let's remember to be kind to ourselves and to each other, to cherish the small moments, and to carry the spirit of compassion and understanding into the new year.

Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones from all of us at Avery's House! May this season be filled with love, laughter, and the promise of brighter days ahead. 🌟❤️

December brings joy, but also its share of stress, particularly for teens navigating mental health challenges. As we enter the holiday season, let’s embrace these tips to support our loved ones:

1. Establish a Routine: Maintain regular sleep, meals, and physical activity to provide a sense of normalcy and security amidst holiday activities.
2. Set Realistic Expectations: Help teens understand that it’s perfectly okay not to have a picture-perfect holiday. Open conversations about feelings and managing expectations can alleviate stress.
3. Encourage Digital Breaks: Limit screen time to help teens disconnect from social media pressures. Engaging in offline activities like reading or nature walks can be a refreshing change.
4. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation: Simple practices like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can be powerful tools for managing holiday stress and improving overall mental well-being.

Remember, a little understanding and support can go a long way in making the holiday season more enjoyable and less overwhelming for your teen. For additional guidance and resources, Avery’s House is here to help. Let’s make this season a time of warmth, well-being, and mindful celebrations. ❄️🕊️