ADOLESCENT BEHAVIOR THERAPY
VATN’s adolescent and young adult services support neurodivergent and disabled youth across the transition to adulthood, focusing on real-life skills, values, and self-advocacy—not just symptom reduction. Adolescent services can be funded through private pay or through Therapeutic Consultation for individuals with the Community Living (CL) or Family & Individual Supports (FIS) waivers.
VATN’s adolescent behavior therapy program is dedicated to bridging the critical gap in transition services for teens and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our clinicians use evidence-based behavioral approaches to help youth build essential life skills such as communication, socialization, emotional regulation, and self-advocacy—skills that matter at home, at school, at work, and in the community. Through individualized support and collaborative planning, we equip adolescents and their families with strategies and confidence for more independent living, meaningful relationships, and community inclusion beyond the classroom.
VATN'S COMMITMENT TO TRANSITIONING INTO ADULTHOOD
VATN’s adolescent and young adult behavior therapy program stands apart from other providers by emphasizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and value-based practices as core elements of our approach. ACT is a modern evidence-based method that guides individuals to connect with their personal values, develop psychological flexibility, and commit to actions that enrich their lives—even when facing difficult emotions or challenges.
By blending ACT with a multidisciplinary perspective, VATN helps adolescents and young adults identify what truly matters to them, set meaningful life goals, and develop skills for navigating real-life situations—rather than focusing solely on symptom reduction or generic behavioral compliance. This value-driven model ensures each person’s unique strengths and preferences are honored, resulting in more individualized, empowering, and sustainable progress during the critical transition to adulthood.
SERVICE TIMELINE
Assessment & Authorization
Once intake is complete, our clinical team conducts a comprehensive assessment—including interviews and standardized tools—to identify strengths, challenges, and priorities. For waiver-funded services, we coordinate with your Support Coordinator and DBHDS to ensure all documentation and eligibility requirements are met for Therapeutic Consultation authorization.
Personalized Services & Skill Building
After authorization (or private pay arrangements) are in place, services begin. Our licensed clinicians provide ACT- and values-based behavior therapy, life skills coaching, support around school and service transitions, and caregiver training so strategies are practiced across environments.
What age group is served in VATN’s adolescent programs?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Our adolescent services typically support teens and young adults, from middle school age through transition-aged individuals who are entering or adjusting to adulthood.
What types of therapy are offered for adolescents?
Depending on need, services may include behavior therapy (such as ACT and applied behavior analysis approaches), speech and occupational therapy, life skills training, caregiver education, and trauma-informed interventions tailored to each person’s goals.
How does VATN help with the transition from pediatric to adult services?
We provide customized transition planning and skill-building in areas like communication, socialization, self-advocacy, independent living, and navigating adult systems, helping youth bridge the gap between school-based supports and adult or community services.
What involvement is expected from caregivers and families?
Caregivers are considered essential partners. They participate in goal-setting, training, and implementing strategies at home and in the community, and they provide ongoing feedback so plans remain relevant and effective.
What is the funding stream for this service?
Adolescent services can be funded either through private pay or through Virginia’s Therapeutic Consultation service for individuals who have the Community Living (CL) Waiver or the Family & Individual Supports (FIS) Waiver.