Training Opportunities at Positive Directions

Positive Directions is the out-patient psychotherapy and substance abuse counseling program of Verdugo Mental Health. A dynamic, humanistic program, we place an emphasis on providing a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for both clients and staff.

Psychotherapy

Our psychotherapy program offers high-quality, low-fee individual and family therapy for general emotional problems such as depression and anxiety, conflicts in relationships, identity and career concerns, loss and bereavement, financial and other life problems, as well as more serious disorders for clients who have a psychiatrist or qualify for psychiatric treatment at Verdugo Mental Health's Adult Out-Patient Program.

Substance Abuse Counseling

Our substance abuse services are offered to both self-referred and court-referred clients. Treatment consists of individual, group, and family counseling, referrals to adjunct services such as psychiatric and social services, and 12-step meetings. Positive Directions also hosts on-site several self-help meetings per week including Narcotics Anonymous, Marijuana Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, Secular Organization for Sobriety (SOS), Recovery, Inc., Adult Children of Alcoholics, and Codependents Anonymous.

Proposition 36

Positive Directions accepts referrals for Proposition 36 non-violent drug offenders from authorized CASCs (Community Assessment Service Centers). Our Proposition 36 program is an intensive out-patient program which includes a multi-leveled treatment plan, referrals to adjunct services such as psychiatric and social services, two to five hours a week of group treatment, one hour of individual counseling, family counseling, random drug testing, and mandatory 12-Step meeting attendance. Our Armenian Prop-36 Program offers group and individual sessions with counselors fluent in both Armenian and Farsi. Our most recent addition to our Prop 36 program is an innovative, two-group per week series of yoga and mindfulness meditation correlated to the twelve steps of AA. The classes focus on the uses of these practices in reducing impulsivity, craving and relapse, and the discovery of a non-drug induced sense of well-being.

Client Population Description

Positive Directions primarily serves persons over 18 years of age, although minors may be seen with a parent for family therapy. We see clients with mood or anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders, relationship problems, thought disorders (if they are not too acute) and personality disorders. We also specialize in working with addiction and substance abuse problems using an approach that integrates a traditional 12-Step alcohol and drug treatment model with an existential-humanistic, interpersonal approach. About 40% of our clients are self-referred, and 60% are court-referred for counseling. The majority of our clients are low-income and our fees are based on ability to pay, ranging from $20-$55 a session.

Supervisory Staff

Jane Maki, M.A., MFT Gary Pearle, Ph.D., MFT and Deborah McColl, M.A., MFT, CADC, Program Director

Supervision

One hour of individual SV per week plus two hours of group SV per week. Group SV meets Tuesday 3-5 and Friday 1-3. Audio taping sessions periodically is required and video is available.

Trainee and Intern Position

We offer practicums and internships for MFT trainees and MFT Interns; preference for students with substance abuse knowledge and experience.

Financial Information

No fees, stipends, or salary for Interns and Trainees.

Minimum Time Commitment

15 hours per week for one year.

Hours of Operation

The center is open for counseling days and evenings, Monday through Saturday. The office is open 9:00 - 5:00 Monday through Friday.

Mandatory Schedule Items

Tuesday afternoons 3- 5 pm or Friday afternoons 1-3 pm for Group Supervision. Individual supervision time is flexible, but it may need to be in the daytime. Must have a few daytime hours available for counseling in addition to evening hours.

MFCC Trainee/Intern Responsibilities

Individual Tx 7-10 hrs. per week; Group Tx 2 hrs. per week; Couples (varies). Per session progress notes; Assessment and Treatment Plans. One hour of individual supervision and two hours of group supervision.

Application Procedure

Inquiries about openings should be made to Jane Maki (818) 244-7257 Ext. 1114. Then you may fax or mail resume to: Jane Maki, MFT, Verdugo Mental Health, Positive Directions, 1540 E. Colorado St. , Glendale , CA 91205 . FAX to (818) 247-6649.