Children, Youth and Family Services
Polara Health provides family-focused, strength-based, clinically sound, integrated services which address the whole person.
Our Services and Programs
We help children, youth and families grow and heal.
Individual Therapy
Group Therapy
Family Therapy: So that family systems can heal along with the child. Families are provided resources for supporting the child.
Individual and Group Skills Training
Birth to Five Center of Excellence Specialty Services
Transitioned Aged Youth (TAY)
First Episode Psychosis
Respite
Autism Program, Support Group & Respite
Case Management
Psychiatry & Medication Management
Cognitive Function Development Therapy (CFDT)
Parenting Classes and Education
Free Informational Support Groups and Webinars
Substance Abuse Counseling
Crisis Services
72 Hour Response
Polara Health’s Birth to Five Program is a designated Center of Excellence. Our highly trained and specialized Birth to Five team provides services from a developmentally appropriate, relationship and trauma informed approach.
Since children develop within a network of relationships and communities, intervention incorporates the important people in children’s lives through support and services. Our program recognizes that caregivers are a child’s first and most influential teacher.
We provide:
Resources and information
Guidance to enhance parenting skills
Therapy
Parenting education programs, classes and support groups to offer strategies for nurturing a child’s development
Information on managing behavior and fostering a supportive home environment
Birth to Five Program Center of Excellence
Our Birth to Five team works with the Family Involvement Center, DCS/Court Teams, Healthy Families, and the Yavapai County Public Health Nurse. Collaboration with our community partners is essential to this program. We help in creating a strong foundation for your child’s lifelong well-being.
Children, Youth and Families Who Need Extra Support
In-home services
Encompasses a variety of services designed to support the family and client to ensure your child can be successful at home.
Journey Program
This program replaces our former ASTEP and is based on the Seven Challenges model.
It is an 8 week residential program for adolescents involved with the juvenile court system. Clients receive individual, family, multi-family and group therapy. They will also participate in life skills, community service activities, recreational activities and sober support groups. While in the program, adolescents will continue their education.
Direct Support Professionals (DSP)
DSP’s provide assistance with transportation, living skills, pre-employment, job training, health maintenance, personal care, and behavioral development.
DSP’s work in a number of settings, including (but no limited to) in-home, community, independent living homes and clinics.
Outpatient Recovery Program(ORP)
An adolescent treatment group for clients with substance abuse issues.
The program meets twice a week. It works to identify other interests in the client’s life that would be more rewarding than substance use. The group works to develop skills for a wide range of everyday activities.
Prevention and Early Intervention
These programs are designed to provide treatment and support to children who are identified as being at risk and/or experiencing the onset of mental health symptoms.
Birth to Five Program, which includes trauma-informed parenting classes and child skills group, home based family and direct support services, respite services, therapy and case management.
First Episode Psychosis (FEP) Program, which includes family engagement, therapy services, coordination of care with nursing and psychiatry, skills training groups, psycho-education groups and community collaboration
Children’s Saturday Respite
Respite care provides parents and other caregivers with short-term childcare services that offer temporary relief, improve family stability and reduce the risk of abuse or neglect. Respite events are planned in the community once a month and last between 6-8 hours.
Respite
Provides rest and relief for the caregiver. It is generally offered through our respite homes. The respite can consist of day respite and/or overnight respite.
Your child will be in a safe environment enjoying fun activities while you have a much deserved rest.
School Based Services
In-school services are for clients 4-21 years old and are attending preschool through the 12th grade. School Based Services are clients experiencing social, emotional, behavioral or mental health concert and may include therapy, case management and direct support. Polara Health collaborates with the School and parents to help the student achieve academic success.
Polara Health Autism Program
Heidi Ackzen, Autism Program Manager with Polara Health, discusses the program. We provide services, respite, information on navigating the system, and a support group for parents. Call Heidi if you would like more information at
928-445-5211 ext. 2604
Join our FREE Monthly Northern Arizona Support Group for Parents, Grandparents and Care-Givers of Special Need Children
Video provided by: Prescott Valley Council Chat with Vice Mayor Lori Hunt
Cognitive Function Development Therapy
Cognitive Function Development Therapy (CFDT) is a unique therapeutic modality. It has been demonstrated to be clinically effective in children and adults (ages 6+) diagnosed with various issues. Game-like therapeutic activities are adaptive, delivered through personal interaction, and are designed to increase in difficulty as the client’s condition improves.
Now offered in Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, and our new offices in Camp Verde. Call 928-445-5211 for more information or email Jen Beyst, Director of CFDT at j.beyst@polarahealth.com
CFDT may be effectively applied in many situations including, but not limited to clients who are:
Struggling with attention issues, mood disorders, anger & aggression, anxiety, impulsivity, defiance, and other mental health issues or maladaptive behaviors.
“Stuck” or not making the desired improvements with their current therapies.
Impacted or may have been impacted by inherited, learned, or received trauma.
Challenged due to cognitive impairment or decline, which can occur as a result of prior, current, or chronic medical condition(s).
United Way Partnering with Polara Health
The Journey Program is a comprehensive, 8-week program that provides at-risk youth with the tools and resources they need to thrive, which includes individual and group therapy, as well as opportunities for physical activity, social support, and skill-building.
This program has been shown to be effective in helping at-risk youth improve their mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being. Participants have often discovered new skills and creative outlets to help improve their lives and outcomes.
The Journey Program is made possible by the generous support of United Way of Yavapai County. United Way is a non-profit organization that raises money to support a variety of local programs and services. The organization's mission is to "improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community."
United Way's support is an important investment in the future of our community. By providing at-risk youth with the tools and resources they need to thrive, the Journey Program is helping to create a brighter future for all of us.