1. health and fitness
2. addiction

PROFESSIONALS TREATMENT AT PROMISES
CREATING EXTRAORDINARY LIVES
WELCOME
Professionals Treatment at Promises (PTP) has been designed to
provide exceptional service to clients and referring professionals.
Our goal is to deliver a new level of excellence by building on
the tradition of success achieved over the past 25 years by State
Physician Health Programs (PHPs). Evaluations are thorough but
efficiently conducted and based on validated diagnostic criteria.
Each client is given a highly individualized treatment plan with
clearly defined treatment goals. Effective communications
and teamwork are vital to referents and are core principles of
Professionals Treatment at Promises. Our application of these
principles is our commitment to you to deliver the highest quality
of care available anywhere and will differentiate us from
other professionals programs. The program also addresses
co-occurring addictive behaviors and mental health issues as
needed. Outstanding treatment for spouses, significant others
and children is offered through Promises family programs.
“I was given the foundation and the tools to begin
my recovery”.
-Promises Alumni
MEDICAL LEADERSHIP
For more three decades, Dr. Greg Skipper has been an influential leader in
shaping and developing the professionals health movement. Prior to joining
Promises Dr. Skipper served as:
• • • • • Medical Director, Alabama Physician Health Program
Medical Director, Springbrook NW
Advisor, Betty Ford Center, Licensed Professionals Program
Consultant, Food and Drug Administration
Member, National Advisory Council, Center for Substance Abuse
Treatment, appointed by the secretary of Health and Human Services.
Dr. Skipper is directly involved in the day-to-day care of every professional
client.
Dear Colleagues:
One of my primary motivations for joining Promises Treatment Centers is to
utilize what I have learned running both professionals treatment programs
and a state physician health program to help clients achieve the best possible
treatment outcomes.
State Physician Health Programs (PHPs) have always sought to achieve the
very best treatment outcomes for their participants. In the process, these
programs have developed the most effective system of care that has ever
existed for addicted individuals. Prior to joining Promises, I was privileged
to serve as principal investigator in a national study of these programs,
how they function and their outcomes. Our study showed a relapse rate of
less than 21% over an average of 7.2 years. That is less than a 3% relapse
rate per year. This incredible finding proves the amazing success of these
programs. Our study also showed that this system of care is a team effort
between State Professional Health Programs and specialized treatment
centers.
I believe the care offered at Promises Treatment Centers is second to none.
We look forward to working with you and/or your patients to assist in the
journey to build successful long-term recoveries.
Sincerely,
Greg Skipper, MD FABAM
Director of Professionals Health Services
WHO IS A PTP CLIENT?
Professionals Treatment at Promises offers profession specific treatment
to healthcare professionals (physicians, dentists, pharmacists, nurses
and behavioral health clinicians), attorneys, airline pilots, other licensed
professionals, business executives and clergy. However, the PTP is not limited
to the professionals listed above. It is also open to any adult (25 and over)
who seeks this optimal level of care with its associated high success rates.
CONTINUUM OF CARE
PTP clients spend most of their stay at Promises in our residential day
treatment program; however, a full continuum of care is available including:
• • • • • Detox Services / Hospital Care
Assessment & Evaluation
Residential Day Treatment
Extended Care
Intensive Outpatient Treatment
TREATMENT SETTINGS
Promises Professionals Residences are located halfway between Beverly
Hills and the Pacific Ocean. The residences provide clients a tranquil homelike setting to start their recoveries in a safe and friendly environment. Our
Los Angeles location affords clients opportunities to integrate “real world”
experiences into treatment with access to a gym, sports facilities, movies or
other daily activities.
TREATMENT TEAMS
Treatment teams will include but are not limited to:
Detox Experts
Psychiatrist
Attending Physician
Clinical Psychologist
Primary Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist
Nursing
Spiritual Counselor
Process Addiction Specialists
CHEMICAL DEPENDENCE / CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS TREATMENT
Promises Treatment Centers programs are abstinence based and are rooted
in 12 step recovery. No clients leave treatment utilizing harm reduction
or habit forming maintenance drugs or stimulants. All clients undergo a
comprehensive psychiatric evaluation; participate in individual psycho
therapy and group therapy including:
addiction education, relapse
prevention, process groups, and gender specific groups.
PTP TREAMENT FEATURES (See insert at back of brochure for details)
In addition to the components of their CD / co-occurring disorder treatment
program, professionals clients’ treatment plans will also include:
• Weekly Consultation with Director of Professional Health Services
• Professionals Facilitated Process Groups
• Profession Specific Facilitated Support Groups (with local professionals
already in recovery)
• In-Site Therapy - volunteer work at local, healthcare facilities (See
insert at back of brochure for details)
• Profession Specific “Self Help” Meetings
• Practice Assessment
• Transition Planning – to provide seamless integration of continuing
care recommendations with: state monitoring programs, hospital
wellbeing committees, practice partners and other work situations
• Post-discharge Monitoring and Drug Screening is available
“Promises opened the door to a way of living that
I couldn’t have ever imagined”.
-Promises Alumni
PSYCHO-SEXUAL EVALUATION & TREATMENT
We also offer specialized, advanced services to address professional
boundary issues related to sexual misconduct or sexual compulsivity.
Promises’ parent company, Elements Behavioral Health recently acquired
the Sexual Recovery Institute (SRI). Located in Los Angeles, SRI is headed
by founder, Robert Weiss, LCSW, CSAT-S who trained under Dr. Patrick
Carnes. When appropriate, our patients will receive specialized evaluation
and treatment for psycho-sexual issues. SRI also accepts primary referrals
for professional boundary issues and / or relationship and sex addiction.
LENGTH OF STAY
Our program provides individualized client-oriented treatment (as opposed
to “program-oriented”). No other illness is managed in a “one size fits
all” manner and addiction should not be an exception. Specific recovery
performance behaviors are identified and clear goals are set and monitored.
We also recognize that high functioning professionals, especially those in
safety-sensitive positions, are wise to achieve considerable stability prior to
returning to work.
ADMISSIONS
Admissions specialists are available twenty four hours a day, seven days
a week (including holidays) to speak with referring professionals clients or
family members and can be reached on our toll free number: (800) 5958779. Clients may admit in two ways:
1. Direct admission to Treatment – Clients can be admitted twenty
four hours a day, seven days a week (including holidays)
2. Intensive Diagnostic Evaluation (IDE) – some clients may be
required by state agencies or other referral sources to complete
a diagnostic evaluation prior starting a treatment program. Each
IDE will be completed in approximately seventy two hours or as
expeditiously as possible.
Transportation will be provided from any Los Angeles area airport.
WHY CHOOSE PROFESSIONALS TREATMENT AT PROMISES
With over twenty years of experience, Promises has cared for many
professionals and returned them to healthier and more productive
professional and family lives.
• World-class addiction treatment medical leadership
• Thorough and credible evaluation process, based on criteria
• State-of-the art treatment concepts for best outcomes
• Highly individualized care with low client to primary therapist
ratio
• Vast treatment resources in Los Angeles for care of co-occurring
disorders
• Comprehensive family program
• Structured continuing care plans with post discharge monitoring
and drug screening available
• Experienced staff that understands and assists with complex
return to work issues
• Compassionate care in nurturing, confidential healing environment
• Cost competitive
CLIENT RETURN VISITS
Clients who successfully complete the program are invited to return for
a one week follow-up visit. During this week they will meet with their
therapist and participate in all aspects of treatment with current clients.
There is no charge for this follow-up treatment week.
For more information, a consultation or assistance with admissions, you
may contact us 24 hours a day:
800.595.8779
www.promises.com
CREATING EXTRAORDINARY LIVES™
a family member of Elements Behavioral Health™
PROFESSIONALS TREATMENT TEAM
Director Professional Health Services
Greg Skipper, MD, FABAM
Phone: (310) 633-4595
Email: [email protected]
Professionals Program Manager
Jamie Deans
Phone: (310) 633-0294
[email protected]
Asst. Director Professionals Healthcare
Robert Martin, M.D. DFAPA
Evaluation Coordinator
Chris Weber
Primary Therapist
Susanne Tarleton, PsyD
Family Therapist
Katherine Sorensen, MFT
Healthcare Process Groups
Rodney Collins, MD
Healthcare Support Groups
Jim Conway, MFT
Legal Specific Process Groups
Legal Specific Support Groups
Lee Ann Teaney, MFT
Medical Polygraph Testing
John McGavock
Psychological Testing
Tracy Zemansky, PHD
Psychological Testing
Laura Dorin, PhD
Promises Senior Executive Director
Jason Levine, PhD
TREATMENT SERVICES
By treating the whole person and total condition, not just the symptoms,
PTP clients are given the opportunity to achieve lasting recovery.
• • • • • • • • Alcohol Cocaine Codeine Heroin Marijuana Methamphetamine Oxycodone
ADD/ADHD • • • • • • • • Grief/Loss issues
Prescription medications
Trauma
Depression and anxiety
Co-dependency
Sexual compulsivity
Sleep disorders
Other addictions and disorders
TREATMENT MODALITIES
Firmly rooted in the 12-Steps, Promises Treatment Centers use a variety
of evidence-based treatment modalities to address all aspects of a
person’s life.
• • • • • • • Medically-monitored detox
• Psychiatry
Individual psychotherapy
• Group therapy
Family therapy
• Psycho-educational groups
Cognitive-behavioral techniques
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Relapse prevention
• Stress management strategies
Psychodrama
• Somatic therapy
Spiritual Counseling
• Yoga/meditation
Additional modalities may include but are not limited to:
• • • • • Neuro Feedback
Fitness and nutritional counseling
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Art & Equine Therapies
Acupuncture & Massage
Tue
Wed
Thurs
Fri
Sat
6:45
Wake-Up
Wake-Up
Wake-Up
Wake-Up
Wake-Up
Wake-Up
Wake-Up
7:00
Check-In
Reading
Meditation
Check-In
Reading
Meditation
Check-In
Reading
Meditation
Check-In
Reading
Meditation
Check-In
Reading
Meditation
Check-In
Reading
Meditation
Check-In
Reading
Meditation
7:30
Breakfast
Breakfast
Breakfast
Breakfast
Breakfast
Breakfast
Breakfast
12 Step Meeting
Dr. Skipper
Mtg
Therapist
Dr. Skipper
Mtg
Therapist
Dr. Skipper
Mtg
Therapist
Dr. Skipper
Mtg
Therapist
Dr. Skipper
Mtg
Therapist
And/Or Gym
And/Or Gym
And/Or Gym
And/Or Gym
And/Or Gym
Group
Group
Group
Group
Group
8:30
9:00
10:00
10:30
11:00
Family
Workshops
11:30
12:00
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
1:00
Free Time
Free Time
Free Time
Free Time
Free Time
Free Time
Family Sessions
Visitors
1:30
Group
Group
Group
Group
Group
2:30
Assignments
Free Time
Free Time
Assignments
Free Time
Professional
Process Group
Professional
Process Group
Free Time
Free Time
Dinner
Dinner
3:00
Group
3:30
4:00
Travel
4:30
Professional
Support Grp
5:00
Dinner
6:00
Travel
Family Dynamics
Travel
Professional
Support Grp
Free Time
Dinner
Dinner
12 Step Mtg
Travel
7:00
12 Step Mtg
12 Step Mtg
Caduceus Mtg
12 Step Mtg
12 Step Mtg
12 Step Mtg
8:30
Free Time
Free Time
Free Time
Free Time
Free Time
Free Time
10:00
10th Step
10th Step
10th Step
10th Step
10th Step
10th Step
10th Step
TREATMENT SCHEDULES
Mon
Sample Weekly Schedule (Phase 1 / 1- 30 days)
Sun
Tue
Wed
Thurs
Fri
Sat
Wake-Up
Wake-Up
Wake-Up
Wake-Up
Wake-Up
Wake-Up
7:00
Check-In
Reading
Meditation
Check-In
Reading
Meditation
Check-In
Reading
Meditation
Check-In
Reading
Meditation
Check-In
Reading
Meditation
Check-In
Reading
Meditation
Check-In
Reading
Meditation
7:30
Breakfast
Breakfast
Breakfast
Breakfast
Breakfast
Breakfast
Breakfast
Insite Therapy
Insite Therapy
Insite Therapy
Insite Therapy
Insite Therapy
Dr. Skipper Mtg
Therapist
Dr. Skipper Mtg
Therapist
Dr. Skipper Mtg
Therapist
Dr. Skipper Mtg
Therapist
Dr. Skipper Mtg
Therapist
And/Or Gym
And/Or Gym
And/Or Gym
And/Or Gym
And/Or Gym
8:30
9:00
10:00
Palisades
12 Step Meeting
10:30
Family
Workshop
11:00
11:30
Travel
Travel
Travel
Travel
Travel
12:00
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
1:00
Free Time
Family Sessions
& Visitors
Free Time
Free Time
Free Time
Free Time
Free Time
1:30
Group
Group
Group
Group
Group
2:30
Free Time
Free Time
Free Time
Free Time
Free Time
3:00
Group
3:30
Assignments
4:00
Travel
4:30
5:00
Dinner
6:00
Professional
Support Grp
Professional
Process Group
Professional
Process Group
Free Time
Free Time
Dinner
Dinner
Travel
Assignments
Family Dynamics
Travel
Professional
Support Grp
Free Time
Dinner
Dinner
12 Step Mtg
Travel
7:00
12 Step Mtg.
12 Step Mtg
Caduceus Mtg
12 Step Mtg
12 Step Mtg
12 Step Mtg
8:30
Free Time
Free Time
Free Time
Free Time
Free Time
Free Time
10:00
10th Step
10th Step
10th Step
10th Step
10th Step
10th Step
10th Step
TREATMENT SCHEDULES
Mon
Wake-Up
Sample Weekly Schedule (Phase 2 / 31- 90+ days)
Sun
6:45
PTP SPECIFIC TREATMENT ELEMENTS
Consultations with the Director of Professional Health Services
Clients meet a minimum of once each week with Dr. Skipper to discuss
treatment progress and goals, issues of focus for the coming week
and practice assessment, transition planning and a continuing care
planning as discharge approaches.
Professionals Facilitated Process Groups
Clients meet twice per week to process addiction issues, recovery
challenges and relapse triggers which are specific to their individual
profession.
A particular challenge facing all professionals is
understanding how to communicate with colleagues, patients and
clients when they return to work. These groups also serve as a
forum for education and discussion of the legal issues and disclosure
requirements when working with state agencies and insurance
providers.
Profession Specific Facilitated Support Groups
Many professionals come to treatment fearing that their reputations
have been irreparably damaged by their disease and that their
careers may be over. PTP clients meet twice weekly in clinically
facilitated groups made-up of Los Angeles based professionals in their
own field who have recently been to treatment or who are completing
their required two to five years of post discharge monitoring and drug
screening. During these meetings they learn about the real world
challenges other group members are facing and solutions for solving
them. Clients report these groups leave them better prepared to return
to work and effectively manage their recoveries.
In-Site Therapy
In-Site provides clients the opportunity to work as volunteers at one
or more healthcare facilities in West Los Angeles including, public
addiction treatment facilities, hospital admissions or detox units, nursing
homes or at a hospice. Clients do not work in their professional areas
(e.g. as a physician or lawyer) but, are available to each facility’s
staff to perform a wide variety of clerical or administrative tasks or
comforting patients or clients in that facility. In-Site offers Promises
PTP SPECIFIC TREATMENT ELEMENTS
clients the opportunity to work on three important treatment goals:
1) overcoming difficulties with denial and lack personal insight that
accompany the disease of addiction. 2) developing gratitude and
beginning to re-learn how to be of service to others. 3) balancing
being a humble, recovering person and a go-to decision maker at
work.
Profession Specific “Self Help” Meetings
These weekly meeting are restricted to professionals of specific
professions.
Healthcare Professionals have Caduceus Groups;
attorneys attend meetings often referred to as “The Other Bar” and
airline pilots “Birds of a Feather” meetings. These meetings provide
a safe forum for professionals to discuss the specific challenges and
solutions to issues facing other recovering professionals in their field.
Practice Assessment
Each professional undergoes evaluation for fitness to return to duty and
an assessment is made, in partnership with the referring agency and/
or employer(s), regarding timetables to return to work, restrictions in
activities or hours, supervision required and follow-up as indicated.
Transition Planning
Continuing care planning is extremely important. We believe that
long-term outcomes are optimized when treatment is conducted in
partnership with the referring agency, especially when it involves
transition planning.
Post-discharge Monitoring and Drug Screening
Addiction is a chronic illness and should be treated like one, which
means long-term monitoring and follow-up are vital to optimal
outcomes. At Promises we work hard to creatively utilize leverage to
assist in the development of monitoring agreements. A unique feature
of the PTP is that whenever possible we begin drug testing during the
In-Site phase of treatment utilizing the TPA and/or testing protocols that
the client will use when they return home. This makes sense because
we can assess their compliance and they can become adept at their
monitoring process before returning home.