At Aurora Charter Oak, we provide care that meets the needs of children in every part of their healing journey. Our adolescent programs are specifically designed for youth ages 9 to 17 who need support in addressing mental health concerns, substance use, or both.
The most structured option we offer is residential care at our Residential Treatment Center (RTC). This level of care is recommended when 24/7 supervision and support are needed. At Charter Oak RTC, adolescents live in private rooms and participate in intensive therapeutic programming within a safe, youth-only environment.
As progress is made, less intensive programs are available at Aurora Charter Oak Hospital, located adjacent to the RTC. This seamless continuum of care enables adolescents to transition to the appropriate level of support without disruption from moving to a completely separate facility. Families can feel confident knowing that treatment remains consistent every step of the way.
Admissions and Eligibility
Our admissions process begins with a free and confidential assessment, available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. During this important evaluation, admissions counselors and intake coordinators gather information about your adolescent’s symptoms, history, and level of functioning.
If it is determined that inpatient care is needed, the adolescent is admitted into a youth-only unit. Our youth-only unit is entirely separate from our adult patients and explicitly designed for safety and developmental appropriateness.
Eligibility for our programs depends on several factors. For example, adolescents must be between the ages of 9 and 17. They may present with mental health concerns, substance use issues, or both. Staff also consider the individual’s therapeutic needs, educational requirements, and whether they require short-term stabilization or a longer course of residential care. The level of care is determined with input from both clinicians and family members.
At Aurora Charter Oak, family involvement begins right away. Families participate in initial conversations about treatment and are guided through the process of insurance verification and financial planning. Our hospital accepts a variety of payment methods and is happy to help families understand coverage, explain out-of-pocket costs, and assist with referrals when necessary.
Choosing a Residential Program
Accreditation and program quality are two of the top factors that families consider when choosing an adolescent residential program. Aurora Charter Oak is proud to be accredited by the Joint Commission, which ensures that our hospital meets rigorous standards for safety and quality of care. In addition, Charter Oak Residential Treatment Center (RTC) is licensed by the California State Department of Health Care Services.
Another important consideration is whether a residential program provides a full continuum of care. Fortunately, Aurora Charter Oak RTC offers inpatient stabilization, residential treatment, and step-down options, including partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient care. This means that adolescents can move through all necessary levels of treatment and support without losing continuity of treatment. The consistency of staff and location helps to ease transitions and reduce anxiety for both patients and families.
Families should also ask questions about treatment philosophy, the role of family therapy, and how academic needs are addressed. Red flags may include a lack of family involvement, inadequate aftercare planning, or high staff turnover. Aurora Charter Oak addresses these concerns by prioritizing aftercare planning from the outset, properly communicating often with our employees, and involving families directly throughout the treatment process.
Daily Life and Structure
Charter Oak Residential Treatment Center provides an immersive experience. Adolescents stay in private rooms, which provide them with personal space while still maintaining a therapeutic environment. Daily activities include emotional process groups, individual counseling with a therapist, family therapy, and relapse prevention education. Recreational opportunities are also part of the schedule, with access to a private gym and outdoor areas.
For youth clients in outpatient programs, daily schedules are designed to resemble a therapeutic school environment. Adolescents participate in group therapy, academic support, meals, and life skills training. Evening therapeutic activities provide continuity, allowing patients to practice coping skills in real-world situations. This structure helps adolescents gradually reintegrate into daily life while continuing to build stability.
Educational and Life Skills Support
Aurora Charter Oak recognizes that academic continuity is essential for adolescents in treatment. As a result, our hospital incorporates educational support into its programs to ensure that students do not fall behind during their recovery.
In residential and inpatient care, adolescents participate in psychoeducational groups that build goal-setting skills, stress management strategies, and emotional regulation. This structure helps them remain connected to learning while also addressing mental health challenges. In our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), treatment days are directly structured to follow a school schedule, allowing adolescents to spend part of the day engaged in academic activities while being supported by experts who understand both educational and therapeutic needs.
Regardless of the level of care, life skills development is also integrated into every stage of care. Each youth’s treatment plan is individualized, allowing our team and staff to coach adolescents toward goals that align with their developmental stage and long-term aspirations. Aftercare continues this work by supporting smooth transitions to school and adulthood.
Family Involvement and Support
Families play a significant role in adolescent recovery from start to finish. Family therapy sessions are scheduled early to strengthen bonds and improve communication. These sessions enable parents and caregivers to gain a deeper understanding of each adolescent’s struggles while learning how to support recovery at home.
Visitation is encouraged whenever it supports the healing process. Family participation is especially important during the residential treatment phase, where sessions focus on rebuilding attachment, repairing relationships, and planning for a healthier family system after discharge. For a complete list of visitation guidelines, please see our Visiting a Patient webpage.
Finally, support does not end when the adolescent leaves the facility. Families are included in aftercare planning and receive guidance about community resources, ongoing therapy, and support groups. The goal is to create a united healing journey where both adolescent and family grow stronger together.
Treatment Programs and Therapeutic Modalities
Aurora Charter Oak combines a wide range of evidence-based therapies. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are frequently used, along with trauma treatment. Family therapy, group sessions, and individualized treatment planning are integrated into each program.
Experiential and recreational therapies add depth to the treatment experience. Art therapy, music therapy, and structured recreational activities help adolescents explore emotions and practice coping strategies. This balance of therapies creates a comprehensive model that addresses emotional, behavioral, and physical health.
Staff and Professional Team
The staff at Aurora Charter Oak are highly trained professionals with expertise in adolescent mental health. Each adolescent works with a well-rounded team that may include psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed therapists, psychiatric nurses, activity therapists, and chemical dependency counselors. This diversity of expertise ensures that treatment plans address medical, psychological, social, and educational needs.
Our team is driven by a philosophy that recognizes the challenges adolescents face when struggling with mental health or substance use. Our team members are trained to provide trauma-informed care and to meet patients with compassion, understanding, and evidence-based strategies that support their needs. The presence of board-certified psychiatrists and experienced medical professionals ensures that both psychiatric and physical health are carefully monitored.
In the Residential Treatment Center, leadership emphasizes understanding the barriers adolescents face, such as denial, insecurity, and shame. Staff create safe spaces where adolescents can confront these feelings, process emotions, and build resilience. The combination of professional expertise and compassionate guidance makes the hospital’s staff a vital part of the recovery process.
Insurance and Payment Options
Aurora Charter Oak works with a broad range of insurance providers. This includes commercial insurance plans such as Blue Cross, United Health, and Kaiser, as well as Medi-Cal and Medicare. The admissions team helps families verify coverage, obtain pre-approvals, and understand the details of insurance benefits. They also explain what portion of costs may need to be paid out of pocket.
Residential treatment is often covered by PPO and HMO plans, provided that clinical criteria are met. However, Medi-Cal and Medicare do not cover RTC care. In these cases, private pay becomes an option. The hospital staff are committed to helping families navigate these challenges by offering guidance, exploring single-case agreements, or creating self-pay arrangements when necessary.
By providing clarity on payment options, Aurora Charter Oak reduces stress for families and ensures that financial concerns do not become an obstacle to the care they need.
Outcomes and Effectiveness
Aurora Charter Oak places strong emphasis on long-term effectiveness through careful discharge planning and continuity of care. Beginning aftercare planning at admission enables our hospital to assist adolescents and their families in preparing for life beyond the program. This proactive approach reduces the risk of relapse and improves the chances of maintaining progress.
The structured environment, combined with evidence-based therapy and family participation, supports emotional regulation and long-term healing. Alumni often continue their recovery journey through outpatient services, community therapy, or sponsor networks, which allow progress to continue beyond the walls of our hospital.
Families frequently report improvements in communication, stronger relationships, and better emotional resilience for both the adolescent and the household as a whole. By prioritizing holistic healing and offering a comprehensive range of services, Aurora Charter Oak fosters an environment that supports sustainable recovery and personal growth.
Contact Us Today
Aurora Charter Oak Hospital in Covina, California, exemplifies excellence in adolescent residential treatment. With its full continuum of care, evidence-based therapies, dedicated staff, and strong family involvement, the hospital offers a supportive path to recovery for adolescents facing mental health and substance use challenges.
From the moment of admission to the planning of aftercare, the focus remains on healing, growth, and long-term resilience. For families seeking compassionate and comprehensive support, Aurora Charter Oak represents a place of hope and transformation. Our admissions line is available at any time to provide guidance and reassurance for families who are ready to begin the healing journey. We’d love to talk to you soon!
Frequently Asked Questions
What age groups are eligible for adolescent programs at Aurora Charter Oak Hospital?
Aurora Charter Oak serves adolescents between the ages of 9 and 17 who are struggling with mental health or substance use concerns. Treatment is tailored to the developmental stage of each adolescent, and younger patients are cared for in an environment designed to feel safe and supportive. Staff ensure that all programming, from therapy to education, is tailored to be age-appropriate.
How long does residential treatment usually last?
The length of stay depends on the individual’s needs and progress in treatment. Inpatient stabilization typically lasts five to seven days, while residential care often ranges from two to four weeks. After this phase, many adolescents step down to outpatient programs to continue building skills and maintaining recovery.
Can my insurance cover the cost of treatment?
Aurora Charter Oak accepts many major insurance plans, including PPO providers, Medicare, and Medi-Cal for certain programs.
Our Residential Treatment Center accepts many PPO plans; however, we do not accept Medi-Cal or Medicare. Our financial counseling team will verify your benefits before admission so you know exactly what’s covered and what costs to expect.
What therapies are available for adolescents?
The hospital utilizes a wide range of evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), family therapy, and trauma-focused care. Group and individual sessions are combined with experiential therapies such as art and recreational activities. Medication management and psychiatric services are also available when needed.
How is schoolwork handled during treatment?
Educational support is integrated into the treatment schedule, allowing adolescents to continue learning while in care. Outpatient programs, particularly partial hospitalization, are structured like a school day with time dedicated to academics alongside therapy. This balance allows adolescents to stay engaged with their studies while focusing on recovery.
Are families involved in the treatment process?
Family involvement is considered essential at Aurora Charter Oak. Parents and caregivers participate in therapy sessions, receive updates, and are encouraged to visit when appropriate. Families are also included in aftercare planning to ensure that recovery continues at home.
What happens after my child leaves residential treatment?
Aftercare planning begins as soon as treatment starts to create a clear path for continued recovery. Adolescents may step down to partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient care, and families receive referrals to community-based therapy or support groups. This ongoing support helps reinforce progress made during residential treatment.
Is the facility safe for adolescents?
Yes, safety is a top priority. Adolescents are housed in separate units designed for their age group and are supervised around the clock by trained staff. The structured schedule and supportive environment ensure that patients are protected while they focus on their recovery and healing.
