Why Do Families Travel From Across the Country to Get Their Child Treatment at Evolve?
While many of our clients live in California, families travel from across the country to access care at Evolve. With programs throughout California and secure virtual services, teens can receive the help they need no matter where they live.
Every year, parents from across the country decide to send their teen to Evolve. While it can feel daunting to consider treatment far from home, many families ultimately share that choosing Evolve was one of the best decisions they made for their child’s recovery.
Families choose Evolve because we provide the highest standards of evidence-based treatment, backed by state licensing and national accreditation. For parents who may feel hesitant about sending their teen across state lines, it’s reassuring to know that Evolve prioritizes safety, clinical excellence, and meaningful long-term outcomes. Traveling to Evolve for the highest quality teen treatment is worth it for families, as our programs help teens avoid the revolving door of repeated hospitalizations and short-term programs through evidence-based care that truly works.
State Licensing
Licensing and oversight of teen treatment centers vary widely from state to state. California is known for having some of the strictest standards in the country. Each Evolve location is licensed through the California Department of Social Services, which enforces rigorous rules to protect client safety. Every program is assigned an analyst who works closely with our team to ensure compliance with the California Health and Safety Code and related regulations. This level of oversight provides parents with added confidence that their teen is in a safe, well-regulated environment.
Dual Accreditation
While many treatment programs across the U.S. hold one accreditation, Evolve is accredited by both The Joint Commission and CARF. These accreditations serve as an additional seal of approval, ensuring that our programs preserve client rights, uphold robust safety protocols, and follow the most current clinical best practices. Our accreditation partners also help us continuously improve by reviewing outcomes, highlighting areas for growth, and updating us on evolving standards of care.
Small Program Size
Many out-of-state options operate more like institutions, with 40–60 teens on a single campus. This can make it difficult to provide the individualized attention each teen deserves. At Evolve, our programs are located in comfortable residential homes with a maximum of six clients at a time. This small, home-like setting allows our staff to provide highly personalized care, maintain strong safety protocols, and build meaningful relationships with each teen and their family.
Clinical Expertise
Evolve is recognized nationally for providing evidence-based treatment for teens with complex mental health, substance use, and behavioral challenges. We are one of the few programs in the country offering a Comprehensive DBT residential program for adolescents, in addition to other evidence-based modalities like CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Family Systems Therapy. Our clinical team is highly trained in treating acute mental health issues and supporting lasting change.
Expanding Access Through Insurance Partnerships
High-quality programs that accept insurance can be difficult to find. Evolve partners with a number of insurance providers to offer in-network care, helping families access treatment without the overwhelming burden of paying entirely out of pocket. While many parents feel nervous about sending their teen out of state, they often find that Evolve offers a higher level of safety, structure, and clinical quality than what is available closer to home.
In-Network Partners
We accept most major insurance plans and provide free insurance verification.
We do not accept Medi-Cal or Medicaid.
Supporting Out-of-State Families at Evolve
At Evolve, we believe that family involvement is essential to treatment. You know your child best, and your support plays a critical role in their progress both during and after their time with us. That’s why we make it easy for families outside of California to stay fully engaged in their teen’s care.
How We Involve Families
Parents and guardians remain an active part of treatment, no matter where they live. You’ll be involved in:
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Family therapy sessions held twice weekly with our clinical team, conducted virtually to fit your schedule and location.
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Regular communication with staff, including weekly email updates and frequent conversations about your teen’s goals and progress.
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Visitation opportunities that can happen in person if you are able to travel, or virtually if you are not.
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Daily contact with your teen. Families connect with their child every day—there are no “blackout periods.”