Teen Comprehensive DBT Residential Treatment in Tarzana, CA | Aura
Mental Health & Substance Use Treatment for Teens Ages 12–17
Residential Treatment Center (RTC)
Evolve’s Aura residential program in Tarzana provides 24/7 Comprehensive DBT treatment for teens with mental health, substance use, and co-occurring behavioral issues. In a small, home-like setting, teens receive intensive DBT clinical support while building practical DBT skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. The program is designed for adolescents who need consistent structure, safety monitoring, and a higher level of therapeutic support to stabilize and make meaningful progress. Evolve serves families throughout Los Angeles, across California, and nationwide.
Weekly Services Include
- Individual Therapy 3x Weekly
- Weekly Psychiatry & Daily Nursing
- Family Therapy & Parent Coaching
- K-CAT Assessment & Progress Tracking
- Individualized Treatment Planning
- Group Therapy: Several Times Daily
-
DBT Skills Training Groups:
4x Weekly
- 24/7 DBT Skills Coaching
- Parent DBT skills group (virtual)
- Experiential Therapies (Equine, Art, Surf & More)
- Academic Support
- Weekly Therapeutic Outings
- Aftercare Planning
About Our Aura Residential Home
Our Aura residential facility is a 6,641 square foot home set on a private, gated estate, designed to provide a safe, structured, and effective environment for comprehensive DBT residential treatment. The home balances clinical functionality with warmth and comfort, giving teens space to participate in structured DBT programming, build healthy routines, and practice new coping skills without feeling institutional. Dedicated therapy spaces, a school room, and comfortable bedrooms support both the clinical and daily-living needs of each teen in care.
- Chef
- Big backyard
- Outdoor pool
- Inside gym
- School room
- Single & double bedrooms
Evolve Aura Care Team
Teens at our Aura location are supported by a multidisciplinary care team including psychiatrists, therapists, nursing staff, DBT skills coaches, academic coordinators, and clinical leadership. The team works collaboratively to ensure consistent, individualized care throughout treatment.
At our Aura location, clinical leadership work closely with the entire team to provide individualized care throughout treatment. This includes:
- Two Primary Therapists
- Residential Counselors
- Academic Coordinator
- Nurses
- Operations Manager
- Overnight Counselors
- Discharge Coordinator
- Chef
“Our DBT programs provide a structured and supportive environment where teens can learn the skills needed to manage emotions, strengthen relationships, and navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence. Our compassionate, highly trained team partners closely with families while delivering evidence-based care through individual, group, and family therapy. Our goal is for every teen to leave feeling more capable, balanced, and empowered to move forward.“
Our Aura Location
Evolve’s Aura teen residential treatment center is located in the tranquil Tarzana neighborhood of Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley, offering suburban tranquility with easy access to the Santa Monica Mountains and the broader cultural offerings of Los Angeles. The setting offers privacy and separation from everyday stressors while remaining close to the greater Los Angeles area. While our Aura location serves families throughout the San Fernando Valley and Southern California, Evolve is committed to supporting teens and families from across the nation seeking comprehensive DBT residential treatment.
- 5435 Aura Ave, Tarzana, CA 91356
Evolve’s Residential Program Values Your Teen’s Safety
Safety is a core part of care at Evolve’s Tarzana residential program. We support teens with a range of mental health needs, including those who may benefit from additional structure and support related to safety concerns. With a consistent daily routine, close clinical oversight, and clearly defined safety protocols, teens are supported in a stable, well-monitored environment around the clock.
Licensing & Accreditation
Evolve is accredited by CARF and The Joint Commission and is licensed by the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD), reflecting a commitment to quality and safety standards.
Monitoring & Supervision
Line-of-sight and line-of-hearing practices, along with monitoring systems, help maintain a safe, structured setting.
Staffing Ratios
High staff-to-teen ratios allow for individualized attention, with additional supervision available based on each teen’s needs.
Overnight Safety
Overnight protocols include routine bed checks, monitoring systems, and supervision to support safety during rest hours.
Protective Environment
Potentially dangerous items are secured, and regular safety checks are conducted to maintain a protective setting.
24/7 Staffing & Clinical Access
Trained staff are present at all times, with licensed clinicians and psychiatric support available around the clock.
Evolve Aura Clinical Approach
Care at this location is centered on a comprehensive DBT model, integrated throughout each part of the day. Teens engage in structured programming that helps them develop practical skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness, with consistent coaching and support across settings.
How We Approach Substance Use Treatment at Evolve Aura
For teens struggling with substance use or addiction, Evolve incorporates SMART Recovery, a science-based approach rooted in CBT, alongside this program’s core DBT skills training. SMART Recovery helps teens build motivation, cope with urges, manage thoughts and emotions, and develop healthier behaviors that support lasting change. When clinically indicated, teens may also receive additional recovery coaching sessions to provide more individualized support throughout treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What services are included in residential treatment at Aura?
Our Adherent Comprehensive DBT residential program includes psychiatry and nursing support, individual DBT therapy, family therapy, DBT skills training groups, 24/7 DBT skills coaching, individualized treatment planning, experiential therapies, weekly outings, academic support, and aftercare planning. DBT is integrated throughout the day to support consistent skill development and real-life application.
How is this location different from Evolve’s other residential programs?
This location offers an Adherent Comprehensive DBT program, meaning DBT is the primary therapeutic approach used throughout treatment. While Evolve’s other residential programs incorporate DBT skills training alongside other therapies, this program follows a fully adherent DBT model, including all core components: DBT individual therapy, DBT skills training groups, DBT skills coaching, and therapist DBT consultation team. Our admissions team helps determine whether this level of care is the right fit for each teen.
How are families involved in treatment?
Family involvement is an important part of the treatment process. In addition to two family therapy sessions each week, families can participate in a weekly parent support group offered across all Evolve residential programs. At our Aura location, parents also have access to a virtual DBT skills training group designed to help them learn the same skills their teens are building in treatment. This helps parents better understand the approach, feel more confident in supporting their teen, and stay involved in progress during treatment and after returning home.
How long do teens usually stay in treatment?
Length of stay varies based on clinical needs, but teens typically remain in our residential program between 45 and 60 days.
What makes this program DBT-focused?
This program follows an Adherent Comprehensive DBT model, meaning DBT is woven into nearly every aspect of care. Teens participate in DBT individual and family therapy, structured skills groups, and ongoing coaching to help them build emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness skills in real-world situations. As a comprehensive DBT programs our clinicians also participate in weekly DBT consultation team, offering essential support, peer consultation, and accountability for clinicians working with high-risk clients.
Does this program treat substance use as well as mental health concerns?
Yes. Our Aura program supports teens experiencing substance use and co-occurring mental health challenges. Evolve is licensed to treat both primary mental health and primary substance use disorders, and this location incorporates a DBT-informed approach and SMART Recovery to treat substance use, helping teens reduce high-risk behaviors, improve motivation for change, and better manage the emotional patterns that contribute to substance use.
Will my teen keep up with school while in treatment?
Yes. Teens participate in structured academic time, and our academic coordinator works closely with parents, therapists, and each teen to create an individualized academic plan and help students stay on track.
Does insurance cover residential treatment?
Many insurance plans cover residential treatment. Evolve is proud to be one of the few Adherent Comprehensive DBT residential programs for teens that accepts insurance. We accept most private insurance plans and are in-network with several providers, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Kaiser, Blue Shield, TriWest, and more. Our admissions team can help verify benefits and explain costs before care begins.
What should my teen bring?
We recommend comfortable clothing, prescription medications, personal items, and school materials. Detailed packing guidelines will be provided before admission.
Understanding the Admissions Process
Getting started doesn’t have to feel complicated. We’ll help you take it one step at a time.
Reach Out to Connect
Connect with an admissions coordinator to discuss your teen’s needs, treatment options, and insurance coverage.
Complimentary Assessment
A free pre-admission assessment helps determine the appropriate level of care. If our program is not the right fit, referrals will be provided.
Beginning Care in Tarzana
Once admitted, your teen is welcomed to the Aura location and supported through intake and the start of treatment.
Take the Next Step
If you’re exploring comprehensive DBT residential treatment or teen substance use treatment for a teen, our Aura program serves families nationwide. Our admissions team can guide you through options and help determine whether this level of care is the right fit.