Teen Comprehensive DBT Residential Treatment in Tarzana, CA | Vanalden
Mental Health & Substance Use Treatment for Teens Ages 12–17
Residential Treatment Center (RTC)
Evolve Vanalden provides 24/7 Comprehensive DBT residential treatment for teens in a small, home-like setting in Tarzana, serving families throughout Los Angeles, across California, and nationwide. This level of care is designed for teens who need consistent structure, safety monitoring, robust clinical support, and time away from daily stressors to focus on recovery. Our Comprehensive DBT program supports teens with mental health, substance use, behavioral, and co-occurring concerns while helping them build practical skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. With intensive, individualized support, teens can stabilize, strengthen coping skills, and build a foundation for lasting progress.
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 Vanalden Comprehensive DBT Residential Home
Our Vanalden residential facility is a 5,673 square foot home set on a private, gated one-acre 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
- Double bedrooms
Evolve Vanalden Care Team
Teens at our Vanalden location are supported by a multidisciplinary care team including psychiatrists, therapists, nursing staff, DBT skills coaches, academic coordinators, and clinical leadership. The team collaborates closely to ensure consistent, individualized care throughout treatment.
At our Vanalden 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 Vanalden Location
Evolve’s Vanalden teen residential treatment center is located in the tranquil Tarzana neighborhood of Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley, with access to scenic trails in the nearby 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 Vanalden 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.
- 5358 Vanalden Ave, Tarzana, CA 91356
Evolve’s Residential Program Values Your Teen’s Safety
Safety is central to care at Evolve’s Tarzana residential program. We support teens with a range of mental health needs, including those who may require additional structure and support related to self-harm or safety concerns. Through a structured environment, consistent clinical oversight, and clearly defined safety protocols, teens are supported around the clock as they build skills and work toward greater stability.
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 and supportive environment.
Staffing Ratios
High staff-to-teen ratios allow for personalized care, with one-to-one supervision available when clinically appropriate.
Overnight Safety
Overnight care includes routine bed checks, monitoring systems, and supervision to support safety during rest hours.
Protective Environment
Potentially unsafe items are secured, and regular safety checks are conducted to maintain a safe, supportive setting.
24/7 Staffing & Clinical Access
Trained staff are present at all times, with licensed clinicians and psychiatric support available around the clock.
Evolve Vanalden Clinical Approach
Treatment is grounded in a comprehensive DBT model, which serves as the core of care in this program. Teens participate in structured DBT programming that focuses on building skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness, with consistent support and reinforcement throughout the day.
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?
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 incorporated throughout the day to support consistent skill-building and real-life application.
How is this program different from Evolve’s other residential locations?
This location offers an Adherent Comprehensive DBT program, where DBT serves as the primary framework for care. While other Evolve residential programs integrate DBT skills training alongside additional therapeutic approaches, this program follows a fully adherent model that includes all four core components of DBT: DBT individual therapy, DBT skills training groups, DBT skills coaching, and therapist DBT consultation team . Our admissions team helps determine whether this model is the best fit for each teen.
How are families involved in treatment?
Family involvement is a key 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 Vanalden 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 allows parents to better understand the approach, feel more confident in supporting their teen, and stay actively involved in progress during treatment and after returning home.
How long do teens typically stay in treatment?
Length of stay varies based on individual needs, but most teens remain in residential care for approximately 45 to 60 days.
What does “Adherent Comprehensive DBT” mean?
In this program, DBT is applied consistently across all aspects of care. Teens participate in DBT-informed individual and family therapy, structured skills groups, and ongoing coaching throughout the day. This approach helps teens build and practice skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness in real-life situations.
Does this program address substance use as well as mental health?
Yes. This program supports teens with 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 to substance use to help teens reduce high-risk behaviors, strengthen motivation for change, and better manage underlying emotional patterns. Evolve also uses SMART Recovery to support teens with a a history of substance use.
Will my teen continue school while in treatment?
Yes. Teens participate in structured academic time, and our Academic Coordinator works closely with families, therapists, and each teen to develop an individualized academic plan and support continued progress.
Does insurance cover residential treatment?
Many insurance plans cover residential treatment. Evolve is proud to offer 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 review costs before care begins.
What should my teen bring to residential treatment?
We recommend comfortable clothing, prescription medications, personal items, and school materials. A detailed packing list will be provided prior to admission.
My experience there was a turning point in my life. Staff helped me face some of my fears and learn more about myself … You come out with a new mindset, new skills, higher emotional intelligence, and the opportunity to be more successful in life than you did walking in.
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 Vanalden 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 Vanalden program serves families nationwide. Our admissions team can guide you through options and help determine whether this level of care is the right fit.