What does it take to build a life that's free of dependence on drugs
and alcohol?

Today's youth suffer more severe addictions than ever before. Ryther Child Center offers an innovative, family-oriented approach to counseling and chemical dependency treatment for young people struggling with alcohol and drugs.

Ryther opened its Adolescent Chemical Dependency Treatment Program in 1983, a pioneer in developing abuse and addiction services specifically for youth. Today, Ryther is again taking the lead in developing chemical dependency treatment for adolescents that moves beyond the basic and important disease and 12-step models. Ryther's professional staff recognizes that treatment must address the deep wounds that youth carry. They know that engagement and relationship building is the starting point and framework for any effective treatment.

Inpatient Chemical Dependency Treatment                                       

Program Goals
Ryther's Inpatient CD Treatment Program treats addicted youth of ages 13 to 17 who are learning to live without drugs and alcohol. It is a Level II secure program with a variable length of stay depending on need. The program goals are to enable clients to avoid relapse, build self-confidence and successfully re-enter school and family life.

Program Features
Ryther's inpatient program has a heavily structured, intensive behavioral health focus combined with an understanding of the disease concept of addiction and the 12-step approach to treatment. A strong emphasis is placed on the young person's personal growth, physical fitness, skill development and enjoyment of life without the use of chemicals. Specialty groups focus on areas such as meditation and relaxation, sexuality, spirituality, self-esteem and anger management.

Co-occurring Disorders: Many of the young people who come to Ryther have co-occurring disorders. Youth often benefit from the expertise of mental health professionals on staff.

Experiential Learning: Ryther's programs utilize experiential learning activities designed to place children and youth in challenging yet safe situations, which build a sense of self-worth as obstacles are overcome. These dramatically positive experiences are often far more effective in promoting healing than any amount of verbal encouragement from adults might be.

Family Involvement: By working to engage residents' families, the Ryther staff helps parents and guardians learn to offer real support to their youth. Monthly family events involve families in the recovery process. Parent Night is a time for adult caregivers to join together to discuss concerns, issues or questions they have regarding treatment. Family Day provides a structured program of group activities designed to enhance communication and build trust.

School Credit: Ryther works with the Seattle Public School District. Depending on the length of stay, clients may earn school credits for art, health, physical education and special projects.

Affordable Fees
Ryther Child Center offers a sliding fee scale and accepts medical coupons, pre-authorized insurance payments and private pay.

Download Ryther Chemical Dependency Inpatient Program Application PDF here.
After printing the application and related materials, please fill out completely and mail to: Ryther Child Center, ATTN:CD Admissions, 2400 NE 95th St, Seattle, WA, 98115 or fax application to 206-525-9795.

For more information, or to request an application be mailed to you, please contact our Admission Coordinator at (206) 517-0249 or email admissions at CDAdmissions@ryther.org.

 

Outpatient Substance Abuse & Addiction Services                          

Ryther Child Center offers intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment for adolescents through our Outpatient Services Program. Please visit our Outpatient Services page to learn more.

Group Care Enhancement                                                                   

Through our Group Care Enhancement program, Ryther's chemical dependency specialists work in other area agencies dealing with drug-impacted youth. They provide counseling to drug-impacted clients as well as consultation and training to enable agency staff to offer higher quality treatment.

Ryther's Group Care Enhancement team currently works at Friends of Youth/Griffin Home, YouThreshold, Pathways and Seattle Children's Home, among others. Vist our Group Care Enhancement page to learn more.