Typically we accept private and Regional Center referrals. The process begins with a telephone interview to learn more about the specific areas to be addressed.
If the client appears to be an appropriate candidate for the group, a brief intake session is arranged. This typically occurs at Dr. Gale's Encino office and lasts about one hour.
Once a determination has been made, clients begin the group, typically within a couple of weeks.
All adult clients are accepted on a "trial basis." This means they are asked to attend a total of three groups. If, at the end of that time, it does not seem right for them, a simply "goodbye-thanks" is all that is requested. The adult client is not asked to explain his/her reasons from stopping, just to let the group know this will occur. In practice, the vast majority of adults who begin the program do continue, but this seems to make the process of making a decision or commitment easier.
If the client appears to be an appropriate candidate for the group, a brief intake session is arranged. This typically occurs at Dr. Gale's Encino office and lasts about one hour.
Once a determination has been made, clients begin the group, typically within a couple of weeks.
All adult clients are accepted on a "trial basis." This means they are asked to attend a total of three groups. If, at the end of that time, it does not seem right for them, a simply "goodbye-thanks" is all that is requested. The adult client is not asked to explain his/her reasons from stopping, just to let the group know this will occur. In practice, the vast majority of adults who begin the program do continue, but this seems to make the process of making a decision or commitment easier.