Four Circles Hosts International Mental Health Professionals

Helping clients who struggle with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders may be Four Circles Recovery Center's primary mission, but helping the world at-large understand addiction and the innovative techniques available for successful recovery came a close second one weekend this past June. That's when the center played host to a group of Botswana professionals from the Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program.

The Leadership Program lasts a full 10 days, and Four Circles was but one of the sites selected to enhance the Botswana group's awareness and understanding of American youth drug/alcohol and behavioral treatment and prevention models. The project brought together an assortment of community leaders and professionals, including a social worker, a spokesperson and advocate for Youth Against Drugs and Alcohol (YADA), and even an inspirational artist who instills positive values in Botswana youth. According to project material, the three participants share the goal of nurturing positive behaviors and values in the Botswana nation's youth in order to keep them from partaking in substance abuse and other detrimental activities.

Says Four Circles Executive Director, Jack Kline, "The group toured our program and met with our program manager and intake coordinator with the main purpose of learning about new treatment methods, the incorporation of outdoor programming, and ways to reduce high-risk behaviors."

"They wanted to learn about solid research-based protocols for substance abuse treatment, and the way we use wilderness to enhance engagement and retention with our young adult clients. They also were impressed with our high success rates and wanted to learn how we achieve that," Kline added.

"We were honored to have been recognized and selected by this group as a program of distinction. We enjoyed our collaboration and we feel that it is an obligation of ours to support and collaborate with treatment professionals all over the world," he said.

Lara Printz, Program Director for International House, wrote to the Four Circles team following the visit, saying "Thank you so much for hosting such a wonderful gathering for our Botswana group. They were raving about their time with you and your program. It truly was a highlight for them during their 3-week time frame in the U.S. I greatly appreciate your time and efforts to accommodate our group as you did. It was a very special opportunity for them."

Four Circles Recovery Center is an innovative addictions, substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders treatment program for young adults ages 18 to 28 that combines a traditional counseling setting with a series of wilderness expeditions.

Aspen Education Group is a member of CRC Health Group, the most comprehensive network of specialized behavioral care services in the nation. For over two decades, CRC Health has been achieving successful outcomes for individuals and families.