Here are some additional frequently asked question by parents just like you

Can you help me with a treatment referral even though we're not in the same state? What about an interventionist?

Yes. Our consultants have both existing knowledge about treatment programs all over the country AND resources to identify treatment programs, interventionists, couple's counselors and other professional supports. While PTA consultants are not responsible for the outcome of any program or professional identified, we have a rigorous protocol for verifying the qualifications, professionalism and respect from peers.

I have completed the family program at 3 different treatment centers already. So it seems like I've already learned everything there is to know about all this. Is there a way that I can just access the support aspects without having to pay for the course

Yes. You might find it helpful to have an opportunity to remind yourself of what you learned in those family programs and to have the support of other parents. The mini-course and participation in the private Facebook group are both included in the free membership. To access the live online meetings, the private forum and other content, you'll need to be a Community Member. The big courses (not the mini-course) are available to Resource & Community members.

I feel really uncomfortable with groups, and I definitely don't want to be a "member" of a club for parents with addicted kids. I know my kid has a drug problem, but why would I want join The Other PTA?

We get that! It's so easy for parents to feel anger, shame, guilt and/or embarrassment about this subject. You might find that the anonymity of the private member forum (you can create a discreet online identity like "Arizona Mom" to disguise your identity) creates the perfect way to get information, answers to some of your questions, and support from both other parents and addiction professionals, while protecting your privacy. And at some point, accessing our exclusive treatment directory and/or our treatment matching services could be really valuable in choosing the treatment center that is right for your son.

Can we get personalized, private services just for our family or do we have to pose all our questions as part of the membership community?

Personalized, private services are available to a limited number of members who participate at the Coaching & Community Membership level, which includes Customized Treatment Matching services and private video consultation 2x each month. There are a limited number of Coaching & Community Memberships available, but if none are available, you may wish to be added to our waiting list. Video consultation sessions are 60-minutes long and can be arranged through our HIPAA-compliant portal or, if you prefer, through Facetime or Skype.

I've kicked my daughter out of our home because of her addiction. I just couldn't take it anymore! At this point, I've given up hope that she even CAN recover. Under those circumstances, how can membership help me?

Insisting that your daughter leave your home could create the very pain that could help her become more willing to accept help and begin recovery. But just as the journey was hard up until you acted on that decision, there will be more challenges ahead. By allowing yourself the opportunity to keep learning, connect with other parents, find out about ways you can take care of yourself AND prepare yourself for future crises and future joys, membership could help the coming years be easier and help you feel less confused and less alone.

Can I change membership levels as my needs change?

Of course! We designed our site to be flexible for just that reason. We encourage you to adjust your membership level according to your needs. For example, you may start off with the Free Membership level, then realize that you need help choosing a treatment center. At that point you may opt up to the Resources & Community Membership to access the directory and content related to making a decision. Or you may decide you want personalized help and jump up to the Consultation & Community level. If you participate in the live video support meetings, you may find that you really like the interactive nature of that and step down to Education & Community Membership in order to continue. If not, you can step all the way back to the free Inspiration membership if you'd like. We encourage you to pay for what you need, when you need it, and know that there will always be a free membership level available.

Is this covered by insurance?

Because The Other PTA is an educational and consultation service -- not therapy -- services are not covered by insurance.

How can I convince my son to get "on board" with me?

Participating in PTA is really for you, but in the long run, it will help your son and every member of your family. Part of what you'll learn by participating in PTA is how to better gauge where your son or daughter is in progressing towards readiness to make change. Even before they are ready to make changes and accept help, you can learn a great deal about how to be a part of the solution (instead of part of the problem), how to identify and reduce your own enabling behaviors, and how to communicate your boundaries and expectations in ways that help preserve the relationship.

How can I connect with the therapy part?

So just to clarify, "therapy" is not part of what is available at The Other PTA. But what is available is private, individualized consultations with a specialist to help offer individualized solutions and recommendations for your family's needs. There are a limited number of consultation-level memberships available though. If there's a situation in which there immediate needs for consultation, consultation sessions can be scheduled individually. Education & Community members and Resource & Community members are eligible for discounted rates on individual consultation sessions.

I'm a little confused about who you specialize in helping? Just kids under 18? What about those who don't live at home any more or those who have co-occurring disorders?

We work with families of sons and daughters of all ages! Our largest group of parents are those with sons or daughters between 17-32 y/o, but parents of younger or older sons and daughters need support too. In fact, those whose son or daughter has a child of their own have special needs as well! The needs are different for those with children under 18 and those with co-occurring psychiatric conditions, but we are well-prepared to assist those families too. Unfortunately, we are not well-equipped or knowledgeable about helping families whose son or daughter has developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injury or severe brain damage secondary to overdose or other consequences of addiction.

My child is in crisis right now? Can you really help me?

It depends! If your child is literally in danger right now, dial 911 or a local mobile crisis unit. Mobile crisis units are not available everywhere, but they offer a great resource if available. Mobile crisis units dispatch a licensed mental health professional who is sometimes accompanied by a specially-trained law enforcement officer. These teams go out into the communities and see people literally "where they are" in private homes, motels, even hospital waiting rooms. They assess whether acute hospitalization is needed or whether the person can wait to be seen by an outpatient provider. If your child is safe but experiencing a legal, academic, disciplinary, financial or family crisis that can tolerate waiting 72 hours for an appointment, we can help. We would recommend that you join as an Inspiration & Hope member and request a full-fee private consultation session. You will get a link to Calendly.com where you can schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Full-fee consultations are $160/hour and can be paid for through the membership site. Once the "dust has settled" and the crisis has passed, then you can decide which membership level seems most appropriate. Or if you are sure that you're going to need more than 1 session in the next month, you can go ahead and join as a Consultation & Community member and have access to the full array of all that PTA has to offer. Please note that consultants collect information from you and offer solutions and resources to match your needs based on the available resources of each family and each community. We do not assume responsibility for the outcome of recommendations since there are so many variables outside of our control, but we'll offer support, encouragement, professional recommendations and the best guidance we can under the circumstances.

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