Benchmark Young Adult School Adds Matrix IOP Recovery Model to Addiction Curriculum
Press Release For Immediate Release
Benchmark Young Adult School Enhances Addiction Curriculum

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Redlands, CA (January 16, 2009) - Benchmark Young Adult School announces the implementation of the Benchmark Recovery program, featuring the Matrix Model, an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP,) which is an effective, evidence-based treatment program for addicts.  "Benchmark's curriculum has always featured a 12-Step component and now that our Primary Life Coach, Michael Valenzuela, holds his Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor (CATC) credential, we can offer a more intensive treatment option," states Jayne Longnecker-Harper, owner and CEO of Benchmark Young Adult School.

"The Matrix Model is a comprehensive format that will be incorporated into Benchmark's successful educational, emotional growth and life skills curriculum," continues Jayne.  "Students who have been identified with drug and alcohol behavior and/or addiction, based upon their history and the Addiction Severity Index (ASI,) will work closely with our experienced drug and alcohol counseling team of certified Life Coaches."

Benchmark Recovery IOP offers a more comprehensive treatment than a traditional stand-alone treatment program, as it is combined with Benchmark's educational, emotional growth and life skills curriculum during the treatment phase.  Students may then continue with Benchmark's Bronze, Silver and Gold Phases as their aftercare program. Recovery students will enroll for a minimum of three months.*

*For details regarding the Benchmark Recovery program or for information regarding admissions, please call 800-474-4848 or email at admissions@benchmarkyas.com.
Michael Valenzuela, Benchmark Primary Coach, Earns CATC
 
Michael ValenzuelaRedlands, CA (January 16, 2009) - Benchmark Young Adult School proudly announces that Primary Life Coach E. Michael Valenzuela, III, has achieved his Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor (CATC) credential through the California Association for Alcohol/Drug Educators (CAADE.)  Michael will pilot Benchmark's enhanced 12-Step curriculum, which has recently implemented the Matrix Model, an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) treatment for addicts.  The Matrix Model will be assimilated into Benchmark's successful curriculum of education, emotional growth and life skills to create a more comprehensive treatment program than that of a stand-alone treatment plan.

"I like the counselor motto of Primim non nocere or Do No Harm," states Michael.  "It is something I say to myself to keep me focused and aware of my purpose in this field.  Obtaining my CATC certification helps me to stay current with new techniques in counseling and new information in the science of addiction.  This is also another tool that can blend with my life coaching certification to help me become a well-rounded addiction counselor and life coach.  The students here at Benchmark deserve, and will receive from me, the best of both disciplines," concludes Michael.

Michael joined Benchmark in 2005 as a resident counselor and was promoted to a primary counselor position in 2007.  He received the designation of Certified Coach in 2007, thus earning the title, Primary Life Coach.  Michael holds dual Associate of Arts degrees in Human Services and Liberal Arts.  He completed 2048 supervised counseling hours to become fully licensed.  Michael is also preparing to take the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) Level II test in June, submitting his 6000 supervised hours with plans to take the oral boards in December, 2009.  Michael's goal is to earn a Doctorate in clinical psychology, and later, specialize in forensic psychology.  He is currently enrolled at California State University, San Bernardino in the psychology program.

Congratulations, Michael!
Call us today for more information.

800-474-4848
Benchmark Young Adult School
Shelley Skaggs, Director of Marketing
909-307-3973 Education Center
  
Since 1993, Benchmark Young Adult School has been a leader in the industry of emotional growth schools and programs for young adults.  Our caring and experienced Life Coaching staff assists each student as they learn to manage their lives through Benchmark's successful curriculum of recovery, emotional growth, education and life skills.

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Results are subject to individual progress and needs.  Benchmark Recovery requires a minimum of 90 days with an option to transition into Benchmark's core curriculum for education, emotional growth and life skills.  Benchmark Bronze Phase of core curriculum requires a minimum of six months, with an option to continue with Silver, Gold and Graduation phases of emotional growth, education and life skills.