Seagull perched on a large rock overlooking a sandy beach with green hills in the background and a partly cloudy sky.

Trauma-Informed Care at Sierra Pathways

At Sierra Pathways, trauma-informed care is the foundation of our Day Treatment Intensive (DTI) half-day program for Transitional Age Youth (TAY). We recognize that many young people seeking substance use treatment have experienced trauma, adversity, instability, or chronic stress — and that these experiences often shape both substance use and mental health.

Our program is designed to respond to trauma with compassion, structure, and respect, creating a therapeutic environment where young people can feel safe, supported, and empowered as they work toward recovery.

Our Trauma-Informed Day Treatment Intensive (DTI) half-day Program

Sierra Pathways currently operates one program only:

Day Treatment Intensive (DTI) half-day program for transitional age youth (approximately ages 16–25)

Within our DTI, trauma-informed care means that services are delivered in ways that prioritize emotional and physical safety, choice, collaboration, and trust. Treatment is structured, predictable, and responsive to each participant’s individual history and needs.

What Trauma-Informed Care Looks Like in Our Program

In our Day Treatment Intensive (DTI) half-day program, trauma-informed care includes:

  • An emphasis on safety, consistency, and respectful engagement

  • Staff trained to recognize the impact of trauma on behavior, emotions, and coping strategies

  • A nonjudgmental, strength-based approach to mental health and substance use recovery

  • Integrated treatment that addresses mental health and co-occurring substance use symptoms together

  • Skills development focused on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and coping

  • Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), when clinically indicated, coordinated with qualified prescribing providers

  • Collaboration with families and community partners when appropriate and clinically indicated

Trauma-Informed Care for Transitional Age Youth

Transitional Age Youth face a unique combination of developmental, social, and emotional challenges. Our trauma-informed approach is intentionally adapted to this stage of life, supporting identity development, autonomy, healthy relationships, and increased emotional awareness.

We work collaboratively with participants to set goals, build insight, and strengthen resilience while honoring their lived experiences.

Our Commitment

Sierra Pathways is committed to providing ethical, evidence-based, and trauma-informed care through our Day Treatment Intensive (DTI) half-day program. Our goal is to support young people in moving from surviving to thriving — with dignity, stability, and hope.

This page reflects Sierra Pathways’ current trauma-informed services as of our February opening and will be updated as programs expand.