First Step

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Site established

July 19, 2009

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Welcome and

We are open and are now accepting clients!!!

First Step

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First Step is an adolescent chemical dependency treatment facility that serves chemically dependent young ladies ages 13-19. First Step is located in Backus, Minnesota. The town of Backus is located in northern Minnesota, within the Pine Mountain Lake recreation area (2 blocks away) and the Paul Bunyan biking and hiking trail (one block away). First Step with its "small town" location also projects a home like atmosphere and has been specifically designed for adolescent females.

First Step’s therapy approach operates on the premise of addressing the individual’s “living” problem versus the “using” problem in learning a daily practical application of the Twelve Steps of AA. The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous are the basic elements of our philosophy. All clients will attend AA/NA meetings, obtain and utilize a sponsor and integrate that into their daily living.

The T.E.A.M. Activity program, is an outward bound program and clients will have the opportunity to participate in a list of indoor/outdoor sports and recreation activities. Activities in the Backus, MN vicinity include camping, skiing, hiking, bowling, movies, swimming and other indoor/outdoor activities that help promote sober fun, including the Foot Hills State Forest.

First Step is licensed under the Children's Residential Facility Rule through the MN Department of Human Services and offers a full continuum of care. Chemically dependent adolescents are placed for primary treatment or extended care services. Individualized treatment planning and care is offered through our licensed alcohol and drug dependency counselors. Transitional services are offered for adolescents who will remain in the Backus area.

First Step strongly encourages family involvement. Visitation with your daughter occurs weekly and the first Sunday of every month is reserved for family education sessions.

First Step proudly announces a new member of our counseling staff

Diane Cerven is a master’s level mental health and substance abuse counselor at First Step Girls, in the process of getting her LADC in Minnesota. She is also certified by the National Board of Certified Counselors as an NCC ("National Certified Counselor"). Diane’s primary role at First Step Girls is to work with and help dual diagnosed clients.

Diane's clinical experience includes inpatient settings, substance abuse treatment. Her clients have been on probation, pre-trial, involved with family services, and prisoners. Specialties include substance abuse, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, co-dependency, PTSD, anger, and working on negative core beliefs that keep clients stuck in their abusing patterns.

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