A message from our Alumni Director, Josh “Moose” Leavitt
" I understand what it’s like to go from spending time with our students out in the wilderness, witnessing and sharing the highs and lows of their experience, only to never see them again. Because of this reality, my favorite part of our staff meetings is and always has been hearing the updates on our alumni students. It’s such a rewarding feeling to learn about the things they’re doing with their lives post treatment. I’m honored to get the opportunity in my current role to follow up with our Star Guides families and participate in our research efforts. It truly is a privilege to get to do this work. Talk with you soon! " - Moose
Our Research
STAR Guides is proud to be endorsed as a Research Designated Program by the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs.
Our research consists of collecting data through the Y-OQ measure detailed below. A baseline is established at enrollment by the youth and their parents. While in treatment, a Y-OQ is completed every 14 days by the youth and their assigned therapist. Parents, along with their child, then complete the questionnaire at graduation then 90, 180, 365 days post discharge.
What does the Y-OQ measure?
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Intrapersonal Distress (ID) - Anxiety, depression, fearfulness, etc.
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Somatic Distress (S) - Headache, stomach, bowel, dizziness, etc.
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Interpersonal Relationships (IR) - Attitude, communication and interaction with parents, adults, and peers.
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Critical Items (CI) - Paranoid ideation, suicide, hallucinatory, delusions, etc.
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Social Problems (SP) - Delinquent or aggressive behaviors, breaking social mores.
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Behavioral Dysfunction (BD) - Organize and complete tasks, handle frustration, impulsivity, inattention.