Interdisciplinary, resource-oriented work

LIFE stands for crisis intervention that offers young people in psychological distress individual and intensive support. The approach is always holistic.

Inpatient, day treatment, and outpatient services are proposed.

Stepped care approach

What is LIFE approach?

Our dedicated team accompanies young people in crisis back to a healthy, fulfilling life. Treatment is voluntary and requires the active cooperation of the young person.

LIFE proposes:

Inpatient, day treatment, and outpatient services
Integrated Psychiatric-Psychotherapeutic Treatment
Individual and group exercise, mindfulness, and emotion regulation therapies
Crisis and resource assessment
Somato-medical assessment and pharmacotherapy as needed
Integrated school lessons
Structured daily and weekly schedule
Counseling of parents, relatives and relevant reference systems
Accompanied step-by-step reintegration
Intensive weeks on various topics (like an anxiety-intensive week for youths suffering from anxiety issues). The intensive weeks take place during the holidays and are aimed at young people who are already in outpatient treatment.

1 —

Inpatient Care

At the beginning of the stay, inpatient care is provided for approximately 10 days. During this period, 24-hour care is provided in a resource-based daily structure with integrated schooling. In addition, individual therapeutic sessions, group activities and work with family and other carers are provided.

2 —

Day clinic setting

In the day hospital setting, care is provided in a day structure in the morning and afternoon for approximately two weeks. The focus remains on school lessons, individual therapeutic sessions, group activities and collaboration with family and other caregivers, as well as reintegration into the personal, social and school environment.

3 —

Outpatient setting

Individual therapeutic sessions continue in the outpatient setting. Teens are supported with individual issues and continue to participate in group activities.

LIFE treatment teams

Our interdisciplinary treatment team consists of qualified professionals with expertise in various relevant fields, including medicine, psychology, school, nursing, social pedagogy, education, social work and movement therapy.

The treatment team works according to the following treatment principles:

Continuity of Treatment Team: Continuity of treatment is ensured across all settings, from inpatient to outpatient.
Resource-oriented approach: the youth are not only treated therapeutically, but also become active participants.
Systemic focus: the parents and, if necessary, other people from the personal environment are part of the treatment team.

We are here for you!

What do we do at LIFE?

LIFE's target group

The program is aimed at young people between the ages of 13 and 18, and in certain exceptional cases from the age of 12.

It aims to support adolescents:

who are in a depressive crisis
for whom suicidality is or may become an issue
with adjustment problems due to family, school or peer problems (disappointments, emotional injuries, bullying, etc.)
with identity crises
with symptoms that may be associated with a possible personality development disorder

Residency in the canton of Zurich is a prerequisite for admission.

Exclusion criteria encompass acute suicidal tendencies without the capacity to engage in meaningful dialogue, unmanageable aggression, and evident addiction disorders. The decision to admit individuals into Life is at the discretion of a specialist. The initial stage involves a preliminary interview to assess the suitability of the program for the individual in question.

LIFE CARE FACILITIES

Parents as part of the treatment team

Working with parents is key. At the start of treatment, we hold weekly family meetings to encourage open communication and support. Parents are also involved in regular meetings with our treatment team to ensure that we work together to find the best way to support their children.

Involving the environment

In addition to parents, the overall environment plays a crucial role in the work conducted at Life. The objective is to facilitate the young individuals' reintegration into their surroundings as swiftly as possible. For this reason, external schools or apprenticeships are considered from the beginning, if necessary.

A usual day at LIFE

in the inpatient care

07:30

Waking up

08.00

Breakfast

08.15

Duty / room time

09:00

Huddle

In the huddle, the youth and the staff meet to discuss the day and the current situation

09:15

11:30

School

The school responds individually to the possibilities and goals of the youths. The goal is to keep them in their class of origin, to redirect them at school, or to start them on a job path.

10:00

Behavioral Health Team

The youth, the parents and the staff discuss together the current situation and the goals for the week.

Family meeting

In the family meeting different topics are discussed together

Therapy

Individual therapy sessions

11:00

11.45

Yoga:

A movement therapist offers yoga and relaxation for all, as well as individual sessions.