Alex was a happy, healthy, and active kid. He grew up near the beach and was raised surfing, rock-climbing, and swimming. After experimenting with marijuana with some of his older friends, he soon after developed an affinity for ecstasy and quickly graduated to using substances almost every day.
- Our team at Key Healthcare helps teens find joy and happiness in sobriety by rediscovering hobbies like surfing and rock climbing.
- We offer academic support, like tutoring, to help young people catch up in school and build confidence for their future.
- We support clients in pursuing new dreams, like learning guitar, to help them build a fulfilling life after treatment.
His family relationships became strained and he ended up falling behind in school. Eventually, after his parents intervened and sent him to a wilderness program, followed by a teenage substance abuse treatment center he came to Key Healthcare. When he arrived at our house, he was convinced he didn’t have the capacity to feel joy or happiness in sobriety and he was especially hard on himself for being behind in school. We paired him with a tutor who worked with his school to get him caught up and improve his GPA. His increased academic performance translated into him building confidence in himself and his abilities. We got him back into his original hobbies, like surfing and rock climbing, which he excelled at. He also supported him and built up the confidence to start playing guitar, which was a lifelong dream of his that he had never pursued. Now, post Key Healthcare, he is back at home, succeeding in school, working as a surf instructor, continuing to take guitar lessons, and has started applying to college.
Call for help today at 800.421.4364.
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Is your teen struggling with mental health or substance use challenges?
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Author
Ryan, Blivas
Ryan Blivas is a behavioral healthcare entrepreneur and teen mental health advocate dedicated to combating the mental health crisis in America. As the Co-Founder of Key Healthcare, he oversees a comprehensive network of care, including a residential treatment center in Malibu and outpatient clinics in West Los Angeles, all designed to support teens struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. A contributor to Entrepreneur Magazine, Ryan combines business acumen with a deep commitment to advocacy, driven by a mission to help families in despair find hope and lasting recovery.
Medically reviewed by
Elnaz Mayeh PhD, LMFT
As Executive Director, Dr. Mayeh is dedicated to maintaining Key Healthcare’s reputation as a premier adolescent treatment center, fostering a stable and supportive environment for both clients and staff. Her leadership focuses on clinical integrity, staff development, and creating a culture of compassion and growth.
