Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What types of conditions does PROTOTYPES treat?
2. Do I have to pay?
3. Can I bring my child with me?
4. What is the goal of treatment?
5. Which location should I go to?
6. Does PROTOTYPES provide residential treatment?
7. What`s the difference between residential and outpatient care?
8. Does PROTOTYPES treat men?
9. How do I apply for treatment?
10. Where do I go for help?
11. What happens after I’m done with treatment?
12. Does PROTOTYPES allow visitors?
13. What do I have to do when I get there?
14. Are there other people there like me?
15. How long is the program?
16. Where/how can I get more information?
17. Can I speak with someone who has been through the program?
18. What do you mean by Life Skills Training?
19. If I don’t have children, can I still come to the Women’s Center for residential treatment?

What types of conditions does PROTOTYPES treat?
PROTOTYPES offers treatment for a variety of conditions or situations. Women, children and men come to PROTOTYPES to address conditions such as alcohol abuse, drug addiction, mental illness, and domestic violence. We have specialized programs for individuals with chronic health issues such as HIV /AIDS, for the homeless, and for women who are pregnant or just recently had a baby. PROTOTYPES also offers treatment and prevention programs for children and adolescents.
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Do I have to pay?
PROTOTYPES’ goal is to never turn away someone in need based on their ability to pay.  Some of our programs do require a fee or co-payment.  Our Intake Specialists will meet with you to discuss your particular financial situation and come up with a plan based on your individual circumstances.
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Can I bring my child with me?
PROTOTYPES is a unique agency because children are welcomed to accompany their parent(s) in both our residential and outpatient facilities while their parent undergoes treatment. Children receive services in our therapeutic daycare centers while their parents attend supports groups or counseling sessions. PROTOTYPES believes in keeping families together and providing services to the entire family helps to end the inter-generational cycle of addiction.
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What is the goal of treatment?
The goal of all PROTOTYPES treatment programs is two-fold. The main goal is to properly treat the client’s condition through counseling, medication, and / or education. However, PROTOTYPES also wants to make sure that our clients are prepared and ready for success beyond program completion.  Life skills and vocational courses are also offered through PROTOTYPES to ensure a happy and healthy independent life.
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Which location should I go to?
All PROTOTYPES locations specialize and offer a unique set of programs and services based on emerging community needs. PROTOTYPES various locations offer services for residential treatment, outpatient counseling, prevention programs, resources and referrals, assessments, and more. To determine the location best suited for a particular set of needs, please visit our Locations page.
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Does PROTOTYPES provide residential treatment?
PROTOTYPES does offer residential substance abuse treatment for women and their children. As of 2009, PROTOTYPES residential locations can be found in Oxnard, Pomona, and Tustin, CA. These programs allow women to receive comprehensive services and keep their children with them while in treatment. Currently, PROTOTYPES does not offer residential services for men, however, we do have affiliates in place in order to provide a referral. If transitional or permanent housing is desired, the Pomona facility offers a 32-unit affordable housing complex that is adjacent to a PROTOTYPES outpatient facility.
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What the difference between residential and outpatient care?
Our residential facilities are for women and children who are interested in or are best served by living on a home-like campus with 24-hour access to staff and more intensive services. Our outpatient facilities are where men, women, and children can go to receive treatment on a walk-in or appointment basis as needed.  Aftercare programs are available and specially designed for the needs of our alumni.
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Does PROTOTYPES treat men?
PROTOTYPES welcomes men to all of our outpatient facilities, as well as to our 32-unit complex located in Pomona, CA. We, currently, do not offer residential treatment, but are equipped to make a referral to one of our many affiliates.
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How do I apply for treatment?
If you are in need of treatment services, please use our Make an Appointment feature. We can see you at the location closest to you or the location best suited to address your needs.
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Where do I go for help?
Each PROTOTYPES location is unique in terms of the programs and services they offer. Our Locations page can help you find the best location dependent on your needs. If you need immediate attention, please contact the PROTOTYPES location nearest you for assessment.  If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency or having thoughts of wanting to harm yourself or someone else, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room.
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What happens after I’m done with residential treatment?
Before you complete your residential treatment program, the focus of your programming changes.  During this phase, the employment and housing specialists will be working with you to make sure that you and your family have a safe place to live when you leave and that your employment and financial resources in place.  At the same time, your case manager will be working with you to help you transition to support in the community. For example, you might need to set up appointments with therapists and support groups in our outpatient program. You may even start attending those programs while still living on the residential campus in order to make that transition a little easier. Once you leave, you are always welcome to come back to PROTOTYPES as new issues emerge or to participate in our Aftercare programs for alumni.
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Does PROTOTYPES allow visitors?
We have special programs that allow and encourage family and other support systems to participant in our residential treatment programs. The degree and frequency is based on the programming needs of each client and may vary by location. Based on their treatment plan and progress, clients (with permission) are allowed to leave campus for approved appointments and other business matters.
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What do I have to do when I get there?
When you arrive at a PROTOTYPES location you will be greeted by staff.  An intake counselor will meet with you to ask you some questions to help better understand your needs.  This assessment or intake process will help to identify your needs and develop a customized treatment plan for you.
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Are there other people there like me?
PROTOTYPES serves an array of clients who are struggling with a wide variety of issues. We serve all those in need regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, age or gender. Clients come to PROTOTYPES from all over the country to receive treatment. At PROTOTYPES, you are sure to find a group of individuals struggling to overcome the same hardships and with whom you can identify and experience mutual support. Additionally, many of our counselors and other staff are former clients of PROTOTYPES.  Our staff not only have the professional training and skills to do their job but many also have gone through many of the same struggles you might be dealing with today.
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How long is the program?
The duration of each program is unique to the particular program and individual. Some range from days to months, to several years depending on the program and needs of the individual or family.
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Where/how can I get more information?
If you would like to know more about PROTOTYPES and our programs and services, please feel free to contact the PROTOTYPES location nearest you to speak to a staff member or use the Contact Us page to request more information.
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Can I speak with someone who has been through the program?
Yes. At PROTOTYPES, we believe in offering alumni opportunities to work for us as staff. Once clients graduate our treatment programs, many come back and apply for employment. These staff members function in many roles throughout the organization and serve as positive role models to our current clients. All of our staff are available to speak with you about your needs, however, if you would prefer to speak to someone who had participated in or graduated from a PROTOTYPES program, please let us know. You may also want to visit our Alumni Spotlight to hear their stories.
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What do you mean by Life Skills Training?
To promote self-sufficiency, PROTOTYPES’ comprehensive treatment services are combined with a full-range of life-skills training programs.  This includes educational services (like GED and college classes), employment services (like vocational training, resume writing, and interview / job search preparation), parenting skills, and basic life skills (like organizing, budgeting, etc.). The Vocational Learning Center in our residential program gives women the opportunity to gain work experience in a safe environment, preparing them for future employment in the community. All women rotate through various on-site vocational tracks to give them an opportunity to figure out what they like or might be good at – this includes: Receptionist Training, Culinary Arts Training, Child Care Worker Training, Landscaping Training, and Computer Skills Training. One of the many things that makes PROTOTYPES unique is that all of these services are provided under one roof with a focus on re-building families and relationships.
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If I don’t have children, can I still come to the Women’s Center for residential treatment?
Yes.  Although, we do accommodate women with children in our residential programs, women without children are also welcome.
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