When it comes to the medical and legal aspects of the program, we are sure you might have many questions. We’ve included the most common questions and answers here.
Are students of JVA insured?
All John Volken Academy students at our Arizona and Washington locations are insured through state insurance, which allows them to see a doctor, have access to free medications (if needed), and have regular dental checkups and cleanings. Students attending our Canada location may be covered by BC medical or other provincial insurance rules. Please find this out before your admission to the program.
Do you accept individuals who are on probation or are coming from a jail/prison facility?
Yes, we accept individuals who are on probation as well as individuals coming here as an alternative sentence to jail.
Do you have professionals on staff?
Our program has been designed and developed by addiction professionals and healthy-living specialists. By combining the Therapeutic Community approach with professional guidance, our program is extremely effective and truly life-changing. Our program is diligently instituted through peer to peer participation with guidance and direction from our Program Directors and other paid staff.
Why no clinical staff on-site?
A Therapeutic Community does not require addiction professionals on-site as we follow and enforce a professionally prepared program designed to be run by students, for students.
Do you offer medical detox?
We do not offer medical detox. If you are interested in coming to the John Volken Academy and feel you may require medical detox, we will advise you to get the medical assistance you need before entering our program.
Am I allowed to smoke cigarettes or use nicotine products while in the program?
Nicotine replacements are tolerated at the beginning of the program.
Are you able to treat people with dual diagnosis?
We accept students with dual diagnosis on a case-by-case basis. This can be further discussed with the Program Director at the location you will be attending.
Do you accept individuals in drug replacement therapy programs?
In our Surrey, British Columbia location, we do accept people on some drug replacement therapies; please ask the Program Director for more information. We do not accept students on any drug replacement programs in our Seattle Washington location or our Phoenix Arizona location.
John is often asked why he embarked on this demanding mission. A typical response is:
“The other day, a student made a rather serious mistake…that’s expected. It gave me an opportunity to spend some time with him. After our “heart to heart” we hugged and I told him that I loved him. He responded with tears and said, “My father never said that to me…and how can you love me after all the stupid things I have done?” I reassured him that his mistakes were behind him, and that he was on his way to a new life. That is what the John Volken Academy is all about. Forgiveness and change. There are tears, there are laughs, there is hope, there are struggles, there is change…The transformations are incredible! Every day I am grateful to God for the opportunity to be part of changing lives.”