Burke Baldwin offers group therapy to Muir Wood Teens

Residential Teen Treatment Program for Boys 12-17

What Is Teen Residential Treatment?

Residential treatment for boys allows teens to receive the treatment they need to overcome substance use and mental health disorders. Clients live in the residential center, where they have 24-hour access to medical and mental health care. They attend a rigorous schedule of therapies from a team of therapists, addiction specialists, clinical staff, and support staff. Muir Wood is one of the nation’s top adolescent residential treatment centers for teen boys. We maintain high standards of care and rely on evidence-based treatments to help young people transform their lives. 

At Muir Wood, we believe that separate residential treatment for girls and boys provides the emotional and physical safety teen boys need to feel comfortable. Because of the small number of boys accepted, Muir Wood’s teen treatment program is highly individualized and is extremely effective at treating not only substance use, but the underlying issues such as trauma, depression, anxiety, and poor self-esteem that often lead to self-medication with drugs and/or alcohol. It is the philosophy of Muir Wood, that substance use is a symptom of an underlying mental health or emotional issue and our dual-diagnosis treatment addresses both.

The boys teen treatment program at Muir Wood is gender-specific, treating only adolescent boys 12-17. A gender-specific program allows boys to be vulnerable and open to exploring and discussing sensitive issues that may otherwise be kept inside. Therapy is provided in an environment that promotes communication in a compassionate and thoughtful way, never shaming or punitive. Without the obvious distraction and drama of a mixed-gender program, boys are free to engage in therapy that can often be difficult and introspective. A gender-specific residential teen treatment program allows boys to be supportive of their peers, feel a true sense of safety, hold each other accountable for participation in the program, remain open and willing to show emotion and display less aggression and posturing that is inherent in a mixed-gender program.

Hear from a Parent

Alumnus mom Jeanine talks about her son’s journey from addiction to recovery at Muir Wood’s teen treatment program.

How Our Teen Residential Treatment For Boys Works

The Boys Residential Teen Treatment Program at Muir Wood is a comprehensive dual-diagnosis treatment program housed in a group of beautiful country homes throughout California. We accept a maximum of 32 boys in treatment. During their stay with us, boys take part in our intensive clinical program, keep up with academics in our on-campus Learning Centers, benefit from our optional comprehensive psychological testing and assessments, and participate in a full schedule of therapeutic activities. Family involvement is also a critical component of our residential teen treatment program.

For boys who are new to treatment and do not have significant behavioral or psychiatric issues, we recommend a minimum 30-to-45-day length of stay. For boys with a longer history of substance use, or with significant mental health, behavioral, or psychiatric issues, we recommend a stay of 60 to 90 days. This additional time in residential care allows for deeper work on family dynamics and 12-step recovery, as well as individualized work on mental health and behavioral challenges. The longer stay also gives families the opportunity to put into supervised practice the communication and relationship skills learned in the first 30-45 days. This allows for more intensive healing.

Why Choose a Residential Teen Treatment Program?

For boys who struggle with addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders, a residential teen treatment program can be a life-changing experience. The parents who choose Muir Wood’s teen treatment program want their son to have the most effective treatment available and view this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for their son to experience incredible personal growth.

A residential teen treatment program also allows clinicians a platform for accurate assessment and diagnosis. In a highly structured residential setting where weekly random drug testing and close supervision is the norm, parents are assured that the boys at Muir Wood are free of any mind-altering substances. In this structured environment, assessment measures such as psychiatric evaluations and neuropsychological testing can be accomplished, providing an accurate diagnosis that can lead to far better outcomes. In a residential teen treatment program, the clinical team has the ability to develop treatment plans that best address boys’ individual needs ensuring effective treatment and sustainable recovery.

Our Residential Teen Treatment Program Offers a Number of Important Advantages for Teen Boys

  • Time away from triggers. Your son’s substance use is likely tied to specific triggers, such as a group of friends, a particular social situation, or challenges at home or school. Taking a break from these triggers is critical for learning healthier coping mechanisms and developing new habits.
  • Space for families to heal. Often, a break from the existing family structure is necessary for family members to change unhealthy communication patterns, process difficult emotions, and heal from the pain they have unintentionally caused each other. Residential treatment offers this time and space, as well as an active process of family therapy that allows for growth and healing for all family members.
  • Intensive, comprehensive treatment. A residential teen treatment program provides a level of care not possible in any other setting. Your son will be surrounded by highly experienced medical, academic, and mental health professionals.
  • Treatment in “real life.” The residential setting allows for therapeutic learning to take place in basic “real life” situations, such as the classroom, dinner table, and during daily chores. Surrounded by peers and adult role models, your son will be engaged in both formal and informal therapeutic activities and conversations all day, every day.
  • Diagnostic clarity. Muir Wood’s residential teen treatment program provides an opportunity for safe and structured observation, and for your son to clear his system of substances, which in turn allows us to work through our extensive diagnostic tests and evaluations. A more accurate diagnosis greatly increases his chances for long-term sobriety and a fulfilling future.

How to Know When Teen Residential Treatment Is Needed

Placing your son in residential treatment may be the best decision you ever make for your child. Your son could benefit from residential treatment programs for boys if he:

  • Has had repeated relapses
  • Has dual-diagnoses
  • Engages in self-harming behaviors
  • Suffers from suicidal ideation

Teen Residential Treatment for Boys Cost & Insurance Coverage

Muir Wood accepts most major insurance carriers. Our admissions advisor will be happy to discuss what if any, out-of-pocket costs will be included and help you explore other methods of payment. You may have us verify your coverage here

FAQs About Teen Residential Treatment for Boys

How Will Residential Treatment Impact My Teen’s School Attendance and School Work?

Students at our residential treatment centers for adolescent boys receive strong academic support with on-site learning from credentialed teachers for at least three hours per weekday. The Muir Wood Learning Center, helps students stay on track during residential treatment by communicating with their home schools and offering distance learning options. 

Are There Any Behaviors Muir Wood Will Not Accept?

Teens whose symptoms and behaviors may impact others’ safety, such as those with suicidal intent, active psychosis, and violent urges, will not be admitted to Muir Wood’s residential treatment for boys.  

How Do Visits, Calls, and Home Visits Work?

Our treatment team uses family systems therapy to keep you in contact with your child and prepare your family for reunification. Parents are encouraged to participate in family events, including weekly family therapy, and Zoom calls if in-person visits are logistically challenging. 

How Do I Know If An Inpatient Environment Is Right For My Son?

Residential treatment for boys is recommended for students who have a dual diagnosis, relapsed several times, or need a structured treatment schedule.