Choosing the right treatment program for your child can seem overwhelming, but it is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (natsap.org) developed a list of considerations to help parents select an appropriate program. As a NATSAP member, Muir Wood adheres to rigorous ethical principles and good practice guidelines. Following is a list of NATSAP considerations and how Muir Wood addresses each.
Verify the licensure and accreditation of the facility
Muir Wood Adolescent and Family Services is licensed by the State of California, the Department of Health Care Services, and the Department of Social Services. Muir Wood is also accredited by The Joint Commission, America’s largest accrediting body for healthcare organizations, and widely considered the gold standard in healthcare organization certification.
Verify the credentials and licensure of the clinical/therapy staff
Muir Wood clinicians are licensed (LMFT, LCSW, M.D., Ph.D., Psychologists)
Verify that the program employs full-time psychiatrists and nurses
Most programs contract with consultants. Muir Wood has 4 full-time, board-certified psychiatrists and full-time registered nurses. Our highly credentialed multi-disciplinary team also includes board-certified addiction medicine physicians, internal medicine physicians, certified addiction nurses, and psychologists.
Verify that the academic curriculum is accredited by a recognized accrediting body
The Muir Wood Learning Center is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and employs Masters-level teachers credentialed by the State of California.
Verify that outcomes are monitored
Muir Wood utilizes Trac9, a nationally-recognized, independent organization that closely monitors outcomes using state-of-the-art outcome tracking software.
Ask about family involvement
We have one of the most comprehensive family programs, including weekly family therapy with a licensed therapist, multi-family process groups led by licensed therapists, an all-day Saturday Family Program led by licensed therapists, physicians, and authors; and a weekly online webinar/parent support group.
Is the program in-network with major insurance?
Muir Wood is in-network with the nation’s largest insurance providers, including Kaiser Permanente®, Anthem Blue Cross®, Cigna®, and Aetna®, Magellan®, MHN®, and Halcyon®. Being an in-network provider means that Muir Wood is more accessible to more families. This also signifies that Muir Wood adheres to the nation’s most rigorous standards of evidence-based, outcomes-driven, licensure and safety standards.
Is the program gender-separate?
Muir Wood is a gender-separate program. Our specially-designed program meets the holistic needs of adolescent teens. Gender-separate programming is imperative because it allows teens to be treated without distractions or drama.
What is the caseload of the therapists?
Muir Wood’s Masters-level, licensed therapists, carry a caseload of no more than six teens. The high staff-to-client ration at Muir Wood offers many advantages and allows the care team to spend more time with each client to better individualize their care.
How many clients are treated on campus?
Muir Wood is a highly individualized program. We have ten residential settings, spanning nearly 60 acres in idyllic Sonoma County, with a combined population of just sixty-four teens.
Are the staff bios, photos of the campus, and other materials on the website current?
Our staff bios, photos of the campus, and details about our program are updated regularly.
Is the program certified by third-party consumer protection groups?
Muir Wood is certified by LegitScript®, a leading third-party certification organization in the healthcare sector, and has a A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau®.