Treating in Summer, Thriving in Fall: A Smarter Path for Teens in Need

Summer is often seen as a time to relax and recharge. But for teens facing mental health challenges or substance use issues, it can quietly become a time of regression. With less structure, no daily school routines, and reduced access to support systems, many teens struggle during these months.

Without supervision or built-in accountability, some teens become isolated or impulsive. Others escalate into high-risk behaviors.

The Data: Mental Health Crises Spike in Summer

National statistics show that pediatric emergency room visits for mental health issues increase in June and July. Many teens who enter residential treatment in late summer report a sharp rise in symptoms in the 30 days before admission, often coinciding with the loss of school-year scaffolding like routines, counseling support, and mandated reporting.

When Time Off Becomes a Tipping Point

Parents often hope summer break will ease their teen’s distress. But for teens with underlying clinical needs, unstructured time often does the opposite: it amplifies what’s already beneath the surface.

And by fall?

Symptoms can be more severe
School reintegration becomes harder
Treatment access may be delayed due to capacity issues

Summer as a Window for Early Intervention

At Muir Wood, we believe summer isn’t just time off- it’s a turning point.

“Summer offers a powerful opportunity for focused therapeutic work,” says Ian Wolds, Chief Clinical Officer at Muir Wood. “With fewer distractions and more flexibility, teens can engage more deeply in treatment, and families can align more fully with the process. This can make all the difference in preparing for a healthier, more successful school year.”

With targeted support, teens can interrupt unhealthy patterns early and begin the work of healing, develop emotional regulation skills, reset routines and sleep hygiene and regain a sense of stability before the academic year begins.

This work creates the foundation for lasting progress and a stronger return to school in the fall.

Muir Wood’s Structured Summer Programs for Teens

Our summer programming supports adolescents ages 12–17 with primary mental health and co-occurring substance use disorders, providing immersive care in calming, nature-rich environments that reduce anxiety and promote healing. Whether through full-time residential treatment or structured outpatient care, each program is tailored to meet the unique needs of the client.

Why Summer Treatment Works

With school demands on pause, teens have more capacity to fully engage in the therapeutic process. Families, too, often have greater availability- creating space for deeper alignment, improved communication, and stronger long-term outcomes. Summer becomes more than a time to stabilize- it becomes a powerful opportunity for growth.

A Better Fall Starts This Summer

If you’re working with- or parenting- a teen who needs added support and structure this summer, we’re here to help. Our clinical and admissions teams collaborate closely with families and professionals to ensure the right clinical fit, right timing, and the right path forward.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Muir Wood Teen Summer Program

What ages are eligible for the Summer Program?

Teens between 12 and 17 years old are eligible for both residential and outpatient care.

Why should my child attend a summer program at Muir Wood?

Summer time can quietly become a season of increased vulnerability for teens facing mental health challenges or substance use issues. With the absence of daily school structure, reduced oversight, and diminished access to support systems, many teens face setbacks during this period. With academic stress temporarily paused, teens have more bandwidth to fully engage in the therapeutic process.

Is family therapy included in the summer series?

Yes. Family involvement is a central component of our care model. The summer time allows for deeper involvement from parents/primary caregivers through family therapy sessions. Muir Wood follows an attachment-informed and family systems-based approach to addressing ruptures in the parent-child relationship and establishes safe and healthy patterns of communication and support seeking.