In-Network With Most Commercial Insurers
*Please note that at this time, we are not in network with Medicaid/Medi-Cal
Adolescent Behavioral Health Treatment
When a teen is struggling with their mental health, it can impact the quality of their daily life, including school and relationships. For parents, knowing how to support their teen can be challenging and emotionally overwhelming. At Muir Wood Teen’s Riverside campus, we support adolescents aged 12–17 on their journey to healing and growth through personalized, compassionate residential care. Our team of licensed clinicians understands the complexities of teen behavioral health and co-occurring challenges, crafting personalized treatment plans that build on each teen’s strengths and address their unique needs.
Our program integrates individual therapy, group sessions, and family involvement within a safe, welcoming environment. Through our WASC-accredited academic program, teens receive the support they need to stay on track with their studies while addressing emotional challenges.
With a trauma-informed approach, we use gentle, evidence-based methods such as art therapy, mindfulness practices, and life skills coaching to nurture emotional and practical growth. When appropriate, medication management is incorporated to support mental clarity and balance, ensuring a whole approach to care.
Families are valued partners in this healing process. We guide and empower you with effective communication tools, boundary-setting strategies, and ways to deepen emotional connections. As your teen progresses, we create a personalized discharge and aftercare plan—whether transitioning to our supportive Intensive Outpatient Program or connecting with trusted community resources—we help support the next step in healing.
Most teens stay at Muir Wood for 45–60 days, depending on their clinical needs. Some may benefit from up to 90 days of treatment. Our program provides teens with the time and structure needed to gain insight, develop coping skills, and restore confidence before returning home.
Riverside Mental Health Treatment Center Reviews
“From the moment we walked through the doors, we felt like part of a supportive com- munity dedicated to helping teens thrive. The staff here are compassionate, knowledgeable, and truly invested in the wellbeing of every teen in their care. The programs are tailored to address the needs of each individual, providing a safe space for growth and healing. I highly recommend this center to any parent seeking top-notch care.”
Krista Merlino – May 2024
“Our child had medication resistant severe depression. Muir Wood helped find the right medication and provided a supportive environment, over Covid, no less. My child is thriving and we both agree that even though it was a hard period, it was the best choice to get them treatment. The tutors worked with his teachers and he maintained a 4.0 while getting better.”
Tomasina Burgess – June 2024
“Ruby had a very positive experience overall both times. Many programs make lots of promises and don’t deliver. Muir wood was a transformational experience for Ruby and I think the experience of being part of a community of peers was especially helpful. I’m a mental health professional myself and have already recommended Muir Wood to friends with teens who are struggling.”
Sasha A. Blum – September 2023
“There really are other families that are struggling in more or less the same ways that we are,” she shares in the video below. “I think there’s a way that addiction can make people feel like it’s only happening to them, and it’s really not. It’s behind so many closed doors. And I only wish that more people would come out and get the help that they deserve and that is there to be had. I’m really grateful we found it.”
Katie F. – June 2024
“This program was really wonderful for our daughter and our family as a whole. We love the parent classes and the parent support group. L. loved most of the staff and made some great friends with other girls in the program. The communication between staff and parents is excellent.”
Ilene G. – Oct 2025
My daughter is at the Petaluma Site. She has been there for about 40 days and the therapist has been very communicative. I feel apart of her treatment and have been updated weekly as well as a fast response anytime I have had questions. The support has been great and I love the parent classes. I have learned a lot in this time.
Angela R. – Oct 2025
The Muir Wood Teen Difference
Our team partners closely with parents and caregivers from day one—clear updates, a personalized plan, and real-world tools you can use between sessions – so your loved one can move toward stability, well-being, and lasting wellness alongside peers facing similar challenges.
Some of our key differentiators include:
Specialists in Adolescent Care
Everything we do is built for teens ages 12–17, not adapted from adult models. Our team includes board-certified psychiatrists, highly trained therapists, nurses, educators, and recovery counselors who specialize exclusively in adolescent mental health and substance use treatment. Working as an integrated team, they deliver evidence-based, developmentally appropriate care tailored to each teen’s unique needs.
Environments That Foster Connection and Growth
In serene, nature-rich settings, our campuses are unlike any other. With 24/7 care, teens spend their days as part of a broader community—engaging in therapy, academics, and outdoor activities that strengthen resilience and self-awareness. At night, they return to home-like residences to process, decompress, and connect with others. This balance of community and intimacy creates a unique healing environment where every moment becomes a part of the recovery process.
Expertise in Primary Mental Health + Substance Use
With expertise in treating both primary mental health and co-occurring substance use challenges, our trauma-informed approach helps teens heal deeply and build lasting change. We focus on the whole person—addressing both emotional well-being and underlying behavioral patterns—to support lifelong healing.
Support for the Whole Family
Healing doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens together. At Muir Wood, families stay actively involved through therapy, education, and a 16-week aftercare coaching program that builds trust, communication, and stability long after treatment ends.
Accessible, High-Quality Care Covered by Insurance
Muir Wood is committed to removing financial barriers to care by partnering with most commercial insurance providers, ensuring families can access high-quality, evidence-based treatment when it matters most.
Educational Support that Restores Confidence
Through our WASC-accredited academic program, students continue their education with personalized support. Success in the classroom becomes a vital step in restoring confidence, structure, and a sense of possibility.
Continuum of Care
For teens stepping up or down from Muir Wood residential care, our intensive outpatient program provides seamless continuity. Shared clinical leadership, consistent therapeutic philosophy, and close communication between teams ensure each teen’s progress continues without interruption. We are equally committed to strong collaboration when teens are referred from, or transition back to, outside therapists and IOP/PHP programs—ensuring coordinated, smooth transitions.
Speak With a Teen Treatment Specialist
Connect with our admissions team today to learn how Muir Wood can support your family.
Accreditations
Benefits of Residential Treatment
At Muir Wood’s Riverside campus, residential mental health care provides more than structure—it offers hope and healing. With professional support and quiet surroundings, teens discover a peaceful space to reflect and reconnect with their inner strength. Our warm and caring environment is designed to support transformation, equipping young hearts and minds with the tools they need to flourish at home, in school, and in life. Every aspect of our program is thoughtfully crafted to nurture lasting growth that extends beyond their time with us.
24/7 Clinical Supervision & Support
At our Riverside campus, teens receive 24/7 care and supervision in small, home-like residences. Licensed clinicians and caring staff are available at all times to ensure safety, accountability, and consistent support throughout treatment.
Daily Structure That Builds Stability
Recovery is all about consistency. Each day incorporates therapy, school, and healthy routines that help teens manage emotions, practice responsibility, and rebuild self-confidence.
A Supportive, Home-Like Environment
Riverside’s serene setting and mountain views provide a natural backdrop for reflection and growth. Residences feel safe and inviting, not clinical—providing teens the opportunity to relax, open up, and embrace healing.
Meaningful Peer Support
Smaller peer groups allow teens the opportunity to form meaningful friendships with others who understand their experiences. These moments create a feeling of community, showing teens they are not isolated in their mental health challenges.
Our Riverside residential treatment program creates a nurturing environment where teens feel safe to connect, heal, and find a new beginning.
Contact Us Now
Someone from our admissions team is standing by to help you find the best treatment for your teen.
Highly Credentialed Treatment Team
At Muir Wood, we believe that healing occurs through meaningful connection. Each teen’s journey is supported by a dedicated team of psychiatrists, therapists, nurses, and educators who specialize in adolescent mental health. Collaborating daily, they provide care that combines proven, evidence-based practices with a personalized approach—focusing on the whole person, not just the diagnosis. Our team works to build trust, teach essential coping strategies, and help teens develop the confidence and self-awareness necessary for lasting growth beyond treatment.
The Edgewild Campus for Girls and the Bradley Ranch Campus for Boys
Nestled in the peaceful Orange Grove district of Riverside, our campuses offer teens a tranquil space to breathe and families peace of mind knowing support is nearby. Each day is filled with purpose, combining therapy, academic sessions, and engaging activities —and evenings are spent in cozy, home-like residences. These environments provide compassionate care, consistent routines, and quiet outdoor spaces to help teens feel grounded, focused, and prepared to embrace growth.
Arlington Heights Area — Southern California
Learn about Muir Wood or contact our admissions team today.
Day in the Life at Teen Residential
Routine supports relief. Our Riverside campus blends therapy, learning, and connection within a consistent rhythm that helps teens manage their mental health and regain balance and self-trust.
Programming, offered 3–4 afternoons per week, includes:
Morning — Routine, meds, and school
- Enjoy breakfast with staff in a small, home-like residence
- Staff support and round-the-clock supervision.
- Short goal-setting or intention group helps center the day’s focus.
- Provided transportation to the central treatment hub.
- ~3 hours of accredited classroom academics (WASC) complemented with your teen’s home school, or approved online coursework, so they can continue to earn credit and not fall behind.
Midday/Afternoon — Therapy, skills, and movement
- Individual therapy (scheduled 1–2×/week) for personalized support.
- Group therapy addresses emotion regulation, communication, relapse prevention, and peer support.
- Family therapy is weekly to ensure skills are practiced at home.
- Experiential therapy (mindfulness, art, recreation) and outdoor time—our campus model gives teens space to move throughout the day, with therapy, academics, and activities taking place across multiple settings in a calm, nature-based environment.
Evening — Community, reflection, and rest
- Return to the residence for a family-style dinner and relaxation.
- Evening reflection group to review goals, practice coping skills, and set intentions for the following day.
- Quiet time, hygiene, lights-out—consistent routines that support rest and stability.
- Gender-at-birth housing provides privacy, safety, and focused peer groups all within an inclusive and respectful environment that honors and supports all identities.
Weekends — Practice and connection
- Saturday: Clinical groups and recreational therapy (outdoor time, movement, team activities).
- Sunday: Longer experiential outings (e.g., hiking, rock climbing, go-karts, or similar) to build confidence, joy, and healthy peer relationships.
*Some individual and family therapy sessions will take place Tuesday and Friday between 4:00-7:00 PM.
Residential Mental Health Treatment Options
Every teen’s experience and path to healing is different. At Muir Wood Teen’s Riverside campus, our program offers personalized treatment that addresses each teen’s unique emotional, behavioral, and academic needs. With a structured approach, our licensed clinicians use therapies like CBT, DBT, and family support to help teens build coping skills, become more resilient, and maintain emotional balance.
We provide targeted care for teens struggling with:
Anxiety
Panic Disorder
Depression
Bipolar Disorder
Trauma and PTSD
ADHD
OCD
Disordered eating
Self-harm and Suicidal Ideation
Our residential program integrates academic continuity, family therapy, and coordinated continuing care, ensuring that healing extends far beyond treatment and into daily life.
Experiential & Wellness Therapies
Healing requires lived experiences that happen outside of a therapy room. At Muir Wood Teen in Riverside, experiential and wellness activities provide adolescents the space to explore, create, and connect with themselves in profound ways. Through art, mindfulness, and outdoor activities, teens learn to manage their emotions, boost their confidence, and reconnect with happiness in everyday life.
- Creative Expression: Art and music sessions provide teens with a way to process complex emotions related to their mental health, allowing them to explore their feelings through creativity and self-awareness.
- Mindfulness & Meditation: Guided mindfulness practices help teens stay in the present, helping them identify and work through thoughts and sensations related to their mental health. This practice provides tools that can be carried into school, home, and life after treatment.
- Recreational & Outdoor Therapy: Through on-campus outdoor activities and adventure challenges, teens build resilience, improve their physical health, and create meaningful friendships in a supportive, structured setting.
- Skill-Building & Reflection: Journaling, group challenges, and reflective activities help teens turn their insights into positive behaviors, developing accountability and coping skills to manage their mental health needs.
Each activity helps teens manage their emotions and build a stronger sense of self. Alongside therapy, these experiences encourage balance, resilience, and meaningful connections.
Family-Focused Mental Health Care
At Muir Wood Teen in Riverside, we believe that recovery is rooted in strong relationships. That’s why family involvement is an integral part of every stage of care. Parents and caregivers participate in weekly family therapy sessions, receive consistent updates from the clinical team, and acquire practical tools to minimize conflict and deepen connection. Together, families learn to improve communication, respond to emotions with empathy, and establish routines that foster stability at home.
Our support continues beyond treatment completion. We provide families with follow-up care, including 16 weeks of parent coaching that focuses on real-world application. This allows teens and families to remain connected through alumni outreach, ensuring they feel supported as they transition back into daily life. The goal is more than just symptom management—it’s fostering a family system equipped to maintain emotional health and resilience together.
Therapy for Teen Mental Health Needs
Each teen’s treatment plan is tailored to their unique emotional, behavioral, and academic needs. Our clinicians use an integrated, trauma-informed approach that addresses both the symptoms and the underlying causes of distress—while strengthening family relationships along the way. Treatment is specialized for adolescents experiencing challenges such as ADHD, trauma, disordered eating, and other co-occurring conditions. The result is a focused, supportive program that helps teens build practical skills and confidence they can carry into everyday life.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Helps teens understand unhelpful thinking patterns and develop healthier coping strategies that support their mental health.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Develop skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and healthy communication—helping teens manage intense feelings and handle daily challenges.
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Supports teens in making mindful, values-based choices to focus on what matters most, even in tough and uncertain times.
Trauma-Informed Therapy & Seeking Safety
Creates a sense of stability, trust in oneself, and emotional security, all while avoiding re-traumatization, so teens can heal and work through challenging experiences at their own pace.
Mindfulness & Experiential Therapies
Through art, movement, and guided mindfulness, teens can ease anxiety, become more aware of their bodies, and enhance their focus and ability to express themselves.
Process & Psychoeducation Groups
Offers a safe space to explore emotions, learn stress management, and develop daily routines that support wellness.
Family Therapy Sessions
Involves parents and caregivers to improve communication, rebuild trust, and help new skills easily transfer from treatment to home.
Call us today to learn more!
Hear From Families Just Like You
Jeanine’s son had been through several addiction and mental health residential treatment programs before finding the help he needed at Muir Wood.
Katie describes her son’s descent into a disturbed, angry existence. Things came to a head when he started failing out of his junior year of high school. Then Katie found Muir Wood.
Wes M. was a client during Covid. Now he’s a recovery counselor at a treatment center in North Dakota. He’s a wonderful success story and we could not be more proud! Watch the podcast.
Learn about Muir Wood or contact our admissions team today.
What Happens After Residential Treatment?
At Muir Wood Teen in Riverside, support continues even after your teen leaves our residential program. Our team partners with families to ensure a smooth transition and ongoing recovery. Post-treatment services may include:
- Step down to our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for ongoing mental health support
- Referrals to individual or psychiatric care options
- Alumni check-ins and virtual teen support groups to support ongoing progress
- A 16-week parent aftercare class at no cost allows parents to further learn about communication and stability