Muir Wood Teen Treatment: Residential Programming

Clinical Expertise in Teen Mental Health

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Aerial view of a Muir Wood residential campus at golden hour

In-Network With Most Commercial Insurers

*Please note that at this time, we are not in network with Medicaid/Medi-Cal

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Clinically reviewed by

Ian Wolds, PsyD, Chief Clinical Officer

Last reviewed on September 16, 2026

Muir Wood is a Joint Commission–accredited residential treatment program designed exclusively for adolescents ages 12–17. We provide intensive, evidence-based care for teens with depression, anxiety, trauma, co-occurring substance use, and other complex mental health needs.

Our integrated model combines individual, group, and family therapy with psychiatric care and experiential approaches including art, music, and mindfulness. Set in home-like residential environments, our campuses are intentionally designed to make nature part of the healing process, with space for movement, reflection, connection, and time outdoors. Specialized programming supports teens with high-acuity trauma and neurodivergent needs.

Our Clinical Philosophy

Emphasis on Underlying Issues

Across clinical presentations, we address the underlying mental health needs, trauma, and relational patterns contributing to a teen's distress.

Trauma-Informed Throughout

Trauma-informed care shapes every clinical decision, staff interaction, and aspect of treatment. It is how we operate, not a standalone modality.

Relational by Design

Our programs and clinical teams are built around adolescent development, with trusted, attuned relationships serving as a central mechanism of engagement and change.

Daily Life Is Part of Healing

The full rhythm of residential care - academics, meals, recreation, peer interactions, and everyday challenges, create opportunities to practice regulation and apply new skills in real time.

What We Treat

Most adolescents present with more than one condition rather than a single diagnosis. As new coping skills develop, patterns such as self-harm and emotional dysregulation give way to more sustainable ways of managing distress.

Clinical Continuity: From Referral Through Discharge

A referral is a moment of trust—and the beginning of clinical continuity. We gather the clinical context, stay connected throughout treatment, and collaborate on discharge planning, extending that continuity through the transition back to ongoing care.

One Model, Three Areas of Clinical Depth

Mental Health & Trauma

Embodiment · Somatic therapies · Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) · Eating & nutritional concerns

Co-Occurring Mental Health & SUD

12-Step Recovery · SMART recovery · Relapse prevention · Weekly 1:1 with a certified SUD counselor

Specialized Care for Neurodiverse Teens

Polyvagal Theory / SSP · Interoception · PEERS · ND-informed CBT & DBT · Executive functioning

Shared Clinical Foundation, Every Program

Core Group Modalities

CBT
DBT skills
DNA-V / ACT
IFS
Seeking Safety
Small-format process groups
Creative & expressive — art, music, narrative
Anger management
Conflict resolution & collaborative problem solving
Community-as-method — milieu emphasis

Therapeutic Structure

Clinical programming7×/week
DBT skills cross-training4×/week
Individual sessions2×/week
Family sessions1×/week
Academic support5×/week
Multifamily support meetings3×/week
Family aftercare supportWeekly
Psychiatric care & medication management
Continuing care planning & coordination

Our Treatment Environment

Support for the Whole Family

Parents are involved from admission through transition home — family therapy, education, coaching, and support groups build trust and long-term stability. Discharge and transition planning begin early.

Gender-Separate, Identity-Affirming

Our residential communities are organized by gender assigned at birth to support clinical focus and peer connection. Within that structure, each teen’s identity is affirmed, creating an inclusive environment where LGBTQ+ teens feel safe and valued.

Campuses Designed for Healing

Serene, nature-rich campuses where the environment itself is part of treatment. Care unfolds in beautiful, wide-open spaces, where nature creates room for reflection, connection, and healing.

What Success Looks Like: Our goal extends beyond stabilization. We help teens understand what’s driving their distress, strengthen emotional regulation, build lasting skills, and repair important relationships — so they can return home with greater confidence, connection, and the capacity to thrive.