Who Penngrove is Built For
Penngrove serves adolescents assigned female at birth, ages 12–17, in an inclusive environment where identity is respected, complexity is understood, and every teen has a place to belong.
The teens who come to Penngrove present with clinical pictures that are often misunderstood or only partially addressed in other settings. These are girls whose needs go beyond a single diagnosis — and whose previous treatment experiences may have helped with one piece of the picture while leaving the rest untouched.
Common presentations at Penngrove include:
- Significant trauma histories that shape how the teen relates to herself, to others, and to the daily demands of life
- Psychiatric complexity involving depression, anxiety, mood dysregulation, self-harm, suicidal ideation, or combinations of conditions that require individualized clinical attention
- Neurodivergence, including ADHD, higher-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD Level 1), or learning differences alongside mental health challenges
- Emotional dysregulation that has made functioning at school, at home, or in peer relationships unsustainable
- Prior treatment that didn’t hold — teens who have been through outpatient therapy, other residential programs, or hospitalizations without lasting progress
For families, Penngrove offers their child the chance to be fully understood. For referring clinicians, it is a placement built for the adolescent girl whose complexity requires both clinical precision and depth of relationship.
Focused Exclusively on Mental Health
Penngrove focuses exclusively on mental health treatment. Unlike Muir Wood’s other residential campuses, it does not offer a substance use treatment component. This means Penngrove’s entire therapeutic structure — group programming, psychoeducation, and the clinical focus of daily life — is organized around mental health, trauma, and emotional development.
For teens whose clinical picture is purely mental health, Penngrove offers something powerful: a community of peers navigating similar challenges, in a therapeutic environment built specifically for those challenges. The groups are more relevant. The peer dynamics are better matched. The clinical energy is concentrated.
For families navigating both mental health and substance use concerns, Muir Wood’s dual-diagnosis campuses offer the same caliber of clinical care — with treatment that addresses both simultaneously. Our admissions team helps each family find the right campus match based on the teen’s specific clinical picture.
A Clinical Environment Built for Depth
Penngrove’s setting is part of the treatment. Tucked among the farmland and rolling hills of Sonoma County, the campus is intentionally quiet and removed from the overstimulation that many of these teens have been navigating in daily life. For teens whose nervous systems are already activated — by trauma, by sensory sensitivity, by the relentless social pressure of adolescence — the calm of the environment is itself part of the healing.
The structure of daily life — predictable routines, clear expectations, consistent relationships — supports the emotional safety required for real therapeutic work. Penngrove is designed so that teens feel safe, seen, and genuinely known by the people caring for them. That foundation is what makes deep therapeutic work possible.
“Every aspect of our care is grounded in a trauma-informed lens, allowing us to truly understand the ‘why’ behind each adolescent’s experience rather than simply addressing surface behaviors. When adolescents feel genuinely safe and understood, they’re able to go beyond coping and begin real, transformative healing. Our approach is collaborative, never punitive. We meet each client where they are and partner with them in a way that builds trust, autonomy, and lasting change.
Joanna O’Neill, Clinical Director, Penngrove Campus
Our Evidence-Based Approach to Treatment
Treatment at Penngrove is built around evidence-based modalities adapted to the developmental needs of adolescents, with particular attention to the complexity of the clinical presentations this campus serves.
Trauma-Informed Care
Treatment at Penngrove is built around evidence-based modalities adapted to the developmental needs of adolescents, with particular attention to the complexity of the clinical presentations this campus serves.
Individual Therapy
Each teen receives at least two individual sessions per week, led by our team of therapists and recovery counselors. The primary therapist holds the full clinical picture, coordinates with the broader team, and guides the therapeutic work week by week. For the teens at Penngrove, individual therapy is where the most personal and complex material is processed — trauma, identity, family dynamics, and the emotional patterns that have brought them to treatment.
Family Therapy and Parent Support
Family therapy is conducted weekly by your teen’s primary therapist. Twice-weekly parent education classes and a weekly parent support group provide additional spaces for parents to learn, connect with peers, and process their own experience. As Joanna describes it, “We believe healing doesn’t happen in isolation, which is why we prioritize consistent, transparent communication and aren’t afraid to lean into even the most complex family dynamics. These moments, when handled with skill and care, often become the turning point for deeper connection and repair.”
By the time your teen returns home, both you and your teen will have built on parallel tracks of growth — your teen through their individualized clinical work, and you through family therapy, education, and peer support.
Group Therapy
Penngrove’s groups are led by experienced adolescent clinicians and intentionally sized to be supportive rather than overwhelming. Because Penngrove serves only primary mental health clients, the group content is focused specifically on the challenges these teens share — trauma processing, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, communication, and building healthy peer relationships.
Psychiatric Evaluation & Medication Management
Many teens at Penngrove benefit from psychiatric medication as part of their treatment plan. Our adolescent psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) consider the full clinical picture before making recommendations. Our approach is non-ideological and least-necessary: medication is used only when clinically indicated, always in combination with therapy, and always in close collaboration with families.
Clinical Modalities
Our clinicians draw from multiple evidence-based approaches depending on each teen’s clinical picture and developmental readiness — including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), DBT-informed skills, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), trauma-informed care modalities such as Internal Family Systems and nervous system regulation, Seeking Safety, and experiential therapies. The treatment meets the teen, not the other way around.
Mental Health Conditions We Treat
Our teen treatment programs are focused on more than just managing symptoms—they aim to build a strong foundation for lasting mental wellness. We provide integrated care that addresses both emotional and behavioral challenges, helping teens find stability and regain confidence. Our team collaborates closely to deliver personalized support tailored to each teen’s needs—focusing on mental health, emotional resilience, and strengthening family relationships to sustain long-term recovery.
We provide targeted care for teens struggling with:
Neurodiversity & ASD
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 teen 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 adolescent psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), highly trained therapists, nurses, educators, and recovery counselors who specialize exclusively in adolescent mental health treatment. Working as an integrated team, they deliver evidence-based, developmentally appropriate care tailored to each teen’s unique needs.
An Environment That Fosters Connection and Growth
Set among Sonoma County’s farmland and rolling hills, Penngrove’s serene setting is intentionally quiet and removed from daily overstimulation. With 24/7 care, teens spend their days in a therapeutic community and return to their residences to process, decompress, and connect with others. This balance of community and intimacy creates a healing environment where every moment supports the recovery process.
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.
Accessible, High-Quality Care Covered by Insurance
Muir Wood is committed to removing financial barriers to care by partnering with most major insurance providers, ensuring families can access high-quality, evidence-based treatment when it matters most.
Expertise in Primary Mental Health
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 wellbeing 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.
Continuum of Care
We coordinate closely with your teen’s existing providers and aftercare programs — whether that’s our own Sonoma County IOP in nearby Petaluma, another outpatient program, your teen’s existing therapist, or a care infrastructure we help arrange when one isn’t yet in place. Shared clinical philosophy and close communication ensure progress continues without interruption.
Speak With a Teen Treatment Specialist
Connect with our admissions team today to learn how Muir Wood can support your family.
Stories From Penngrove
Every family that comes to the Penngrove program at Muir Wood arrives with a different story — and leaves
with a different one. Here, a teen alum shares hers.
Real Reviews from Real Penngrove Parents
Nothing speaks to what a residential treatment center for mental health is like more than reviews from parents who have lived the experience.
“After multiple treatments and residential stays, Muir Woods is the first place I felt like my daughter was going to make progress. They have been doing this a long time and have strict rules in place to make it the safest environment my daughter had ever experienced. Muir Woods also connects you as a parent. I had multiple direct phone numbers I could call throughout my daughter’s stay to understand how she was doing. Our family therapy helped. The night time meetings helped. The support group helped…Residential treatment is hard. For both the child and the parents. Muir Woods addresses both of those issues equally. I am eternally grateful that she ended up there.”
—Kim T., March 2026
“I would highly recommend Penngrove for any treatment your child may need. They have a great combination of everything a child needs to understand what they are going thru. The Parents are informed of what is going on every step of the treatment. Parents are also invited to attend online classes to improve and learn more about what our child’s are going thru. I personally am thankful for the guidance and compassion they have shown me while I tried to understand the process. We had an awesome outcome…Beautiful home in relaxing country side, perfect place to start your journey to find yourself! Thanks to all employees of Muir Wood Penngrove!!!
— Malinda C., March 2026
“An amazing experience for both my daughter in treatment and us as parents. We had an amazing team helping us from day 1. She was living in beautiful facilities, and I knew from the beginning she would be there with a group of trusted, positive, and helpful staff. The communication weekly has been amazing, and I highly recommend this to anyone who needs help for their child.”
— Carrie M., Feb 2026
“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
Meet Your Teen’s Mental Healthcare Team at Penngrove
At Muir Wood Teen, healing is driven by connection and expert care. Each adolescent’s residential treatment plan is overseen by a dedicated team of psychiatrists, licensed therapists, nurses, and educators who specialize in adolescent mental health and co-occurring substance use. By coordinating evidence-based therapies, group and individual sessions, and family support, our team addresses each teen’s unique needs—building coping skills, emotional resilience, and confidence that extend well beyond their time in treatment.
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Dr. Ian Wolds
Psy.D. -
Ella Jackson
LMFT -
Rawly Glass
MSW, LCSW -
Joanna O’Neill
LMFT -
Lily B.
AMFT -
Travis P.
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Haley R.
RPA -
Lia B.
AMFT
Contact Us Now
Someone from our admissions team is standing by to help you find the best treatment for your teen.
What to Expect: Daily Life for Your Teen in Residential Treatment
A predictable routine brings relief. Each day at Muir Wood Teen in Penngrove combines therapy, academics, and connection within a structured rhythm that helps teens manage mental health disorders, develop coping skills, and regain confidence.
Programming, offered 3–4 afternoons per week, includes:
Morning — Routine, Medication, and Academics
- Wake up and breakfast in a small, home-like residence with 24/7 clinical supervision.
- Short goal-setting group to center the day and build self-awareness.
- Transportation to the central treatment hub.
- ~3 hours of accredited classroom instruction (WASC) with on-site teachers, coordinating with home schools or approved online coursework to ensure teens keep up academically.
Midday/Afternoon — Therapy, Skills, and Movement
- Individual therapy sessions (1–2× per week) for adolescent-specific mental health needs.
- Group therapy focused on emotion regulation, coping skills, social interaction, and peer connection.
- Family therapy is provided weekly or biweekly to support home transitions and discharge planning.
- Experiential therapies, including art, mindfulness, recreational therapy, and outdoor movement, support behavioral health services and overall wellness.
Evening — Reflection, Community, and Rest
- Return to the residence for family-style dinner and downtime.
- Evening reflection group to review goals, practice coping strategies, and plan for tomorrow.
- Quiet time, hygiene, and lights-out—consistent routines promote sleep, stability, and mental health recovery.
- Housing assigned by gender at birth ensures safety and privacy while maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment.
Weekends — Skill-Building and Peer Connection
- Saturday: Clinical groups and recreational therapy, including structured outdoor and team activities.
- Sunday: Longer experiential outings (hiking, rock climbing, or similar activities) to foster confidence, joy, and healthy peer relationships.
Tour the Penngrove Campus
Penngrove operates on a hub-and-spoke model. The main campus at Penngrove South serves as the clinical and programming center — where therapy, groups, academics, and experiential activities take place during the day. Teens live in one of several residences across the Penngrove area, each staffed by the same treatment team and following the same clinical model.
Current Penngrove residences include:
Penngrove South — the main campus and primary residence
Penngrove North — a residential house providing additional capacity
Sonoma Mountain — a residential house set in the surrounding hills
All residences offer the same level of clinical care, staffing, and daily structure. During the admissions process, our team will walk you through the specific residence your daughter would be placed in, and video tours of each location are available so you can see the environment before your teen arrives.
In addition to our main Penngrove South campus, Muir Wood operates two satellite houses — Penngrove North and Sonoma Mountain — which provide additional residential capacity for our teens.
Experiential & Wellness Therapies
Healing at Penngrove extends beyond the therapy room. Creative expression, mindfulness, movement, and time in nature are integrated into daily life as core elements of treatment — not as optional extras.
- Creative expression. Art and music therapy give teens ways to process and express experiences that are difficult to put into words.
- Mindfulness and meditation. Guided practices reduce stress, build focus, and equip teens with tools for managing intense emotions during and after treatment.
- Outdoor and nature-based activities. Penngrove’s serene Sonoma County setting supports daily outdoor time — hiking, campus gardens, experiential groups — in a treatment environment that doesn’t look or feel like a clinical institution.
- Movement and wellness. Yoga, team activities, and structured recreation help teens rebuild the physical baseline that supports emotional healing.
Each experiential therapy complements traditional behavioral health services, providing a holistic approach that promotes emotional resilience, identity development, and lasting well-being for young people.
Learn about Muir Wood
or contact our admissions team today.
Types of Therapy
Every teen’s residential treatment plan at Muir Wood Teen in Penngrove is customized to their specific emotional, behavioral, and academic needs. Our licensed mental health professionals use a trauma-informed approach that addresses both underlying causes and presenting symptoms, while actively involving family members to strengthen home support. Programs are tailored for adolescents experiencing mental health disorders such as ADHD, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, trauma, disordered eating, or co-occurring substance use. This individualized approach helps young people build coping skills, confidence, and resilience that extend into daily life.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Guides teens to identify unhelpful thinking patterns, challenge negative self-beliefs, and develop healthier coping strategies.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Teaches emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and effective communication to manage intense feelings and prevent self-harm.
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Encourages mindfulness and values-based choices, helping teens act in line with their goals even in stressful situations.
Trauma-Informed Therapy & Seeking Safety
Provides a safe, structured environment for processing trauma or emotional distress at an appropriate pace, promoting self-trust and stability.
Mindfulness & Experiential Therapies
Integrates art, movement, and outdoor activities to reduce anxiety, enhance self-awareness, and strengthen focus and expression.
Process & Psychoeducation Groups
Focuses on problem-solving, communication, and education about mental health, substance use, and healthy daily routines.
Family Therapy Sessions
Engage parents and caregivers directly, improving communication, rebuilding trust, and ensuring skills learned in residential care carry over to home life.
Learn more about our full range of evidence-based treatment therapies and how they’re tailored to each teen at Penngrove.
What Happens After Residential Treatment?
The typical residential stay at Penngrove ranges from 45 to 60 days, with some stays extending to 90 days depending on clinical progress and insurance authorization. During treatment, teens engage in daily therapy, academic instruction, experiential activities, and supervised peer interaction. Before discharge, our team develops a continuing care plan tailored to each teen’s needs.
Continuing care options include:
- Stepping down to Muir Wood’s intensive outpatient program (IOP) in nearby Petaluma.
- Transitioning to an outside IOP or PHP, or connecting with outpatient therapists and psychiatric providers.
- Alumni check-ins and virtual teen support groups to maintain peer connection and accountability.
- Our 16-week aftercare coaching program for parents — helping families apply what they’ve learned, navigate the first 90 days home, and maintain progress built during treatment.
This continuum of care ensures that teens and their families stay supported, continue skill-building, and maintain long-term wellness beyond residential treatment.
Serving Penngrove and the North Bay Region
Nestled at the foot of the western flank of Sonoma Mountain, Muir Wood Teen in Penngrove provides a safe, structured residential environment for adolescents across the North Bay—including Sonoma, Marin, and Napa counties. With 24/7 clinical supervision, on-site academics, and compassionate mental health services, our program supports teens in building resilience, managing anxiety disorders, behavioral issues, and co-occurring mental health conditions, and developing the skills needed for lasting growth. Families trust Muir Wood Teen to offer guidance, structure, and a nurturing space where young people can reflect, heal, and reconnect with themselves and those they love.
- Address: 6851 Cold Springs Rd, Penngrove, CA 94951
- Phone: (707) 735-0251
- Levels of Care: Intensive Outpatient Program