Clinically reviewed by
Dr. Ian Wolds Psy.D.
Last reviewed on July 16, 2026
Mental health problems can be particularly difficult for teens to deal with, as they are still learning how to regulate their emotions and use healthy coping skills. Also known as our Thompson Ranch program, our boys primary mental health residential treatment program specializes in treating generalized and social anxiety, panic disorders, depression, mood and personality disorders, as well as trauma and PTSD.
Unlike our dual-diagnosis treatment programs for boys, the Thompson Ranch program focuses strictly on addressing mental health issues—no substance use patients attend this program. Learn more about our therapeutic philosophy and how residential treatment can help your teen.
In today’s world, the mental health of teen girls is commonly prioritized over that of boys. This, along with the stigma associated with a boy seeking help, presents a formidable barrier to treatment. Teen boys are uniquely challenged with issues that include:
Boys can also be adversely affected by social media, bullying, relationships, academic pressure, and peer pressure. All of these forces can make dealing with mental health issues even more difficult. Not addressing these issues now can lead to a teen growing into an unhealthy, unhappy, and unproductive adult later.
“I think that kids, they need direction, they need to be a part of [something],” shares one of our therapists in the video below. “They need to trust somebody, and they need to feel they have a purpose.” Our Joint Commission-accredited program allows boys to grow into healthy adults and learn manage mental health issues. Watch more of our video series.
Take a video tour of Muir Wood's Auberry campus for boys in Fresno County, California.
Muir Wood's Auberry Campus in Fresno County, CA
A virtual tour of our Auberry campus. Located in a quiet mountain community within Fresno County, this residential campus supports adolescent boys (ages 12-17) facing mental health and substance use concerns. The setting offers space to slow down, reset, and focus on healing in a structured, distraction-free environment.
Scarlet’s Story
Muir Wood alumni Scarlet shares her journey from crisis to self-discovery — and the version of herself she’s proud to be today.
Katie’s Story
Katie watched her son withdraw, grow angry, and start failing his junior year — and shares how her family found help, and hope, at Muir Wood.
Meet a Muir Wood Mom
A Muir Wood mom shares her family’s experience with addiction and the road to recovery.
Read about Muir Wood experiences from a parent who has been through it. Read these and other reviews from real parents of Muir Wood alumni. If you would like to speak to an alumni parent, contact us and we’ll arrange it.
Very professional, safe and science based approach
UB
Jul 2026
I saw the positive change in my son
SM
Jul 2026
The therapist was amazing in helping my daughter heal and make progress. The strict rules and phone structure was very helpful
DL
Jul 2026
Haley really got to know Damian and identified several of the areas that contributed to Damian's challenges, particularly in how they are neuro-divergent. This was a huge help and something we hadn't gotten before.
CL
Jul 2026
Got a lot of knowledge from some of the parent group meetings
AR
Jul 2026
our sons therapist Lisa was excellent! She was able to help coordinate Jonahs placement with Mountain Valley, the facility that he transferred to. the staff was amazing! Your teacher Mr. E was very helpful in keeping our son caught up with his school work online.
JM
Jul 2026
Safe place, amazing therapist Kristen, son is stable
EV
Jul 2026
This program was really wonderful for our daughter and our family in general. We love the parent classes and parent support group. Liana loved most of the staff and made some great friends with other girls in the program. The communication is excellent from staff to parents.
IG
Jul 2026
*Please note that at this time, we are not in network with Medicaid/Medi-Cal
“When you call Muir Wood, you will either reach me or one of my staff. Please know that we are 110% committed to helping you find the best treatment for your teen and will hold your hand through the entire process. And if we aren’t an ideal fit for your child, we’ll help you find a program that is.”
— Maura “Mo” Sangster, Director of Admissions
Teen anxiety is more than occasional worry—it can affect daily functioning, relationships, and self-esteem. Our anxiety treatment model combines trauma-informed, evidence-based therapies with individualized care, helping each teen address the underlying causes of anxiety while building practical skills for lasting emotional wellness.
We provide a structured, supportive environment where teens can safely explore triggers, develop coping strategies, and strengthen confidence in handling stress and uncertainty. Treatment plans are tailored to each adolescent’s unique needs, incorporating residential or intensive outpatient care depending on the level of support required.
Our treatment includes:
Helps teens identify negative or unhelpful thought patterns and replace them with practical, constructive ways of thinking. CBT empowers adolescents to recognize triggers, reduce catastrophic thinking, and develop coping strategies that can be used in school, home, and social settings.
Teaches skills in emotional regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. Teens learn to tolerate distress without reacting impulsively, manage intense emotions, and communicate more effectively with peers and family members.
Gradually exposes teens to anxiety-provoking situations in a safe, structured manner. This allows adolescents to confront fears, reduce avoidance behaviors, and build confidence in their ability to manage challenging situations.
Involves parents and caregivers to improve communication, rebuild trust, and create a stable, supportive home environment. Families learn strategies to support recovery, reduce conflict, and reinforce healthy coping behaviors outside of treatment.
Incorporates movement, art, journaling, and outdoor exercises to encourage self-expression, emotional grounding, and self-awareness. These practices help teens connect mind and body, reduce stress, and cultivate resilience in daily life.
Provides education about anxiety disorders, stress management, and practical tools for coping with academic, social, and emotional challenges. Teens develop skills to navigate daily life, set goals, and maintain wellness long after treatment ends.
This integrative approach allows teens to not only understand their anxiety but also gain the confidence to manage challenges, re-engage in school and social activities, and strengthen relationships with family and peers.
In addition to mental health treatment, our residential programs for teens feature the Muir Wood Learning Center, where teens receive academic support from credentialed teachers. Our learning center is recognized by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) as a supplemental learning program. Teens attend this on-campus learning program for three hours a day, Monday through Friday. This allows them to maintain continuity with their schoolwork for a smooth transition post-treatment.
We believe that our beautiful, spacious, and comfortable environments enhance the treatment experience. Our campuses are supervised around the clock by trained staff and feature amenities like beautiful outdoor spaces to aid in the healing process.
Our program is in-network for many insurance providers, so you can access treatment without financial burden.
Three specializations, built on Muir Wood's shared clinical foundation.
Our first neurodivergent residential program, Sonoma Mountain, serves neurodivergent adolescents ages 12–17 who were assigned male at birth and are experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD, emotional dysregulation, school avoidance, or other mental health challenges requiring residential treatment.
Profiles we build around
Autism
ADHD
AuDHD
Learning differences
Sensory processing differences
OCD
Tourette syndrome
Some arrive with formal diagnoses, while others recognize themselves in these experiences without having received a specific diagnosis.
Many of the adolescents we serve are gender-diverse, and every adolescent's gender identity is welcomed, respected, and affirmed throughout treatment.
Residential Treatment — Clovis, CA
Dual-diagnosis care for teen boys in Clovis—mental health and substance use treatment at the gateway to California’s Sierra Nevada mountains.
Explore the Auberry Campus for Boys
Residential Treatment — Riverside, CA
Mental health and substance use care for teen boys near Arlington Heights, situated on a lush, open property surrounded by citrus heritage.
Explore the Bradley Ranch Campus for Boys
Residential Treatment — Petaluma, CA
Dual-diagnosis treatment for teen boys—mental health and substance use care on a serene Petaluma property in lovely Sonoma County.
Explore the Skillman Campus for BoysWith beautiful campuses across California, we offer residential treatment and intensive outpatient programs in Petaluma and Penngrove in Sonoma County, Clovis in the Central Valley, and the historic Orange Grove District of Riverside County.
For adolescents with primary mental health and co-occurring substance use needs, days are structured around therapy, education, and restorative outdoor experiences. Evenings in supportive, home-like residences allow teens to reset and integrate what they're learning—building consistency and trust across the entire treatment experience.
Residential Treatment ProgramAn after-school program offered 3–4 days per week in Petaluma and Clovis for teens with primary mental health needs or dual diagnosis. Designed for those stepping down from residential treatment or stepping up from weekly outpatient therapy, it includes group therapy, weekly individual sessions, and family involvement to support stability at home, in school, and in daily life.
Intensive Outpatient Program
