Choosing the right treatment program for your teen can seem overwhelming, but it is one of the most important decisions a parent will ever make. The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (natsap.org) developed a list of considerations to help parents select an appropriate program. Muir Wood adheres to rigorous ethical principles and good practice guidelines set forth by NATSAP. The following is a list of considerations and how Muir Wood addresses each.
Verify the licensure and accreditation of the facility
Muir Wood Adolescent and Family Services is licensed by the State of California Department of Health Care Services, and the certified by the Department of Social Services. Muir Wood is also accredited by The Joint Commission, America’s largest accrediting body for healthcare organizations, and widely considered the gold standard in healthcare organizational certification.
Ask about the credentials and licensure of the clinical staff
All Muir Wood clinicians are licensed (LMFT, LCSW, AMFT, ACSW, M.D., Ph.D., Psy.D.).
Verify that the program employs full-time psychiatrists and nurses
Muir Wood has a team of full-time double-board-certified psychiatrists and registered nurses. Our highly credentialed multidisciplinary team also includes board-certified addiction medicine physicians, internal medicine physicians, certified addiction nurses, and psychologists.
Verify that the academic curriculum is accredited by a recognized governing body
The Muir Wood Learning Center is recognized by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and employs Master’s-level, single- and multi-subject teachers credentialed by the State of California.
Verify that outcomes are monitored
Muir Wood utilizes Trac9, a nationally-recognized, independent research organization that closely monitors outcomes using state-of-the-art outcome tracking tools.
Ask about family involvement
We have one of the most comprehensive family programs, including weekly family therapy with a licensed therapist, multi-family process groups led by licensed therapists, and a weekly online parent support group.
Is the program in-network with major insurance?
Muir Wood is in-network with the nation’s largest insurance providers, including Kaiser Permanente®, Anthem Blue Cross®, Cigna®, and Aetna®, Magellan®, MHN®, Optum, and Halcyon® (Simple Behavioral). Being an in-network provider means that Muir Wood is more accessible to more families. This also signifies that Muir Wood adheres to the nation’s most rigorous standards of evidence-based, outcomes-driven, licensure and safety standards. You can verify your coverage here.
Is the program gender-separate?
Muir Wood is a gender-separate program. Gender-separate programming is imperative because it allows teens to be treated without the distractions and drama inherent in programs that treat teen boys and girls together.
What is the caseload of the therapists?
Muir Wood’s masters-level, licensed therapists, carry a caseload of no more than 6 teens. The low client-to-staff ratio at Muir Wood offers many advantages and allow the care team to spend more time with each client to better individualize their care.
How many clients are treated on campus?
Muir Wood is a highly individualized program. We have 11 residential settings in beautiful Sonoma County, two in Clovis, CA, and three in Riverside, AC. We have a combined population of just 94 teens state-wide. Each residence accommodates just 6 teens.
Are the staff bios, photos of the campus, and other materials on the website current?
Our staff bios, photos of the campus, and details about our program are updated regularly.
Is the program certified by third-party consumer protection groups?
Muir Wood is certified by LegitScript®, a leading third-party certification organization in the healthcare sector, and has a A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau®, and has been verified as a trusted treatment provider by Psychology Today and Rehab Path.