Muir Wood provides a safe residential environment for girls to be treated for sensitive underlying mental health issues and substance use. Many of the girls that come to Muir Wood struggle with issues related to body image, depression, anxiety, attachment, and trauma—and have then turned to substances as a means of self-soothing. Dual-diagnosis refers to treating both substance use and underlying mental health issues at the same time, leading to a full and sustained recovery. Our residential programs for teens are located on campuses in Northern, Central, and Southern California:
- Girls Dual-Diagnosis Treatment — Northern California
- Girls Dual-Diagnosis Treatment — Central California
- Girls Dual-Diagnosis Treatment — Southern California
The program for teen girls at Muir Wood was designed to provide a unique setting for healing. Our idyllic campuses, highly credentialed staff, and trauma-informed approach specifically address the needs of the girls in our care.
When Is Residential Treatment for Dual-Diagnosis Appropriate?
As a parent, you already know: every teenager is different. Every family system and environment varies too. Because of this, behavioral issues can be tricky to address without extensive training in mental health diagnoses and treatment.
While the ups and downs of teenage life have common challenges, you can’t always address them on your own—and you don’t have to. Seek professional support if you feel overwhelmed or if your teenager exhibits any of these behaviors:
- Aggression
- Substance use
- Self-harm
- Suicidal ideation or attempts
Residential treatment is extremely effective at helping teens learn better-coping techniques instead of using aggression or violence to address their anger issues. It also provides healthy coping strategies for the overwhelming feelings that often lead to substance use, self-harm, or suicide. In many cases, treatment is a life-saving decision you can make for your teen.
What Is the Goal of Residential Treatment?
Ultimately, residential treatment aims to present a safe, nurturing environment that encourages teens to express themselves and learn how to face their challenges in ways that give them confidence. Residential treatment also allows struggling young girls to understand their self-worth, learn self-reliance, and develop self-awareness.
With our multifaceted approach, highly focused therapies, and a diverse range of behavioral health and recovery strategies, young girls are finally able to see hope for their futures. We’ve seen first-hand how our residential treatment has transformed young girls struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues. We offer many types of therapies, including
- Psychological and medication management therapies
- Group and individual therapy sessions
- Experience therapy with art, music, and nature
- 12-Step recovery programs
“The therapeutic alliance at Muir Wood is incredibly imperative to the client’s recovery and being able to shift into a more healthier mindset,” shares one of our therapists in the video below. “Letting them know from the get-go that you are on their side, that you want the very best for them, and that you want more than anything for them to be able to go home and have a good life, is very important to the therapeutic process, to the recovery process.”
Watch the full video for more insights from our staff. You can also explore our full video collection to learn more.
Our programs are tailored to provide structure and order while still allowing our teens to enjoy themselves, which we believe is a key element in healing. We focus on whole-body recovery, providing chef-prepared nutrient-dense meals, and fitness programs as well. Learn more about our integrated approach.
What Can You Expect from Residential Treatment for Girls?
On Muir Wood girls dual-diagnosis residential treatment campuses, we provide solutions for a wide range of conditions. Our licensed, credentialed specialists are expertly trained to help teen girls recover from substance use disorders, as well as educate them about the short and long term effects of marijuana, prescription drugs, and alcohol.
In addition to treating substance use disorders, we also help teen girls understand, manage, and ultimately overcome a variety of mental health issues including trauma, depression, anxiety, personality and mood disorders, and ADHD. We have full-time psychiatric and nursing staff on campus. While many residential treatment centers for girls have qualified staff, not every facility can offer the same high standards as Muir Wood.
When you first contact our caring admissions team, we begin to assess your teen’s situation and attentively listen to your needs and expectations as a parent or guardian. We’ll evaluate the right treatment for your teen and determine the kind of support you and your family will need during this challenging time. After determining the level of care required, we will guide you through the admissions process.
Once admission is secured, parents and guardians are also strongly urged to speak with our clinicians, doctors, and therapists to learn more about the team involved in your teen’s recovery. The team overseeing your child’s care will also conduct additional in-depth evaluations and assessments, as needed, to truly get a clear view of her condition. From there, you can expect your teen to begin experiencing therapy interventions that are deeply transformative and effective for long-lasting recovery and healing.
2 Simple Ways to Get Started Today
“When you call Muir Wood, you will either reach me or one of my staff. Please know that we are here to help, never to sell! 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
Maura “Mo” Sangster
Director of Admissions
Why Choose Muir Wood’s Residential Programs for Teens?
From our founder to our therapists, we are all invested in providing comprehensive care for your teen and supporting your family during this transitional time. That’s why we provide ongoing support during residential treatment for family members and direction for care long after our clients leave our residential treatment program.
Muir Wood is the clear choice for safe, effective, long-term recovery. Learn more about our facilities and treatment approach. When you’re ready, fill out an assessment to begin the intake process. We’re here to help.
Residential Mental Health Facilities for Youth: FAQs
Every situation is different for teens struggling with their identity, substance use disorders, depression, or any behavioral health issue. However, there are distinct situations in which treatment is not only warranted but may be life-saving.
If your teen’s battle with substance use is worsening and there may be a threat of long-term physical or mental damage, this is an ideal time to consider residential treatment. Additionally, if your teen exhibits signs of, or talks about suicide, this is also a compelling time to seek treatment for her. Any expressions of violence toward herself, the family, or peers is also an indicator for residential treatment.
The gender-specific programs through Muir Wood provide teen girls with a safe, effective environment. We have the opportunity to work directly with your teen, devoting time to therapy, sharing, learning, activities, and more. All these interventions encourage balance, self-confidence, and independence in your child.
Our residential treatment programs are effective for teen girls because we provide a nonthreatening, engaging, encouraging environment where she can express herself freely. Moreover, our limited, small groups make for a safe place to learn, grow, and form strong relationships that last a lifetime.
At Muir Wood, we believe in providing you and your teen with accessible treatment and affordable options. To that end, we are an in-network provider with Anthem Blue Cross, Aetna, Cigna, Halcyon, Magellan, MHN, and Kaiser so you can offset the overall cost of residential treatment. You can have us verify your coverage here.
We provide essentials such as towels, pillows, and high-quality linens. Additionally, we ensure that every teen has sufficient hygiene supplies such as soap, shampoo, and toothpaste. If your teen has skin sensitivities or needs specific toiletries such as special face cleansers, she is welcome to pack those for her stay at Muir Wood as long as they do not contain alcohol.
Please pack comfortable clothes for at least 10 days. This aligns with our treatment and laundry schedules. In addition, be sure your teen packs comfortable shoes that will be functional and supportive during excursions such as hiking in the hills or going to invigorating workout sessions.
Teens are encouraged to bring items that hold strong sentimental value, such as photographs, a small stuffed animal, or a small memento that might be meaningful to her. However, as with most residential treatment centers, electronics are not allowed.
School should be a support to a teen’s healing, not a stressor they have to return to after treatment. To support academics, we have established Learning Centers at our campuses that allow your child to keep up with schoolwork while in residential treatment.
Our Learning Centers operate Monday through Friday, and teens are encouraged to utilize all of our supplies and equipment in order to perform schoolwork in a timely manner. We also have multi-course teachers who have a masters-level education and are credentialed by the state of California.
At Muir Wood, we want your teen to have a comfortable, home-like experience. Our campuses are located on acres of rolling hills, with grandiose views and rejuvenating sunsets. Two or three girls share a roomy bedroom that is equipped with beds and dressers.
Rooms are also tastefully decorated and furnished with pleasing pieces such as wardrobes, nightstands, and desks. Each room has closets and plenty of room for storage along with bedding and linens of the highest quality.