Teen Residential Treatment in California
24/7 structured clinical care for adolescents 12–17 facing mental health and substance use challenges.
When weekly therapy, medication adjustments, and school interventions haven’t produced lasting change, residential treatment can provide the structure and clinical intensity meaningful progress requires. Muir Wood’s residential program combines individual therapy, group therapy, family programming, and WASC-accredited academics in serene, nature-rich campuses across California.
In-Network With Most Commercial Insurers
*Please note that at this time, we are not in network with Medicaid/Medi-Cal
What We Treat
Muir Wood’s residential program treats the full range of adolescent mental health and substance use conditions — often in the complex situations where those challenges overlap. Every teen receives an individualized treatment plan built around the full picture of what they’re experiencing.
Depression and Mood Disorders
From persistent sadness and hopelessness to bipolar disorder and emotional dysregulation, our clinical team provides evidence-based treatment for the full spectrum of adolescent mood conditions.
Anxiety Disorders
Generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, and OCD often intensify during adolescence. We help teens understand what’s happening and build practical skills for managing it.
Trauma and PTSD
Our trauma-informed approach recognizes that behaviors adults sometimes label as defiance or withdrawal are often protective responses to past pain — and treats the teen, not just the symptom.
Substance Use and Dual Diagnosis
For adolescents, substance use rarely exists in isolation. We treat substance use alongside the underlying mental health conditions driving it — because addressing only one limits how far recovery can go.
Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation
Self-harm and suicidal thoughts do not disqualify a teen from treatment — they are exactly what treatment is designed to address. Our clinical team has deep experience supporting teens through these challenges.
Behavioral and Family Challenges
From persistent sadness and hopelessness to bipolar disorder and emotional dysregulation, our clinical team provides evidence-based treatment for the full spectrum of adolescent mood conditions.
Why Families Choose Muir Wood
Choosing treatment for a teen is one of the hardest decisions a family can make. Here’s what sets Muir Wood apart.
Specialists in Adolescent Care
Everything we do is built for teens ages 12–17 — not adapted from adult models. Our team of board-certified adolescent psychiatrists, licensed therapists, nurses, educators, and recovery counselors works exclusively with adolescents, every day.
Family-First Approach
Family involvement isn’t an optional add-on. From day one through our 16-week aftercare coaching program, parents are equipped with real skills, real communication tools, and real support for the transition home.
Dual Diagnosis Expertise
Most teens arriving at Muir Wood are managing more than one challenge at once — mental health and substance use, trauma and anxiety, depression and behavioral issues. Our integrated clinical model treats the whole teen, not a single diagnosis.
Insurance and Admissions Support
We’re in-network with most major commercial insurance plans, and our admissions team walks families through verification, benefits, and authorization so you can focus on your teen instead of the paperwork.
Residential and Intensive Outpatient Care
Muir Wood offers two levels of care for teens who need more than weekly outpatient therapy can provide. Whether your teen needs full-time residential support or structured daytime programming, we match the level of care to what your family needs right now.
Residential Treatment
For teens who need 24/7 clinical support in a structured, home-like environment. Our residential program combines individual therapy, group therapy, family programming, and WASC-accredited academics in serene, nature-rich campuses across California.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
For teens who need more structure than weekly therapy but can safely remain at home. Our IOP provides after-school group therapy, individual sessions, and family programming several days a week — either as a step-down from residential care or a step-up from traditional outpatient therapy.
Stories From Muir Wood
Every family that comes to Muir Wood arrives with a different story — and leaves
with a different one. Here, a teen alum and a parent share theirs.
Real Reviews from Real Parents
Nothing speaks to what a teen treatment center is like more than reviews from parents who have lived the experience.
“Our child had medication-resistant severe depression. Muir Wood helped find the right medication and provided a supportive environment, over Covid, no less. My child is thriving and we both agree that even though it was a hard period, it was the best choice to get them treatment. The tutors worked with his teachers and he maintained a 4.0 while getting better.”
— Tomasina Burgess, June 2024
“My daughter is at the Petaluma site. She has been there for about 40 days and the therapist has been very communicative. I feel part of her treatment and have been updated weekly, as well as a fast response any time I have had questions. The support has been great and I love the parent classes. I have learned a lot in this time.”
— Angela R., October 2025
“From the moment we walked through the doors, we felt like part of a supportive community dedicated to helping teens thrive. The staff here are compassionate, knowledgeable, and truly invested in the wellbeing of every teen in their care. The programs are tailored to address the needs of each individual, providing a safe space for growth and healing. I highly recommend this center to any parent seeking top-notch care.”
— Krista Merlino, May 2024
“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
Safe, Supportive Spaces for Teen Healing
Our Locations
Muir Wood operates residential and intensive outpatient programs across three regions of California.
Northern California
Central California
Southern California
What Happens When You Call
We know picking up the phone can feel like the hardest part. Here’s exactly what
to expect when you reach out.
Speak With an Admissions Coordinator
A real person answers — not a call center. You’ll have space to share what’s going on, ask questions, and get honest information. There’s no pressure and no obligation.
Brief Clinical Consultation
Our team helps you understand what level of care may be appropriate for your teen and whether Muir Wood is the right fit. If we’re not, we’ll tell you and help point you toward better options.
Insurance Verification and Next Steps
We handle the insurance verification process directly with your carrier and walk you through benefits, coverage, and what admission looks like from here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Muir Wood specializes in treating teens struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, self-harm, and other mental health challenges. Our programs address both mental health and substance use disorders, with integrated care for co-occurring conditions. We carefully assess each teen during admissions to confirm our program matches their needs.
Licensed, Certified, and Trusted
