Let’s start with Lake House Academy, as this is where you would want your daughter to go, instead of ending up in recovery — right? Seriously, what is more important than the care of your 10-14 y.o. daughter in giving them an opportunity to grow in a safe and enriching school. I never use the words ‘sending them away’ as that is NOT what happens at Lake House Academy. I saw tender, quality care happening for the girls, I knew some of the staff and met others, and the girls are well taken care of and have meaningful relationships. The staff is very attentive to the needs of the girls, and yet set healthy boundaries encouraging the girls to do work for themselves. I can’t say enough about the therapist support. As a clinician, there is no better way of gauging the quality of the therapeutic support than by the professionalism, alertness, and caring of the therapists. They were able to explain their system and their own training and experience in working with this population. Tracy Hopkins in admissions provided me with an excellent opportunity to see “in action” what they were doing on a beautiful, spacious property nestled in the woods set next to the lake.

I posted not long ago about Four Circles and the wonderful work they do with my clients specifically, and in taking this photo of admissions director Shane Applegate I think I figured out part of the secret — it’s ‘family’. Jack, Heather, Shane, the therapists, management, line staff all make you feel right at home. And although that may be attributed to North Carolina hospitality, it goes further in reaching into the hearts of those lucky enough to come into contact with Four Circles.Recovery is tough, but the results are like child’s play — simple, honest, and all about healthy relationships.

It’s all about relationships. In touring programs, staff repeatedly ask me what’s most important for me to see, and the answer is quite simple: Relationships. Equally important are the approaches staff use with youth and families in promoting healing, education, and interpersonal relationships. Programs may change, and even staff can transition between them. That’s why it’s important for myself, the referring professional / educational consultant to tour programs, such as Ash Creek Ranch Academy Tammy Behrmann and Darren Prince.
These two individuals came from another program that Tammy founded years ago, and Darren worked with her at that location. Tammy said to me during the tour, “You know, what amazes these boys is my knowing everything that’s going on with them at any point and time.” And that’s why we trust staff, who have the pulse of their students in knowing their relationships and how they are progressing in their maturity of character development. Mike, the ranch Foreman has that same positive, mentoring relationship with the students in working with the horses. It’s a unique in it’s approach to relationship building using care of horses over the long term, not just equine therapy.
Equally unique is how Lava Heights builds their relationships using art “integrated” into therapy throughout their student’s entire day, pushing the envelope in preparing creative young people to be exceptional performers. Grounds and buildings that could be in Tuscany, the setting is soft and warm, yet command appreciation and respect, similar to the staff. The manner in which Nate Meng acting as clinical director helps with staff to facilitate that process is both meaningful as it is intentional, and it’s that intentionality of art therapy integration that makes this program unique. If you want art, along with sports, and strong academics for a reasonable price in a setting structured to develop character, then Diamond Ranch is a good option. I spent time with Maurie in admissions and Ephraim a clinical specialist in touring DR and getting a better understanding on what types of student works well in their environment — all 65,000 sq. ft of it with adjacent tracks, baseball, and soccer fields. From the coaches to teachers to line staff, it’s all about relationships. There’s that word again. If it’s important that you find the “right fit” for your young lady or your young man, give us a call. That’s what we do is find the very best fit, and after decades of doing this work, we are the “gold standard” in providing licensed services.

Will they ever grow up to be successful adults? Young Warriors of tomorrow? The short answer is “No, not without the necessary life experiences.” There is no substitute for learning personal responsibility and living within a legal, committed community.

Unless you believe a fourth grade mathematics ability will save the world from the economic disaster, and a class clown will become the next US President.

In my thirty years of training and experience, I recognize that parents are looking for that “magic” answer, that “moment of change” in finding the right prescription of medication and responsive adults who will “help” their youth to jump to the next maturational plateau. Sort of like Mario Brothers Donkey Kong.

Some may even be convinced smoking or drinking can help alleviate stress and promote growth. And they let unhealthy habits simply go on too long to find they’ve completely lost any momentum they felt was once there.

However, human behavioral change doesn’t work quite that way, and requires both daily routine instruction and strong “buy in” from youth. And that’s why structured programs and schools work in providing that developmentally savvy, consistent, and supportive environment that cannot be replicated at home or within the neighborhood school setting.

A year of boarding is equal to three years of home life in producing adaptive behavioral and emotional change. Why would you wait to give this gift? With the holidays coming, seriously consider a quality education for your son or daughter. Seriously, give us a call and we’ll get you a maturation gauge (MG) and a prescription of success for your youth.

Don’t you just love smiles? I love how this student is doing soooo well that her father just can’t help but smile! Thanks Oliverian — you’re approach to college prep is awesome!