Just for Teens

The awkward age, an apt description for the years between thirteen and seventeen. No longer children, yet not fully able to handle adult responsibilties. In the process of discovering one's identity, the teen is faced with new choices, unfamiliar feelings, changing family relationships and redefined role between him/her self and others.

For most teens it is an uneasy but successful transition. For others, the teen years heighten personal and family conflict, feelings of loneliness, mood swings and self-defeating behavior. It can lead some teens to withdraw or act out in self-destructive ways. Drugs, alcohol, promiscuity, suicide ideation, legal problems, deviant behavior and thought patterns can quickly take control of the young person's life, often with serious consequences.

SpringBrook is a therapeutic community for teens with severe and persistent emotional conflict. The program is lead by an experienced child psychiatrist, clinical therapists, teachers and counselors who know the special requirements of working constructively with difficult teens.

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR CHANGE

SpringBrook staff believe that young people have an ability, with proper guidance and encouragement, to discover the solutions to problems, resolve conflict and unlock potential. SpringBrook respects the dignity and autonomy of the young people in our treatment program, while providing for much needed structure in a challenging environment. We utilize age appropriate activities and approaches that motivate and reward positive decision making. Through professional competence and caring, the staff at SpringBrook help each teen to identify emotional issues, discover options and learn positive ways of coping to gain self-control, the value of self-worth, and a promising outlook.

Adolescents at SpringBrook are divided by gender, with separate boy's and girl's units. The program takes full advantage of the SpringBrook facility gymnasium, swimming pool, large outdoor campus and fields, creative arts and academic classrooms to incorporate everday activities into a therapeutic experience. Every minute of every day is an opportunity for intervention, a chance to gain insight into destructive self-defeating behaviors and to learn alternative ways to meet needs.

SUPPORTING THE GAINS MADE AT SPRINGBROOK

The lessons learned at SpringBrook provide a solid basis for continued growth and success. It is important, however, to plan the transition from SpringBrook to the child's community living environment. Aftercare planning begins when treatment begins. SpringBrook professionals work with families, the local school, youth serving agencies, and other health and mental health professionals to facilitate a successful return to the community.