Residential Mental Health Education Program: A Unique Approach
When a youth’s mental health needs become a barrier to their education, their education needs to adjust. Camino a Casa’s Residential Mental Health Education Program offers a unique solution for youth ages 12-17, helping them overcome emotional, mental health, and behavioral challenges while continuing their education.
A unique residential non-public school for youth ages 12-17, Camino a Casa’s Residential Education Program aims to help youth who struggle with emotional, mental health and behavioral challenges develop self-confidence and problem-solving skills while ensuring meaningful access to their education. Its trauma-informed approach helps staff create caring and responsive relationships with students.
“Our goal is to provide youth with the treatment and support they need to develop self-confidence and personal resilience so they can meaningfully engage in their educational opportunities in their home communities,” says Theresa Plante, Ed.D., Regional Director of Ventura Services, who oversees the program.
She explains that many teens come from an environment where they aren’t motivated and do not always see themselves as learners.
The Education Program is part of an overall highly supportive, intensive residential program providing a comprehensive array of services including specialized academic instruction at Casa Pacifica’s Non-Public School, social work services, family and individual therapy and recreation and expressive arts therapy. Teachers work closely with the youth’s treatment teams and parents to build positive relationships and help the youth learn co- and self-regulation skills.
Theresa Plante, Ed.D., Regional Director of Ventura Services
A school day at Camino a Casa may outwardly resemble the typical six hours of classes, but the difference lies in its focus beyond the books. Through an emphasis on the relationship model of care, the education staff works to get to the root causes of the mental health challenges and provide a corrective emotional experience.
“A significant part of our success is related to the integration of each teen’s academic and treatment program,” Dr. Plante says. “Teachers and therapists participate jointly and collaboratively in case conferences and in IEPs. The integration of the treatment program and educational program allows for constant and consistent efforts to help our kids and their families meet their emotional, mental health and behavioral goals to return to the home community.”
The program’s flexibility, specialized staff, and emphasis on trauma-informed care has been a saving grace for many parents.
“I’m grateful to the entire Camino a Casa team for all the great work they did with my son. He is back home and a completely different kid from when he left, for the better,” says Jamie (name changed for privacy). Her 17-year-old son, who was initially reluctant to participate in therapy and clashed with staff, is now excited to finish his education and become a computer coder.
According to Plante, the majority of youth referred to the Residential Education program see a significant reduction in the mental health and behavioral symptoms that prevented them from attending school in their home communities.
If you have questions or think your child may need mental health support while also maintaining their educational goals, please contact our Admissions team at 805-366-4000 or visit our website at www.caminoacasa.org
About Camino a Casa
Casa Pacifica is the largest non-profit provider of children’s and adolescent mental health services in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. The agency’s Camino a Casa program, available to clients with private insurance, provides behavioral health care to youth ages 12-17 who struggle with emotional dysregulation and high-risk behaviors that jeopardize their safety at home, school and/or community.
Intensive short-term residential treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient and in-home behavioral health services comprise Camino a Casa’s full continuum of adolescent mental health care.
Camino a Casa specializes in mental health treatment for youth ages 12-18 including residential treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient and in-home behavioral services. Contact us today at 805-366-4000 to learn more about our therapeutic programs specifically for adolescents.
Learn more at www.caminoacasa.org
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800-366-4000
