A Specialized Program for Teens Requiring a Higher Level of Support
The Ridge was created to address the needs of adolescents requiring a focus on therapy, increased structure, a higher level of supervision, and fewer distractions. Upon admission, our teens and adolescents begin our specialized therapies and treatment activities.
In addition to providing an intensive level of support to our teens, The Ridge is intended to immerse our adolescents in a healthy and positive lifestyle, and provide them with an opportunity to work through their unique difficulties, eventually leading them to independence.
Who Is a Good Fit for The Ridge?
The Ridge benefits adolescents and teens requiring increased support, structure, and therapy. The Ridge is a mental health residential program involving high levels of supervision and very few distractions. The program prioritizes therapeutic support and provides a caring environment for teens and adolescents who need more intensive care than they would receive at home or school.
The Ridge Facility
The Ridge occupies one of our three campus dorms. There are 3 individuals per bedroom, with 2 bedrooms sharing a common bathroom featuring 2 stalls and 3 showers. Additionally, there is a dedicated dining space, and a multipurpose room used for psychiatry, therapy, and nursing, along with a secured space for medication storage.
Ridge Programming
Programming at The Ridge is intended to stabilize, assess, and prepare our teens for a happier and more productive life outside of the program.
Programming at The Ridge strongly promotes a healthy lifestyle including but not limited to physical activity, exposure to nature, a balanced diet, community contributions, and accountability.
Outdoor experiential activities are a focal point, as well as structured instructor-led sessions in yoga, music, art, and other experiential modalities. With the intention of providing more structure and less “free time,” there will be more outdoor programming utilizing the Shortridge trail network for hiking, biking, and snowshoeing, as well as the “Base Camp” location featuring other engaging experiential initiatives.
Supervision
The Ridge program staff supervision ratio is 1 staff member for every 4 adolescents, morning through evening, and 1 awake staff member for every 12 adolescents overnight.
Medical Attention
The Ridge features a designated space for use by the medical team. Medications and other supplies are stored and secured on the premises. An attending psychiatrist performs an initial intake assessment within 24 hours of enrollment at The Ridge, then provides weekly check-ins thereafter.
Vitals are taken daily by the RN while nurse check-ins occur 3x per week. An RN is also on call 24×7. The nursing team contributes to daily process groups on relevant topics such as self-care, hygiene, sleeping habits, diet, exercise, sexual education, etc.
Clinical Work
Therapy at The Ridge is intensive and includes three individual therapy sessions and one family therapy session per week. Three hours of evidence-based process group work occurs daily. Our teens and their families work closely with our therapists and clinical director to work through the issues they currently face – individually and as a family unit.
Access to Technology
During the program, our teens have minimal access to technology while they adjust to a new environment and program expectations. While developing a healthy relationship with technology is considered critical to their development, The Ridge focuses primarily on the therapeutic support of our teens and adolescents, while assessing how best to help them progress toward their goals.
Therefore, our teens and adolescents initially have access only to technology that is not connected to the internet. Gradually increased exposure to technology is provided as they progress so that any presenting technology-related issues can be identified and addressed prior to completion of the program.
Find Out How The Ridge Can Help Your Family Today
The Ridge is an excellent resource for families who require a high level of support for their teen or adolescent. Our proven treatment modalities can provide invaluable support to your child. Give us a call today if you have any questions about The Ridge program, as well as, Shortridge Academy.