Our Therapeutic Model
The Align therapeutic model is designed specifically for adolescent males navigating challenging emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges. We use a developmentally informed, evidence-based approach that treats the whole person—not just the symptoms.
By combining clinical rigor with consistent mentorship, family involvement, experiential learning, and 12 Step principles, we help young men build the skills, insight, and resilience needed for a meaningful life in recovery.
What Makes Our Therapeutic Model Different
Adolescents need more than talk therapy. They need structure. They need connection. They need adults who hold them accountable while meeting them with warmth and consistency. At Align, we provide:
Evidence-Based Clinical Care
- Weekly individual, group, and family therapy
- Modalities including CBT, DBT, EMDR, trauma-focused therapy, and ACT
- Full psychiatric support with in-house psychiatric providers
- Treatment plans tailored to each student’s evolving needs
Relational Engagement
Our direct care staff, therapists, teachers, and coaches form a consistent, high-accountability community that models healthy relationships. Students learn through experience how to build trust, take responsibility, and show up authentically.
Family Systems Integration
We believe the family is central to a teen’s long-term recovery. That’s why we involve families from day one through:
- Weekly family therapy (virtual)
- Intensive family weekends on campus
- Educational webinars, parent groups, and ongoing support
- A dedicated Parent Liaison fostering communication and guidance
Positive Peer Culture & Leadership Development
We cultivate a brotherhood based on accountability to self and others, connection, and service. Through a structured level-system student goals are broken into attainable steps that allow them to earn the trust of others, develop trust in their own decision making, build areas of competence, take on leadership roles, learn to care about the struggles of newer peers and welcome them into the community. They learn to lead from within while building autonomy and independence crucial to a successful life outside of treatment.
A Day in the Life: Therapeutic Immersion
Every moment at Align is therapeutic—from therapy sessions and academics to chores and recreation. The day is intentionally structured to support emotional regulation, executive functioning, and healthy habits.
Students participate in:
- Daily group check-ins and phase-based responsibilities
- DBT skills groups and recovery-focused workshops
- Team-based sports, horsemanship, fitness, and community service
- Scheduled free time and therapeutic recreation
- Off-campus adventure and volunteer outings
This immersive model allows therapeutic learning to become second nature—not just a session-based experience.
Experiential & Somatic Work
We integrate physical movement, hands-on learning, and nature into our treatment model. Activities like equine-facilitated psychotherapy, cold plunges, art therapy, service work, and international expeditions offer powerful emotional insight and regulation opportunities.
These experiences allow students to:
Learn emotional regulation in real-time
Build confidence and self-esteem
Find resilience in discomfort and challenge
Connect with purpose beyond self
12 Step Recovery
For young men struggling with substance use, our program offers immersion into 12 Step principles—empowering them to take ownership of their actions, make amends, and serve others. We host on-campus meetings and support peer mentorship and sponsorship where appropriate.
A Semester-Based, Phase-Driven Model
Our length of stay is flexible and based on clinical progress, typically 5–7 months. We use a semester-based framework combined with a structured phase system to help students:
- Build momentum in early stabilization
- Internalize new skills and coping tools
- Repair family dynamics and academic standing
- Practice leadership and prepare for transition
Who This Treatment Model Supports
Substance use or early-stage addiction
Designed by Experts. Built on Trust.
Our model is the result of over 20 years of work with adolescents and their families, originally developed through In Balance Academy and now evolved through Align. Our team includes licensed therapists, psychiatric providers, educators, equine professionals, and parent coaches—all deeply committed to your family’s long-term success.
Learn More About Our Therapeutic Philosophy
Explore how our Clinical Services, Family Programming, and Experiential Approach work together to support lasting healing. Or reach out directly—we’re here to listen.