When the clocks turn back, and daylight becomes scarce, something shifts—not just in the sky, but inside us. The world feels quieter, slower, darker. And while it’s tempting to retreat to warm corners indoors, winter offers something uniquely powerful—especially if we’re willing to step outside, even when it’s cold, even when it’s dark. At Summit […]
As the air turns crisp and snow blankets the White Mountains, Summit Achievement shifts into one of our favorite seasons: winter. For many, adventure therapy might seem best suited for sunny skies and warm days—but at Summit, we believe that meaningful growth happens year-round, no matter the temperature. Why We Embrace Winter Adventures Adventure therapy […]
As the holiday season approaches, many of us envision joyful gatherings, festive meals, and time spent with loved ones. But for families whose teen is in treatment or struggling with mental health challenges, this season can feel very different. The contrast between what’s “supposed” to be a time of celebration and the reality of worry, […]
When you become a parent, you naturally begin to imagine the life your child will lead—the milestones, achievements, and memories that will shape their story. You picture a path that feels familiar: school successes, close friendships, college visits, and a bright, steady future. But sometimes, that path changes. Mental health struggles, anxiety, depression, or substance […]
For many parents, discovering that their teen is experimenting with alcohol, cannabis, or other substances can feel like the ground has shifted. It’s natural to worry about where this might lead—Is my child addicted? Did I miss something? How do I respond? For many teens, substance use rarely exists on its own. It often occurs […]
Parenting teenagers often feels like a tug-of-war: one moment, your child is declaring their independence with a slammed bedroom door, and the next, they’re asking for a ride, money, or help with homework. The paradox is summed up perfectly in Anthony E. Wolf’s book Get Out of My Life, But First Could You Drive Me […]
Christina Buttons, Speaking Out to Help Change the Narrative about Teen Residential Treatment Christina Buttons is an investigative reporter at the Manhattan Institute. Her work focuses on a range of social issues, including youth mental health treatment. Her data driven reporting offers a well researched counter to the oft reported “negative narratives” about residential treatment. […]
Trust: The Hardest and Most Important Work When Your Child Is in Residential Treatment When your child is in residential treatment for mental health challenges, the concept of trust can feel complicated, fragile, and sometimes, painfully out of reach. You may trust the therapists and staff, but feel unsure about your child’s honesty. You may […]
For many parents, school refusal can feel like a baffling and frustrating challenge. One morning, your teen simply can’t—or won’t—get out the door. What starts as a day or two of missed classes can quickly snowball into weeks of missed learning, mounting anxiety, and concern for their future. At Summit Achievement, we’ve worked with many […]
As a professional or fellow parent with a struggling teenager, the question comes up often – “how do I help my teen find their motivation?” Parenting a teenager—especially one who’s struggling—often feels like walking a tightrope. You want to guide them, encourage them, and sometimes even pull them forward when they seem stuck. But when […]