Admissions

Why Outcome Data Matters

When faced with mental health challenges, parents, guardians, and referring professionals often turn to residential treatment programs for help. Summit Achievement, a licensed residential treatment center and an accredited school, offers intensive support in a structured, therapeutic environment — but how can families and referral partners know if Summit Achievement is truly effective? The answer […]

Understanding the Drama Triangle and Empowerment Triangle in Family Systems: A Focus on Adolescents

Adolescence is a time of significant change, marked by emotional, psychological, and social development. For many adolescents, navigating this phase of life within the context of family dynamics can be complicated. The family, as a primary support system, can either be a source of empowerment or a source of conflict. One model that helps understand […]

The Parallel Process and the Summit Parenting Program

Here at Summit Achievement, we believe that a strong family component is an integral part of the treatment process and plays a significant role in the success of the child after leaving Summit Achievement.  We partnered with renowned author and parent coach Krissy Pozatek, MSW to design our innovative Summit Achievement Parallel Process Curriculum.  Just […]

The Importance of Direct Care Staff— Guides—In Residential Treatment for Adolescents

When providing effective care and support for adolescents in residential treatment settings, one of the most vital roles is that of the direct care staff, who we refer to as “guides.” These folks are often the unsung heroes in adolescent treatment programs, and their impact on the therapeutic process cannot be overstated. Their role goes […]

Summit Achievement’s Continuum of Care

The Summit Achievement Continuum of Care Model works with adolescents ages 13-20,  dealing with mental and behavioural health challenges, substance use and experiencing difficulty within their family, school, and/or personal lives.  The  focus is on long-term success and lasting change by integrating diverse elements of care in a residential treatment setting that include adventure expeditions, […]

Summit Achievement Knows How to Do Winter! Expos & Safety during Winter in Maine

Winter expeditions (we call them expos!), including camping and hiking in Maine, are a unique and magical experience. The snow-blanketed wilderness, crisp air, and serene landscapes offer an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature, build resilience, and overcome a variety of mental health challenges. Expo skills and tools learned year-round are not based on primitive […]

A Closer Look at Summit’s Parent Program

Summit Achievement’s Parent Program Parenting is an ongoing journey filled with challenges, triumphs, and everything in between. When a child faces difficulties, whether academically, socially, or emotionally, it can be overwhelming for both the child and their caregivers. This overwhelm has often reached a crescendo when a young person enrolls in a therapeutic program. Parents […]

What does Summit Achievement’s “Hybrid Model” look like?

The benefits of Summit’s hybrid approach Summit Achievement was one of the first residential treatment programs to use a hybrid model. Since the program first opened in 1996, Summit Achievement has been a “hybrid” adventure therapy program, as well as one of the premier residential treatment programs for teenagers with depression, anxiety, and other mental […]

How to help a teenager struggling with anxiety

Navigating the Storm: A Guide for Parents with Teenagers Struggling with Anxiety Parenting a teenager can be a challenging journey, filled with highs and lows. When your teenager is grappling with anxiety, it adds an extra layer of complexity to the already intricate tapestry of adolescence. As a parent, it’s crucial to provide the support […]