At Summit Achievement, we are intentional about every aspect of our program design—from how we spend time outdoors to how we build relationships, structure community life, and support each young person’s growth. One of the most common questions we receive is: Why is Summit an all-gender program? The answer reflects our commitment to real-world preparation, […]
When a child enters treatment—whether for emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges—it impacts the entire family system. Parents often feel stretched thin, juggling worry, logistics, hope, and tough conversations. In the midst of it all, siblings may quietly carry their own confusion, fear, sadness, or even guilt. They might feel left out, or worse, responsible. […]
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 […]
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 […]
Let’s face it, parenting has never been easy—but in today’s world, it can feel more overwhelming than ever. The pressures of social media, academic demands, shifting cultural expectations, and rising mental health concerns have created a parenting landscape that is both unfamiliar and intense. Parenting a child who struggles with mental health challenges is deeply […]
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 […]