It is our experience that a minimum of 14 months is required to create lasting change in the teens we work with and in the family as a whole. The exact length of the program can vary depending on the student's willingness and acceptance to work through the various phases of his individual program. The typical student will graduate from Bridges Academy within 14-16 months, although some students may need additional time to achieve their program goals.

Bridges Academy uses an insight-oriented approach. As the students develop insight into themselves and their relationships, they feel empowered to take effective control of their lives and futures. We want students to understand that the tools they acquire will help them throughout their lives, not just at Bridges Academy. (More)

During the initial phase of the program, a student's behavior and actions are closely observed and based on this information an insight–oriented plan for success is implemented. Our experienced therapists, mentors and teachers monitor each student's progress on a weekly basis and a monthly report is sent home, which measures the student's progress. Click here to view a sample T.R.A.I.L. Report.

Students are given consequences for disrespectful behaviors and/or actions that do not uphold the values of the community. Consequences are given in a timely fashion, suited to the action and dealt with creatively. A typical consequence might be the assignment of work hours dedicated toward campus projects or a writing assignment focused on processing and learning from their choices.

Student is brought back to Bridges and a status change in the community is considered. The staff, family therapist, and parents discuss the program to see if it is the right fit for the student. A Wilderness Program could be suggested.

Family involvement is an important part of the emotional growth process that leads to the reunification of families. Because of this, we stress the importance of family and provide a strong family support system. It is our goal to not only help the student through his issues, but repair the family dynamic as a whole.  (More)

One of the main reasons a student enrolls in Bridges Academy is to regain focus on himself and to maintain this focus. For this reason, parents are discouraged from visiting their child for a minimum of 2-3 months from the time of enrollment. Once a student reaches the second phase of his program, parents are encouraged to visit every other month, the first two being workshop weekends. Home visits occur when the student reaches the fourth phase of his program, typically 7-9 months after enrolling.

As an independent, residential boarding school with students representing diverse religious backgrounds, it is simply not feasible to engage in practices revolving around religion or spirituality. However, part of our philosophy is the idea that besides the intellectual and emotional aspects of human life, there is an important spiritual component, and students are encouraged to explore this side of themselves. We also regularly explore themes and model virtues and principals common to all religions, such as loving one's family, honesty, service to others, The Golden Rule, etc. Students in Addiction Studies are encouraged to rely on the help of a higher power.