The Shepherd’s Hill Academy team is experienced in successfully treating teens with addiction issues and behavioral conditions.
Shepherd’s Hill Academy provides a safe environment for teens to learn and heal.
Our therapeutic boarding school offers a holistic solution to recovery where students can thrive in an unplugged environment, continue academic studies, and benefit from proven therapeutic support to achieve spiritual and emotional growth.
Our holistic approach is based on four concepts:
- Nature-based therapy immerses teens in an unplugged environment
- Academics challenge teens and keep them on track to graduation
- Residential year-round programs lead to lasting change
- Clinical Therapeutics include individual treatment plans, group therapy, and equine therapy
Integral to your child’s care, our highly-trained boys and girls residential teams, academic team, and fully-licensed therapeutic staff offer a unique blend of Christ-centered holistic and evidence-based practices.
We are here to answer your questions about our programs, their science, and how they can heal and transform your child. Please call (706) 703-4188.
What does therapy at Shepherd’s Hill Academy look like?
While our program is truly tailored to meet the individual needs of your child, there are components of our program that are applicable to all students enrolled at Shepherd's Hill. Besides our residential and academic programs, the nature-based, clinical therapeutic components include: individual therapy, group therapy, family for the adolescent counseling, and equine therapy.
Nature-Based Therapy
Troubled teens can benefit from a change of environment. Today’s toxic culture and digital overstimulation are challenging for anyone. For those teens suffering from addictions and behavioral issues, the harmful effects are compounded. It isn’t enough to just “get away” from negative influences; lost and troubled teens need to find “the way.”
Nature-based therapy safely guides teens back to the path of happiness and fulfillment. Shepherd’s Hill Academy offers a unique and effective approach to healing for troubled youth. The science of psychology and our experiences demonstrate the therapeutic value of nature. Spending significant time outdoors works wonders.
Free of the distractions of electronic devices, teens can focus their attention on evaluating the choices they have made and think through better alternatives for the future. Removing feelings of entitlement and destructive attitudes enhances cognitive development, constructive reasoning, and creative thinking.
Academics at the Accredited Academy
Although teens live in the rustic communities, they attend school in fully equipped modern classrooms that offer a superior learning environment. Teens not only get the psychological and social care they need; they also make academic progress in an environment that stimulates and motivates.
Shepherd’s Hill is privileged to be home to a fully accredited private academy. We have a track record of helping teens build self-esteem and self-discipline so they can achieve in school. Our certified teaching staff bring their in-depth subject knowledge to the classroom and provide individualized assistance and encouragement.
Smaller class sizes and the absence of public school pressures and distractions create a learning environment where teens flourish. Many of our students have graduated high school through Shepherd’s Hill Academy and others go on to other schools, fully equipped to succeed.
- Our graduate statistics give you an idea of the path teens take from here
- These student success stories give you perspectives on the learning experience
- Here are some frequently asked questions and answers
Year-Round Residential Therapy Program—Taking Time for Lasting Changes
Unlike short-term therapeutic programs, our residential programs are long enough and immersive enough to make a lasting impression for positive changes that stick.
Our fully licensed therapeutic team practices an evidence-based, holistic approach, mixing individual, group, and family sessions that are designed to discover root issues and foster true healing. Your teen is engaged in an environment that encourages self-reliance and contributing as a member of a team. There is no place for angry, defiant, selfish, entitled, manipulative, or destructive behavior.
- Learn more about the boys nature-based program and schedule
- Learn more about the girls nature-based program and schedule
- Learn how the sustainable development program promotes empathy and stewardship
- Learn about the equine relationship therapy that forges healthy connections
Over time, teens can grow, learn, and thrive. Programs are structured through the year so that teens to learn how to regulate emotions, use adaptive coping mechanisms, lead and take responsibility, stand accountable, and develop a solid work ethic. People skills like interacting with others and positive etiquette help them contribute to the team. Through it all, they come to hear the still-small voice of God and opening hearts to the tenants of a biblical worldview.
Still have questions?
Most people do. We understand the challenges you and your teen face are unique. We are here to answer your questions and talk through your options. Please call (706) 703-4188.
Integrating Family in Your Teen’s Healing
Shepherd’s Hill Academy believes that healing is possible and that the family plays an important role in this process. Because of this, Shepherd’s Hill hosts two Parent Conference weekends per year (one of these events also includes siblings). During the conferences, parents have the opportunity to participate in activities like support groups, dinners, home covenants, and learning sessions with their child and develop an aftercare plan.
Shepherd’s Hill Academy also offers twice-monthly family sessions starting at the 2nd month of your teen’s enrollment. These sessions are through Telemental Health. This is a HIPAA secure link for teleconferencing and is available to parents who cannot attend live family sessions for the adolescent.
Parents are also provided with monthly workshops, student phone calls, and monthly progress reports.
“The discipline, the responsibility, the spiritual guidance, and the schooling were exactly on target. SHA ministered to the entire family. Their program is unique – just like our situation was – but I can truthfully say their intervention in the life of my grandson helped him become a young man to be proud of. Would we do it again – without question.”
