The Academy Schools

The Academy Schools is a residential school and behavioral health program specifically designed to support adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It’s intended to help teenagers experiencing behavioral, emotional and substance use disorders (SUDs) and is a 360 degree solution with an academic component. The primary segment supported through this program focuses on individuals referred through the courts.

Whether or not you’re from the area, your teen may love recovering in Pittsburgh. It has plenty of recreational and cultural excursions to offer. Local parks like South Park and Round Hill Park are excellent for outdoor relaxation. Meanwhile, nearby cultural centers like museums are fantastic for healthy creative outlets.

Continuing Educational Support

Because most of the attendees at The Academy Schools are referred by the courts, and this is a residential program, residents here receive a fully accredited education to ensure they don’t fall behind Pennsylvania’s educational guidelines. Meanwhile, daily routines do include therapy, counseling and even addiction intervention if needed, so I like that students get both behavioral health care and academic studies.

Immersive and Trauma Informed Therapy

The Academy Schools prides itself on providing comprehensive counseling support whether residents are managing mental illness or addiction. Evidence based programs are used, with an individualized approach that’s catered to the specific needs of each resident. Relapse prevention is also a major component of treatment.

Because most residents are referred by the courts, the programs are trauma informed and take into account the sensitive needs of youth in the juvenile justice and social services systems.

A Comfortable Environment with Ample Amenities

While enrolled at The Academy Schools, pupils have access to recreational amenities like a gym, athletic fields, and even fitness programs. Older residents can also participate in career and technical education workshops, which I think is a great way to give teens a jumpstart in their careers.

The Academy Schools coordinates payment directly through referring agencies which can include the judicial system, child welfare agencies, and even district schools.