Boys respond to experiences differently than girls. They have different pathways to problem behaviors and often face different issues and challenges. Woodridge addresses the needs of the male gender group in ways that are responsive to those differences.

At Woodridge, we specialize in substance abuse treatment for adolescent males 14 to 18 years of age who need inpatient care. Our boys residential treatment program is highly structured, therapeutic, and predictable, providing a safe and nurturing environment for male adolescents who need an intensive level of substance abuse treatment.

The program is based on a positive behavior and support model as well as a modified therapeutic community model. Treatment addresses cognitive thinking errors, cognitive and behavioral change, social skills training, Balance and Restorative Justice principles and the principles of 12-Step recovery. The program is designed to provide an orderly and supportive treatment milieu that promotes success through the development of prosocial behaviors and adaptive living skills.

Upon admission, our clinical, medical, and educational teams will complete a comprehensive assessment process that will lay the foundation for each young man’s individualized treatment plan. The treatment plan is tailored and regularly modified to incorporate and address the special needs and strengths that the child and his family system possess. These include factors such as developmental strengths/needs, emotional strengths/needs, intellectual development, social and cultural factors, physical strengths/needs, and life domains pertinent to the young man and family.

Each child will have the opportunity to participate in gender-responsive clinical, and educational, and recreational programming along with a variety of other structured activities and services designed to foster growth and positive life changes.

Woodridge offers a safe environment in which clients learn and practice sober living skills while examining their issues and barriers that brought them to treatment. Our services are provided by a multi-disciplinary team consisting of certified addiction counselors, recreation therapist and nurses. Clients have 24-hour access to a unit physician.

Key treatment interventions include, but are not limited to, individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, social skills training, psychological/psychiatric support, and medical/psychotropic intervention. Emphasis is placed on developing a strong aftercare plan that includes relapse prevention strategies and follow-up care.