All adolescents long to be feel like valued members of families and communities, to be competent, and to look forward to a future of opportunity. Residential treatment is most appropriate for young people whose lives have gotten out of control, and who need more intensive services to help them address and prevent risk behaviors, and improve physical and emotional health. Chestnut Health Systems' Maryville facility offers a predictable and secure environment, characterized by physical and emotional safety, manageable and predictable routines, and consistent support.

Our residential treatment program for youth opened in Maryville in 1990, and is accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. We offer gender-specific treatment, encourage family involvement and incorporate many other program features.

GENDER SPECIFIC TREATMENT
The Chestnut program is focused on comprehensive, gender-specific treatment, which includes group and individual counseling, skill building interventions, self-help groups, and recreational therapy. With the support of staff and a positive peer culture, youth learn to depend on trustworthy relationships, and to develop insight and acceptance of the tasks of recovery. The program's daily structure provides multiple opportunities for residents to practice newly-learned skills such as stress and anger management, goal-setting, healthy communication and conflict resolution, and recreational alternatives to substance use.

• Gender specific programming provides young men and young women in residential treatment an opportunity to explore their deepest and most problematic issues in an atmosphere conducive to taking those risks appropriate to achieving a successful adjustment.
• Within a safe and supportive recovery environment, youth engage in group-based programs designed to help them develop self-care skills and core competencies, while safeguarding their vulnerability to traumatic exploitation.
• Both young men and young women benefit from sensitive treatment of the developmental crises they face, with therapeutic support for addressing issues of victimization, physical and sexual abuse, eating disorders, aggression, and depression.

Within the family system, a problem experienced by one member affects all members. Parents and siblings may benefit from help and support with their issues, and may be struggling with active substance abuse, emotional problems, and the consequences of abuse and trauma in their lives. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to engage in the recovery process, and to participate in counseling and education sessions aimed at ensuring that a youth in residential treatment will benefit from an on-going support system after completing our program. Families also benefit from having the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with other families in similar situations.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAM FEATURES

• Chestnut's Maryville facility has a full-size gymnasium, group rooms, dining facility and clinic. In cooperation with the Regional Office of Education, the facility hosts an accredited school program for residents.
• The school program provides a full day of gender-specific instruction, computer-based learning, school social work, and linkage with home districts.
• The Chestnut treatment team includes a child and adolescent psychiatrist, a nurse, a recreational therapist, clinicians and clinical supervisors, and mental health clinicians.
• Youth earn increasing privileges as they assume greater responsibility for taking the steps required for long-term recovery from substance abuse. They may participate in team-building sports, outings, and cultural field trips.

After residential treatment, the Chestnut treatment team will arrange a comprehensive continuing care program following successful discharge. This plan may include involvement in a Chestnut outpatient group or a group in the young person's home community. The plan will also include recommendations and contacts for community support groups and referral to assistance programs within schools when appropriate.