Adolescent Residential Behavioral Health Treatment (Ages 14-17)

When emotional and behavioral concerns interfere with learning, relationships or daily routines, adolescent residential treatment offers a supportive path to recovery.

Why Choose Us for Adolescent Residential Behavioral Health Treatment

San Marcos Treatment Center provides residential behavioral health care for adolescents ages 14 to 17 who need a higher level of support.

Residential treatment at San Marcos surrounds teens with the structure, consistency and care they need to make steady, sustainable progress. Each aspect of our program helps them feel supported so they can achieve their mental health goals.

Highlights of our teen mental health residential program include:

Tranquil setting: Our 65-acre campus is surrounded by nature, open fields, trails and outdoor spaces for reflection and recreation. The warm community environment helps treatment feel less intimidating and more restorative.
History of excellence: For more than 75 years, San Marcos has provided steady, compassionate care for teens. Many staff members have spent much of their careers here, creating the kind of stability that helps young people feel understood and supported. That same consistency shows in our outcomes, with ongoing assessments confirming meaningful improvement during and after treatment. Learn more about us.
Therapeutic activities: Recreation therapy is part of everyday life, giving teens space to practice coping skills in real-world ways. Through art, music, yoga and ropes courses, they learn to manage emotions and work with others in healthy ways. Get more information about therapeutic activities.
Family involvement: Family plays an active role in treatment. Parents often participate in weekly therapy sessions via videoconference to strengthen communication and rebuild relationships. Daily calls with your child and regular in-person visits support progress between sessions, so you all remain connected.

Residential Mental Health Care for Teens With Complex Concerns

Some adolescents need extra time and understanding to rebuild emotional balance. At San Marcos, focused treatment and steady encouragement help these teens begin making progress.

Our treatment includes specialized support for:

Military dependents: Frequent relocations, deployments and family transitions can take a toll on a teen’s emotional well-being. Staff understand these unique stressors and provide stability, helping teens rebuild confidence and a sense of belonging. Find out more about our program for military dependents.
Developmental delays: Many teens with developmental delays need added structure, repetition and calm guidance to make progress. Staff create predictable routines and adapt activities so each success builds toward greater independence.
Treatment-resistant cases: Some adolescents come to San Marcos after other programs haven’t helped. Here, consistent care and patient coaching give them the space to learn new ways of coping and help them reconnect with daily life.

What to Expect During Treatment

A robust schedule keeps your teen engaged from morning to night.

Residential mental health care for teens at San Marcos typically includes:

Education: Every day, teens receive schooling through Ki Charter. We organize lessons around your child’s grade level and learning style. Our focused approach helps teens catch up academically and stay ready for their next step after treatment.
Vocational training: Teens build responsibility and job readiness through campus jobs and Career and Technology Education They might earn a food-handling certification, assist in the general store or participate in other roles that teach practical life skills.
Therapeutic activities: Recreation therapy sessions take place throughout the day and include movement, teamwork and creative expression. Teens may also take part in art, yoga, ropes courses, sports or outdoor activities.
Treatment sessions: During school, your child may step out briefly for check-ins or specialized services, such as speech or occupational therapy. We are mindful of scheduling these sessions to minimize interruptions to learning. We also take extra steps to help your child smoothly transition back to class afterward.
Group therapy: After school, your child meets with other participants to talk through challenges and learn from shared experiences. We focus on communication, emotional awareness, healthy coping and learning how to make more responsible choices.
Evening routines: Evenings give your child time to unwind and prepare for the next day. Reflection, journaling and mindfulness activities help them settle their thoughts, followed by structured routines, such as hygiene and quiet time.