McDowell Center

Focused Residential Care for Adolescent Boys

McDowell Center provides residential treatment for boys ages 12 to 17 who are navigating mental health, behavioral, or co-occurring substance use disorders. The program offers a secure, consistent environment where residents receive 24-hour care. Through individual, group, and family therapy, the program emphasizes emotional regulation, decision-making, and healthy communication skills that support long-term personal growth and recovery.

Specialized Treatment Tracks

The center offers three tailored tracks. The Mental Health Track addresses depression, anxiety, trauma, and mood disorders. The Dual Diagnosis Track combines mental health and substance use treatment through education, relapse prevention, and 12-step support. The SOAR Program serves youth with both mental health needs and an intellectual disability, offering smaller classrooms, structured routines, and staff trained in developmental care.

Integrated Education and Life Skills

McDowell Center operates as a licensed 6th–12th grade school where academics are fully integrated into treatment. Small class sizes allow teachers to individualize learning plans that align with each student’s academic history and future goals. Beyond coursework, the program builds practical life skills, such as organization, communication, and vocational readiness, so residents can return to school and home environments with greater confidence and independence.

Outpatient and Continuing Support

For teens living at home, the center provides partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP). These structured options include therapy, behavioral support, and medication management several days per week. Following discharge, continuing care and peer groups help youth sustain progress and reconnect with family and community. The Dyersburg location includes outdoor spaces and a gym, offering a restorative environment that encourages healthy routines and connection.

Client Reviews

Families describe McDowell Center for Children as a structured, supportive place where caring staff help kids build stability and lasting change. Most reviewers share positive stories of progress and gratitude, with a few noting concerns about communication or facility structure.

• Staff & Care Experience (80% positive): Parents consistently highlight staff compassion and dedication, often naming nurses and therapists who made a lasting impact. Families describe feeling heard, supported, and informed throughout treatment. "All the staff have been wonderful and caring—they truly changed my son’s life."
• Treatment Quality & Outcomes (75% positive): Many families report strong improvements in children’s behavior and emotional health, crediting individualized therapy and medication management. Some mention life-changing progress, while a few former clients felt the environment was overly restrictive. "My son came out saying he’s changed and doesn’t want to go back to his old ways."
• Family Involvement & Communication: Reviewers appreciate regular updates and family inclusion in the process. Parents say staff were patient and open about care plans, helping them stay engaged after discharge.
• Facility & Environment: Several families describe the center as clean and organized with a smaller client load that allows for more personal attention.
• Access & Process: Admissions and discharge experiences were generally smooth, with nurses easing parent anxiety during intake. However, a few families reported issues retrieving belongings or navigating follow-up steps.