Mingus Mountain Estates - Mingus Mountain Academy

A Trauma-Responsive Culture Of Care For Adolescent Girls

Mingus Mountain Estates – Mingus Mountain Academy provides inpatient residential treatment for girls ages 12–17 who may be coping with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, often alongside complex trauma. The program is built around the Sanctuary Model, which emphasizes shared values, emotional safety, and consistency across daily life. For behavior support and crisis moments, the academy uses Ukeru (Comfort vs. Control), a trauma-informed approach centered on de-escalation and reducing the risks of re-traumatization.

Integrated Treatment For Substance Use And Complex Mental Health Needs

Clinical services include individual, group, and family therapy delivered by masters-level therapists trained in trauma-focused approaches. Evidence-based modalities include trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), along with motivational interviewing, anger management, relapse prevention, and substance use disorder counseling. The Seven Challenges model is also used to help adolescents work through alcohol or drug use disorders in a developmentally appropriate way.

Specialty Support For Sexual Exploitation And Trafficking-Related Trauma

For clients impacted by sexual exploitation or trafficking, the program offers targeted curriculum and support focused on risk factors, coercion, unhealthy relationships, and recovery from trafficking-related trauma. This specialty programming is designed to address the specific experiences that can shape safety, trust, and coping skills, while continuing the broader treatment plan for mental health and substance use.

On-Campus Medical And Psychiatric Services With Year-Round Education

The academy offers 24-hour nursing on site, with a nurse practitioner meeting with clients within 24 hours of admission for a complete physical assessment. Psychiatric services are provided by psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, with medical oversight by a licensed and board-certified physician. Education is fully integrated into the residential schedule with a year-round school program offering middle and high school coursework, exceptional student services, GED pathways, and college preparation, including options for earning high school and college credit.

A Structured Campus Experience With Skill-Building And Step-Down Options

Daily life is designed to reinforce routine, social skills, and healthy recreation. Clients have access to indoor and outdoor recreation spaces, including a gymnasium, outdoor court, and campus nature access, alongside equine therapy with a certified team. The program also includes practical skill-building opportunities such as culinary training with the option to earn safe-serve certification, leadership development through a client-run club, and supervised community activities. For step-down care, therapeutic group homes in the Prescott Valley area provide a less restrictive setting where clients can practice skills while continuing treatment and education, supported by discharge planning, aftercare, and follow-up after discharge.