Mission Prep Teen Treatment

Who is this facility a good fit for?

• Best fit if: Teens ages 12-17 who need intensive mental health treatment in a 24/7 residential environment; facing complex psychiatric conditions; looking for academic support; want frequent family therapy; prefer a small-group, home-like setting; have private insurance or can self-pay (payment assistance and a sliding fee scale may be available).

• Not a fit if: Those who need acute, hospital-level care; looking for a substance-use-only program without a strong mental health focus; require outpatient-only or self-directed treatment; not willing to participate in group and individual therapy; use Medicaid or Medicare and cannot self-pay.

What to expect

Developing your care plan

• Specific mental health conditions: Mission Prep is designed to help teens address a wide range of mental health disorders. These include anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, trauma, self-harm, suicidality, academic and social concerns, and technology addiction.
• Detailed assessments: At the start of treatment, clinicians sit down with clients to assess their history of mental health, family situations, strengths, interests, behavioral patterns, and academic concerns.
• Highlighting strengths: Clinicians adapt care plans to each client’s unique needs. Treatment plans are created to reflect clients’ strengths, as well as the challenges they face.
• Whole-family focus: Families are kept engaged in the treatment planning process from the start. Loved ones are also kept informed throughout teens’ residential stay.

“Our clinicians try to meet each client where they're at, and hopefully the amount of services we offer, the variety, resonates with each client individually.” - Anand Mehta, LMFT, AMFM Executive Director (San Diego)

Who you will meet with

• Licensed therapists: Teens are assigned a primary therapist, who works with them one-on-one twice a week. Therapists also lead frequent group sessions, as well as experiential therapies.
• Psychiatrists: Prescribe and manage mental health medications, when appropriate, and oversee the progression of treatment.
• Nurses and doctors: Nurses are available 24/7 to see to teens’ health. Doctors are also on-staff to meet with clients when needed.
• Clinical mentors: Facilitate two sessions a week with teens to guide them through their care plans and see to their needs.
• Master’s-level teachers: Lead academic sessions and provide tutoring and educational support.

Typical schedule

• Time-tested therapies: A few of the evidence-based methods used include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and trauma-focused eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
• Weekday schoolwork: Monday through Friday, teens participate in academic instruction sessions, held in dedicated study areas and a computer lab. Teachers coordinate with school districts to make sure schoolwork aligns with teens’ local curriculum.
• Holistic and experiential complements: Along with evidence-based therapies, teens attend weekly mindfulness groups. Twice a month, equine therapy sessions are offered. Along with art therapy, teens can enjoy a music-based Rock to Recovery program.

“Everything from sunup to sundown is very, very intentional.” - Anand Mehta, LMFT, AMFM Executive Director (San Diego)

Living experiences and amenities

• Comfortable residences: Teens stay in spacious houses with six beds each. Rooms are usually shared with one roommate, though private rooms may be available. Homes have outdoor swimming pools and lots of space for reflection and socializing.
• Inclusivity: Gender-specific and gender-inclusive housing is available, providing a safe space for LGBTQIA+ teens.
• Fitness and recreation: Group activities include beach visits, skateboarding, surfing, gardening, movie nights, and go-karting. Teens can use the on-site gym daily to keep up with physical fitness.
• Meals and snacks: Personal chefs prepare healthy meals for teens. These can be adapted to dietary needs, such as gluten-free, vegan, or diabetic. Teens eat meals together at designated times, and snacks are available throughout the day.
• Flexible tech policy: The facility allows teens to bring their personal smartphones and laptops to treatment. The use of these devices is supervised by staff.

Aftercare

• Step-down care: Once teens complete residential treatment, they can step down to partial hospitalization (PHP) or an intensive outpatient program (IOP) within the same network. A virtual IOP for teens is offered for those who need outpatient care from home.
• Community referrals: Before treatment ends, case managers can refer teens and families to outside resources such as ongoing therapy, psychiatry, and support groups.

“A lot of our goals and treatment plans and outcomes are based on [clients’] interaction with each other, interaction with the community.” - Anand Mehta, LMFT, AMFM Executive Director (San Diego)

Pre-Admissions Experience

We conducted a series of pre-admissions calls, the most recent on May 20, 2026, to evaluate response time, transparency, and patient experience.

When we reached out to Mission Prep Teen Treatment Center, the admissions team was prompt and patient. They walked us through clinical staff and academic integration. The conversation felt warm and supportive, with clear explanations around cost and program approaches.

Facility Transparency

• Verified by Start Your Recovery: On June 14, 2026, our research team conducted a comprehensive review of this facility's advertising claims, registrations from public health departments, national accrediting bodies, and SAMHSA.

• Pre-Admissions Experience Evaluation: Most recent call conducted on May 20, 2026.