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 monitored residential environment; facing complex psychiatric conditions; looking for academic coordination; want integrated 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 an outpatient-only or self-directed treatment approach; not willing to participate in group and individual clinical therapy; use Medicaid or Medicare and cannot self-pay.

What to expect

Developing your care plan

• Conditions treated: Mission Prep is designed to help teens with 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.
• Individual 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. Results help clinicians to adapt care plans to each client’s unique needs.
• Strengths-based approach: Treatment plans are created to reflect clients’ strengths, as well as the challenges they face.
• Family involvement: Families are kept engaged in the treatment planning process from the start. Loved ones are also kept informed throughout teens’ residential stay.

“Their treatment plan is getting reviewed once a week.” - Anand Mehta, LMFT, AMFM Executive Director (San Diego)

Who you will meet with

• Therapists: Teens are assigned a primary therapist, who works with them one-on-one twice a week. Licensed 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.
• 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

• Evidence-based approaches: A few of the proven 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).
• Academics: Monday through Friday, teens participate in academic instruction sessions. Teachers coordinate with school districts to make sure teens keep up with their local curriculum.
• Experiential activities: To complement evidence-based therapies, teens attend weekly mindfulness groups. Twice a month, equine therapy sessions are offered. Other methods include art and music therapy, yoga, gardening, and fitness.

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

Living experiences and amenities

• Upscale home environment: Teens stay in large, spacious houses in the San Diego area. Each has six beds. Rooms are usually shared between two roommates, though private rooms may sometimes be available. Homes have outdoor swimming pools and plenty of outdoor space for peers to socialize.
• Recreation: Group activities include horseback riding, surfing, movie nights, and go-karting.
• 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.

“What you're essentially getting is wraparound, holistic care.” - 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 13, 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.