Newport Academy - Novato

Care Adapted for Each Teen

Residential treatment includes 24/7 support from clinical staff, who guide teens through a full daily schedule of therapy and skills practice. Each teen receives an individualized plan informed by psychiatric assessment, medication management when appropriate, and consistent individual and group therapy. Evidence-based therapies are woven into daily activities rather than reserved for occasional sessions. This creates frequent opportunities for teens to explore emotional patterns and practice new coping strategies.

Daily Academics and Life Skills

Accredited academics are built into the daily schedule, with dedicated time for schoolwork each morning and afternoon. Teens receive one-on-one tutoring, small class support, and individualized academic plans aligned with their home school’s requirements. This structure helps maintain continuity in coursework while also strengthening executive-functioning skills like organization and time management. Life-skills sessions — such as technology management, communication practice, and personal responsibility — are integrated into the weekly schedule.

Family Therapy and Parent Support Groups

Parents and caregivers meet regularly with clinicians trained in Attachment-Based Family Therapy to address communication patterns, rebuild trust, and practice tools that support calmer interactions at home. Multi-family support groups offer space to learn from other parents facing similar challenges, while parent-only sessions help caregivers explore their own stress and responses. Throughout treatment, the team collaborates with families on expectations, boundaries, and routines so teens can return to a home environment that reinforces the progress made in residential care.

Fun Activities for Emotional Regulation and Confidence

Teens participate in Adventure Therapy activities such as hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, which provide practice with teamwork and perseverance. Creative studios on campus host art and music therapy, giving teens accessible ways to express feelings that may be difficult to put into words. Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness sessions are offered to build grounding skills, while fitness areas and gardening activities support healthy routines.

Aftercare and Transition Planning

Before discharge, the residential team collaborates with families to create an individualized aftercare plan that may include step-down care, outpatient therapy, school re-entry support, and continued skill-building. Academic liaisons coordinate with home schools to ensure credit continuity and a clear reintegration pathway.