Sierra Sage Treatment Center

Located in Minden, Nevada, Sierra Sage Treatment Center is a CARF-accredited treatment facility. They offer a residential treatment program for young women and gender-diverse young adults ages 14 to 17 who are struggling with complex behavioral health issues. They are operated by Rite of Passage and are known for their highly structured treatment model. Their services are geared toward helping adolescents who have been through significant trauma, abuse, substance use, and co-occurring mental health issues. The length of stay here typically lasts between six and nine months.

I like that this center is located in a serene and rural part of Nevada because it offers younger people a safe environment away from harmful influences, which can be rare to find in rural areas. The facility has the vibe of a therapeutic boarding school rather than a clinical institution. They also help with things like suicidal ideation and other self-harming behaviors.

Therapeutic Modalities

Their program utilizes therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, equine-assisted therapy, group therapy, individual therapy and family therapy. Equine-assisted therapy stands out to me because it utilizes nature and horses in order to help build trust and emotional regulation. They also offer psychodynamic and experiential therapies as well as reunification support for your family.

Academic and Life-Skills Development

Something else I noticed that they offer is life and academic skill building. It's good that education is fully integrated into the treatment through a licensed on-campus school, which allows students to continue earning credits during the program.

In addition to academics, they focus on other areas of life preparation. These include emotional intelligence, vocational training, independent living preparation, peer relationships and conflict resolution. They also offer recreational and therapeutic activities like art and music therapy.