Teen Residential Treatment in California
At Paradigm Treatment, we provide compassionate, residential care for teens and young adults who need more support than outpatient services can offer. Located in peaceful, private settings in Malibu, CA, and San Rafael, CA, our programs create a safe and nurturing environment where adolescents struggling with mental health challenges can stabilize, heal, and thrive.
With comprehensive clinical assessments, around-the-clock support, and a strong focus on emotional growth and life skills, Paradigm helps teens develop the resilience they need to navigate life with greater confidence and clarity. Our goal is to not only support them through immediate struggles, but to empower long-term wellness and independence—well beyond their time in treatment.
Why Families Trust Us With Their Teens
Choosing a residential treatment center for your teen can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to face it alone. At Paradigm Treatment, we provide intensive clinical care in a supportive, structured environment that combines therapeutic expertise, experiential programming, and family involvement. Our team is here to walk alongside you, offering guidance and reassurance as your teen begins building the foundation for lasting healing and resilience.
Unmatched Clinical Intensity
Our program delivers four individual therapy sessions weekly alongside daily group therapy, family work, and psychiatric care—an unparalleled level of clinical attention in residential treatment.
Comprehensive Care Model
We integrate evidence-based therapies with experiential modalities to create a complete healing experience addressing all aspects of recovery: cognitive, emotional, and physical.
Individualized Care Plans
Each teen receives a personalized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. We build upon each client’s existing talents and interests rather than focusing on deficits
Safe, Supportive Environment
Treatment occurs in welcoming residential homes surrounded by nature’s beauty where clients disconnect from daily distractions and engage in therapeutic activities enhanced by nature’s restorative qualities.
Family Involvement
Weekly family therapy and parent coaching equip families with communication tools and healthy interaction patterns that support growth long after the program is completed.
Root-Cause Treatment Philosophy
We address the underlying emotional and psychological issues driving behaviors rather than simply managing symptoms, empowering lasting recovery through genuine self-awareness.
Low Client-to-Therapist Ratio
Personalized Treatment Plans
Private, Home-Like Settings
Parent Coaching & Family Therapy
Transformative Mental Health Care for Teens Facing Mental Health & Substance Use Challenges
With over a decade of experience, Paradigm Treatment delivers high-quality, short-term residential mental health care for teens and young adults. Accredited by The Joint Commission and licensed by the state of California, our unique model provides unmatched clinical intensity, including four individual therapy sessions per week, daily group therapy, weekly family sessions, and ongoing psychiatric support. Every teen benefits from a personalized blend of evidence-based therapies and experiential modalities—such as art, music, and movement—designed to treat the whole person: mind, body, and spirit.
What sets Paradigm apart is our root-cause treatment philosophy. Rather than simply managing symptoms, we help teens uncover and work through the underlying emotional and psychological issues driving their distress. This strength-based, family-centered approach empowers real change and long-term resilience. Teens are treated in home-like residential environments nestled in peaceful natural settings, where they can safely disconnect from daily stressors and engage fully in the healing process. Our integrated academic programming ensures students remain on track with their education while receiving care.
Paradigm Treatment is committed to making high-quality mental health care accessible. We maintain in-network partnerships with major insurance carriers and offer single-case agreements for out-of-network coverage—helping more families access the support they need without added financial stress. Compassionate, expert-driven care shouldn’t be out of reach, and at Paradigm, we strive to ensure that it isn’t.
See Our Healing Spaces in California
- Depression & Mood Disorders
- Anxiety & Panic Attacks
- PTSD & Trauma
- Eating Disorders
- Self-Harming Behaviors
- Substance Use & Addiction
- School Avoidance & Isolation
- OCD, ADHD, and more
All treatment plans are fully customized to your teen’s unique needs.
Turning Struggles Into Strength: Intensive, Individualized Care at Paradigm Treatment
Adolescence is a defining chapter—when emotional challenges can either disrupt a teen’s life or, with the right support, become a powerful catalyst for growth. At Paradigm Treatment, we believe that timely, targeted intervention can change the trajectory of a young person’s future. Our clinical approach isn’t just about managing symptoms; it’s about getting to the heart of what’s driving your teen’s emotional or behavioral struggles.
We’re proud to offer one of the most comprehensive and intensive residential treatment programs for teens in the country. Every adolescent at Paradigm receives individualized therapy four times a week, daily group therapy, weekly family therapy, and consistent psychiatric care. This high level of clinical engagement allows us to create a truly personalized treatment experience—one that supports both the teen and the entire family system.
Our short-term model is designed to produce deep, meaningful progress in a focused timeframe. By addressing the underlying issues and building emotional resilience, we help teens not only stabilize but begin to thrive—laying the foundation for lasting well-being long after they leave our care.
The teenage years are pivotal and filled with challenges and opportunities for growth. At Paradigm Treatment, we recognize the importance of addressing mental health concerns early on. Through comprehensive clinical evaluations, we aim to understand each teen’s unique situation, foster open communication within families, and overcome the stigma surrounding mental health.
The Importance of Clinical Evaluations
Understanding your adolescent allows us to tailor support and education crucial for their long-term wellness. Early recognition of signs of mental health or substance use disorders—such as changes in behavior, mood swings, and academic difficulties—is vital. Our evaluations provide insights essential for personalized care.
Comprehensive Evaluation Process
Our process begins with a thorough consultation. We utilize various assessment tools and involve family members to fully understand your teen’s needs. This holistic approach ensures personalized care, addressing each teen’s psychological, educational, and social well-being.
Formulating a Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
A psychiatric evaluation is integrated into an individualized treatment plan that meets your teen’s needs. Accurate diagnosis informs the selection of interventions, supporting their journey toward healing and resilience.
Monitoring and Adjusting the Treatment Plan
Ongoing collaboration with mental health professionals and families is crucial for monitoring progress. Regular check-ins allow for adjustments to the treatment plan, ensuring it evolves with your teen’s needs.
In addition to engaging in nature, we explore expressive art therapies such as art therapy, writing therapy, and music therapy, where self-expression and emotional release occur naturally. These experiential modalities complement our evidence-based practices, fostering holistic healing and personal growth.
At Paradigm Treatment, intensive individual therapy is at the heart of our residential programs for teens. Our clients engage in a minimum of 4 one-on-one sessions per week with their therapists. These intimate sessions provide a safe space for processing traumas and personal issues. By engaging in intensive individual therapy, our clients gain valuable insights into their challenges and how they are being addressed within the program’s boundaries.
Humans are inherently social beings, and during adolescence and young adulthood, the need for relational connection intensifies. At Paradigm Treatment, teens participate in regular group therapy sessions multiple times per day. These moments of connection can be transformative, offering relief, strength, and courage. The impact of these shared experiences resonates long after the sessions end, shaping our clients’ growth and healing.
At Paradigm Treatment, we recognize the profound link between our clients and their families. Our therapeutic fabric includes weekly individual family therapy to help gain insight into the family system and communication patterns. Just as we approach the whole individual, we assess family dynamics. These dynamics play a crucial role in healing beyond our program. We empower families by providing support, guidance, and resources, ensuring lasting change extends to their immediate circle of support.
Our therapeutic program equips adolescents with self-understanding and practical coping strategies. We blend relational-informed and mindfulness-based therapies, psychoeducation, and Family Systems therapy. These evidence-based modalities create lasting transformations. Whether it’s art therapy, recreational therapy, DBT, CBT, or music therapy, we tailor our approach to each individual’s unique needs.
At Paradigm Treatment, we extend our experiential therapies to the great outdoors, embracing the serene and restorative settings of California. Our residential programs for teens harness nature’s inherent therapeutic qualities. These experiences not only foster a deep connection with the environment but also promote mindfulness, resilience, and a sense of well-being. By integrating the outdoors into our therapeutic modalities, we provide a unique opportunity for growth, reflection, and healing in the embrace of nature’s tranquility.
In addition to engaging in nature, we explore expressive art therapies such as art therapy, writing therapy, and music therapy, where self-expression and emotional release occur naturally. These experiential modalities complement our evidence-based practices, fostering holistic healing and personal growth.
Parent & Teen Testimonials
“Excellent! Professional, well-organized program. The therapists are dedicated and very skilled at helping change behaviors and old ways of thinking. The staff was compassionate and was available when our daughter had additional questions. Great food and beautiful setting. Definitely started the healing process and the road to recovery. So thankful for the experience.”
— Linda, Parent
“Finally a place that knows what they’re doing! My son was at paradigm for 30 days for multiple reasons. As soon as we arrived they knew the necessary steps to take. They have a great team of experts, who are very well organized from day 1 all the way through the end,, they have a clean facility, and a well equipped environment. Great communication as well. Amazing team! Thank you everyone at paradigm!”
— Christina, Parent
“Paradigm Treatment made a significant difference in my son’s life and in our relationship with him as parents. They taught both our son and ourselves how to navigate his depression and anxiety, and how to move forward towards recovery. I would fully recommend Paradigm Treatment to anyone without any reservations.”
— Victoria, Parent
Care You Can Trust — In Malibu & San Rafael
Teen Treatment in Malibu, CA:
Private, ocean-view residences offering peace, privacy, and top-tier therapy in Southern California.
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Teen Treatment in San Rafael, CA:
Beautiful hillside properties in Northern California, just outside San Francisco — offering the same exceptional care.
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Young Adult Residential Treatment
Here at Paradigm, we offer residential treatment with programming catered to Young Adults (ages 18-26).
Led by Licensed, Compassionate Professionals
Lucy Nguyen, LMFT #101033,
Executive Director
Lucy helms all clinical treatment directives, programs, and services across Paradigm Treatment California locations.
Tracy Burns, LCSW #87287
Clinical Director
Tracy integrates multiple therapeutic modalities into treatment and is passionate about finding what works best for each teen.
Marc Botezatu, BA
Program Director
Marc’s approach is to ensure that day-to-day operations run smoothly, making the environment conducive to positive change.
How Our Admissions Process Works
Reach Out for Support
Contact us to start the conversation about your situation, get answers to your questions, and learn more about our programs and treatment options.
Verify Insurance & Explore Financial Options
We will guide you through the insurance verification process and discuss payment options to ensure you understand your coverage and financial responsibilities.
Share Your Story
Open up about your experiences, challenges, and goals so we can understand your needs.
Complete a Pre-Screening Assessment
Undergo an evaluation to determine the most suitable treatment approach for you.
Plan Your Transition to Treatment
Work with our team to arrange travel and logistics for your admission.
Begin Your Journey to Recovery
Arrive at the facility and take the first step toward healing in a safe and supportive environment. Your personalized treatment plan will be developed as part of your program to ensure the best care for your unique needs.
Treatment Covered By
Insurances
At Paradigm Treatment, accessibility matters. With a commitment to extending high-quality treatment to as many families as possible, we are in-network with major insurance providers. Unfortunately, we cannot accept medical or Medicare coverage at this time.
Answers to Your Most Important Questions
We know that finding the right treatment for your teen is a deeply personal and often overwhelming decision. To make the process easier, we’ve put together answers to the most common questions parents ask about residential care. If you need more information or want to speak with someone directly, our team is here to help.
At Paradigm Treatment, we welcome all prospective clients, who wish to visit, explore our facility, and meet with members of our treatment team. We recommend that you visit any treatment program you are considering before making a commitment. If a program is reluctant to allow you to visit, or presses you to make a commitment before you visit, this is cause for concern.
Please Contact Us now with any questions or to schedule a tour.
Paradigm Treatment’s residential program for teens and young adults is 30-90-days. Some families decide to stay with us up to 45, and sometimes 90 days, based on clinical recommendations from the treatment team. As a direct result of the intensity of our program, we believe 30 days is sufficient time for most young people to achieve meaningful, sustainable changes. Programs that require a commitment of longer than thirty days prior to diagnostic testing should be examined carefully. It is our belief that quality treatment should be both intensive and brief. This allows adolescents and their family members to get back to their lives as quickly as is appropriate. Families can make an informed decision with the treatment team if and when they wish to extend their stay, when it is in alignment with the treatment team’s clinical recommendation.
At Paradigm Treatment we have assembled a highly qualified team of professionals who have dedicated their careers to the treatment of young people and their families. Our clinical staff consists of Psychiatrists, Clinical Psychologist, Marriage and Family Therapists and Clinical Social Workers. The clinical team is devoted to identifying and treating the core issues rather than merely focusing on behaviors.
Learn more about the Paradigm Team
The importance of this question cannot be underestimated. Many treatment programs do not have stringent admissions criteria. As a result, teens that enter such programs are frequently, and unnecessarily, exposed to peers who introduce them to new destructive behaviors and dangers. At Paradigm Treatment, we are committed to a thorough screening process to ensure that all persons accepted into the program are a good fit. In an effort to create a safe treatment environment, we do not accept persons with known histories of violence, sexual perpetrators, fire starters, gang affiliated youth, or those who have a history of behaviors which might put others at risk. We are committed to maintaining an environment that is both physically and emotionally safe for all participants.
Learn more about Who We Treat
Paradigm provides all participants with one-on-one sessions4 days a week. While the use of group sessions to treat young people is appropriate and effective, it is important to note, that it is possible for many prominent issues to go unaddressed in a program that relies too heavily on this modality. Individual sessions offer participants a unique opportunity to share privately, away from their peers. If a program is offering one-on-one sessions only one or two times a week, valuable treatment opportunities are likely to be missed.
It is important to know the specifics of the educational components of any treatment program. At Paradigm Treatment, all clients are provided with a thorough education assessment upon admission. The on-site teacher, working with the primary therapist, will devise a plan to help our client achieve their short- and long-term goals as it related to their specific schooling needs. With the permission of families, and when appropriate, academic plans are coordinated with the participant’s home school. This allows us to ensure we are using the program’s academic time in the way that will be most beneficial for each individual client.If a client that is not currently enrolled in school comes to Paradigm, we will work with the individual and family to decipher a plan that will help in their specific situation.
When families come to us, they often report that the person for whom they are seeking treatment has been having difficulties associated with school. In most cases, this is not due to a lack of ability as the clients we work with are bright, intelligent and have a lot of natural ability. We treat a lot of youth who deal with debilitating anxiety that makes attending school a challenge. Sadly, many youths deal with bullying in school that impacts their ability to consistentlyattend and engage in coursework, leading to feelings of hopelessness.They may be thinking of quitting school or may be convinced that their prior performance will prohibit them from getting into the University of their choice.
While school is not the priority in treatment, it is an important aspect of the individual that cannot be ignored. By supporting a client’s academic needs while in treatment, we can best prepare them to re-integrate back to school socially and academically.
You Don’t Have to Face This Alone
We’re here to guide your family — with compassion, expertise, and a clear path forward.
We are available 24 hours 7 Days a week.
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