Get help today 888-287-0471 or sign up for 24/7 text support.
American Addiction Centers National Rehabs Directory
Sponsored Facility

Muir Wood Adolescent & Family Services

Headquarters 1733 Skillman Lane, Petaluma, California, 94952
4.2
(26 Reviews)
Call (866) 897-3076
Trusted by Parents and Professionals alike Since 2013 GET THE COMPLETE PICTURE AND VERIFY YOUR INSURANCE BY CLICKING OUR TREATMENT CENTER LINK BELOW. Muir Wood Adolescent and Family Services is a residential treatment program designed specifically for adolescent boys and girls—treated and housed separately—struggling with mental health and substance abuse conditions. We operate 16 residential treatment facilities in Sonoma, California, Clovis, California and Riverside, California. In our safe, comfortable, and structured environments, our compassionate clinicians help teen boys and girls 12-17 explore and process sensitive issues and learn to manage and overcome mental health and substance use disorders. The Muir Wood guiding philosophy emphasizes kindness and compassion over confrontation and control. We are in-network with leading insurers including Anthem Blue Cross, Aetna, Cigna, MHN, Halcyon, Kaiser Permanente, Magellan, and Optum, making our exceptional brand of teen treatment accessible to as many families as possible. A Behavioral Healthcare Center of Excellence Adolescent mental health and substance use disorders are complicated conditions that affect every aspect of teen life and identity. Successfully treating these disorders requires comprehensive and coordinated care. Providing this level of care requires significant time, resources, and support. As front-line responders, Muir Wood clinicians are acutely aware of the multifaceted nature of adolescent mental health and substance use disorders and the complexity of the underlying factors that contribute to their development and perpetuation. Nationally recognized as a leader in teen residential treatment, Muir Wood strives to be a center of excellence for the practice and advancement of adolescent mental healthcare. Our use of evidence-based practices, training of the next generation of specialized care providers, and our multidisciplinary treatment approach allow Muir Wood to provide exceptional care. Muir Wood is committed to making the highest level of care accessible to more families by being an in-network provider with most major insurances.

Facility Highlights

  • 3X Weekly Family Group Support Sessions
  • Highly Credentialed Licensed Staff
  • Gender-Separate Residential Treatment
  • Comprehensive Psychological Testing Standard for Every Teen
  • Daily Exposure to 12-Step Meetings in the Community and Young Persons Fellowship

Specialization

  • An Engaging Program Designed Specifically for Adolescent Boys and Girls with a Number of Experiential Therapies

    Experiential therapies at Muir Wood include weekly yoga, weekly-guided meditation, art, music and more. These experiential therapies help keep teens engaged in treatment and illustrate healthy ways they can have fun living a life free of drugs and alcohol, while reducing anxiety and depression without drugs and alcohol.

  • Individual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

    This term describes one-on-one therapy, in which a patient and trained counselor, social worker, psychologist or psychiatrist meets privately with a patient to discuss challenges related to lifestyle, work, family and romantic relationships that may have contributed to the development of an addiction or mental health issues.

  • Comprehensive Psychological Testing

    Among teenagers, substance abuse is very often a symptom of an underlying mental health issue, behavioral disorder, or learning disability. At Muir Wood, all boys receive comprehensive psychological testing from a nationally recognized neuropsychologist. This is included in the cost of treatment. Using the information from the psychological testing, clinicians can develop a specialized treatment plan to best address the adolescents’ specific needs.

Facility Settings

  • Residential Neighborhood
  • Private/Secluded
  • Lakeside
  • Luxury

Meet the Staff

  • Tara Krueger, PsyD
    Tara Krueger, PsyDChief Clinical Officer
    Tara Krueger, PsyD serves as our Chief Clinical Officer overseeing all aspects of clinical programming for our growing teen mental health and substance use disorder treatment programs. Dr. Krueger comes to Muir Wood from Newport Academy where she served as National Director of Clinical Program Development. She has conducted research on stress and competency in parents of adolescents and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as on aggression and divorce consequences in young girls. A frequent national presenter on mental health topics, Dr. Krueger earned her doctorate from Argosy University and is trained in modalities including CBT, DBT, Functional Family Therapy, Attachment-Based Family Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Congratulations Tara, we're thrilled to have you aboard!
  • Scott Sowle
    Scott SowleFounder & Executive Director
    For Scott, Muir Wood represents the culmination of many years experience developing nationally recognized adolescent and adult programs. Muir Wood is often referred to as the gold standard in the treatment of adolescent substance abuse and mental health treatment. It has been recognized as a “place of light and hope, where kindness, trust and respect are established as the keystones of life-long recovery” by Kathy Ketcham, best selling author of “Teens Under the Influence”.
  • Margaret Grimely, MD
    Margaret Grimely, MDPsychiatrist, Girls Program
    Dr. Grimley is board-certified in both adult and child and adolescent psychiatry and has over 36 years of experience. She has expertise in alternative interventions including neurolinguistics programming and EMDR, has studied homeopathy, Gestalt, and Core Energetic therapies, and is open to incorporating individualized strategies for each patient. Dr. Grimley’s past leadership appointments include Medical Director, Aurora Santa Rosa Hospital; Medical Director, John Muir Behavioral Health Center Adolescent PHP and IOP; and with the Marin County Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services both with adolescents and adults. She is also a published author, teacher and has been recognized and honored for her outstanding accomplishment in teaching medical students.
  • David Smith, M.D., FASAM, FAACT
    David Smith, M.D., FASAM, FAACTChair, Addiction Medicine
    Dr. Smith is recognized as a national leader in addiction medicine, the psychopharmacology of drugs, new research strategies in the management of drug abuse problems, and the treatment of adolescent substance abuse. He is the founder of the Haight Ashbury Free Clinics of San Francisco and has been honored as one of the “Best Doctors in America.” Dr. Smith is a fellow and past President of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, past president of the California Society of Addiction Medicine, past medical director for the California State Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, and past medical director for the California Collaborative Center for Substance Abuse Policy Research. Current appointments include chair of addiction medicine for Alta Mira Treatment Centers and medical director for Center Point. Dr. Smith is also an adjunct professor at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Smith is the founder and publisher of the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs and co-editor of the International Addiction Infoline newsletter. In addition, he has authored or co-authored twenty-six books, written over 340 journal articles, edited twenty-eight journals, and been the technical consultant for twenty-eight drug abuse-related films.

Treatment Center Links

Rehabs 360 Guide

ABOUT MUIR WOOD ADOLESCENT & FAMILY SERVICES

Set on ten grassy acres of land in California’s Sonoma County, Muir Wood Adolescent & Family Services is a residential mental health and substance abuse rehab for adolescent boys ages 12 to 17, and an outpatient program for both genders. The facility offers intensive, individualized treatment for drug and alcohol addiction, as well co-occurring mental health disorders. It is one of 279 (21.3 percent) of facilities in California that offer treatment specifically for adolescents. Detox services are available on-site.

TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT

The treatment process at Muir Wood Adolescent & Family Services begins with a phone assessment to determine each client’s eligibility for treatment. The facility also suggests visiting before enrolling clients in order to better understand the program. The facility is able to devise highly personalized treatment plans based on information gathered during a comprehensive assessment and thorough psychological evaluation. Clinical activities include weekly one-on-one counseling and regular process groups on topics such as relapse prevention, trauma, and life skills.

The program’s integrated approach combines 12-step philosophy and evidence-based practices such as motivational interviewing (MI), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). The program also includes holistic and experiential therapies, including yoga and wilderness-based activities. Treatment lasts between 45 to 90 days, making it one of California’s 440 (33.6 percent)of long-term residential treatment facilities.

Residents also attend young people’s 12-step meetings six days per week, both on- and off-site. In addition to yoga and adventure-based activities such as camping, kayaking, and hiking, clients can participate in equine therapy, guided meditation classes, and art therapy.

Family involvement is another key component of treatment. Family members are integrated into their loved one’s treatment plan via family therapy sessions and process groups, as well as a family program held every other Saturday.

Academics are also taken into account. Muir Wood Adolescent & Family Services offers a year-round academic program that is certified as a private school by California’s Department of Education. It is one of 44 (3.4 percent) of facilities in the state certified by other/non-treatment agencies. The program has a student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1, as well as individualized lesson plans, ACT and SAT prep, and weekly progress reports for parents.

Outpatient care is available for boys and girls from ages 12 to 19. It includes a day treatment program that includes nine hours a week of programming, an intensive outpatient (IOP) option with six hours of weekly programming, and a regular outpatient track with three hours a week of programming.

The facility also offers aftercare support that includes referral to community-based support groups, one-off therapy sessions, and ongoing therapy for those with mental illness.

STAFF CREDENTIALS

There are a variety of treatment team members on staff, including board-certified psychiatrists, licensed therapists, board-certified addiction treatment physicians, plus numerous certified counselors, and experiential therapists. The school is run by a master’s level, state-credentialed teacher.

Muir Wood is one of 366 (27.9 percent) of California facilities accredited by CARF and 182 (13.9 percent) of California facilities accredited by the Joint Commission.

ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES

The residential program admits no more than 16 boys at one time. The teens live in the bright and homey main residence, which includes a cozy living room, a family-style dining room, and a large kitchen where a chef prepares meals daily, plus a spacious backyard with patios and picnic tables. Each bedroom sleeps two and has a private bath. Residents use the well-equipped gym three times a week to work out with the rehab’s personal trainer.

WHAT ALUMNI SAY

At the time of this writing, one alum provided mostly negative feedback about his experience at Muir Wood. While Alexandre admitted the facility “was beautiful”, he wrote about “very disrespectful” staff and felt that he “worked hard” without seeing anything come “out of it.”

On its official Facebook page, Muir Wood Adolescent and Family Services earned 4.5 out of five stars from 31 reviews. [1] Many of the reviews provided positive feedback about the facility's treatment team and individualized treatment plan. Pete wrote in a representative review: “Muir Woods Adolescent program has an outstanding treatment teams of Physicians, specialists and therapists that not only address the treatment of addiction but the whole family,” Some of the negative feedback centers around the facility’s medication policies.

On Google, the Skillman Lane Location has an average rating of 4.4 out of five stars from 13 reviews to date. [2] Overall, reviewers indicated that the program was successful. Reviewers wrote how the staff was “professional and committed.” The only two negative reviews written at this time of writing focused on billing and how clients are admitted into the program.

WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY

At the time of this writing, 17 loved ones have provided feedback to Rehabs.com for Muir Wood Adolescent & Family Services. Most feedback came from parents. Thirteen of the reviews were positive and four were negative.

Three loved ones rated the facility on a number of categories, with four out of five stars or higher given for the level of staff experience and training, family participation, and cleanliness.

The positive reviews provided positive feedback about the quality of the food, staff members, and the effectiveness of the program. Loved one C.M. wrote representatively: "An excellent program and environment. Healthy food, supportive staff, nurturing, engaging programs. Our whole family benefited and continue to experience the benefits of the Muir Wood experience--a true light and answer in dark and challenging times."

Negative reviews noted the divide between those in treatment for mental health issues and substance abuse. One anonymous parent, whose son was in treatment for depression, felt the mixed environment with those who struggle with substance misuse provided negative exposure.

FINANCING

Muir Wood accepts private insurance. According to information provided by the facility to Rehabs.com, treatment costs $1,200 per day and $36,000 per month.

Financing options are provided through partnerships with healthcare lending programs, and the staff can help families apply. Self-pay is also accepted.

[1] https://www.facebook.com/pg/MuirWoodTeenRehab/reviews/
[2] GoogleReviews

Important Notice

ProjectKnow.com is a third-party resource for consumers seeking addiction treatment.

We list thousands of treatment providers throughout the U.S., often including alumni and staff ratings and reviews, and ProjectKnow.com 360 Guides that provide valuable information for people making difficult decisions. ProjectKnow.com is not influenced in regards to its ratings or reviews by any treatment center or its sponsors, and we clearly designate advertiser relationships with “Sponsor” or “Ad” or “Advertisement”.

Patient Reviews

Overall Ratings
  • 4.2
    Avg. score from 25 reviews
  • 4.5
    Accommodations & Amenities
  • 3.8
    Treatment Effectiveness
  • 4.3
    Meals & Nutrition
Note
Anyone attempting to manipulate or spam our system or the providers' own listing pages risks having all content removed.
Aimee
  • Accommodations & Amenities
  • Treatment Effectiveness
  • Meals & Nutrition
This review is for my 15 year old son who was at the Petaluma Skillman location. The treatment was not effective. The location was in the beautiful Petaluma countryside. The parent program was excellent we learned so much from the parent education. The care staff was kind to our son. The reason I believe the treatment wasn’t effective was because my sons therapist didn’t communicate with us. We went 3 weeks without a direct conversation because the therapist wasn’t giving us the 10 minute huddle phone calls that were supposed to happen before the family therapy sessions. She was also late to the zoom family therapy many times, so we would be there sitting in front of the screen wondering if the therapy session was going to happen. Some of my important emails concerning my son went unanswered by the therapist. My sons home agreement was done on one day. Sadly the treatment wasn’t effective for our son and I believe this was because the therapist didn’t do her job.
Sherri
  • Accommodations & Amenities
  • Treatment Effectiveness
  • Meals & Nutrition
Client focused. Excellent clinical team. Loved the parent classes. Financially transparent. My sons issues improved.
Joel
  • Accommodations & Amenities
  • Treatment Effectiveness
  • Meals & Nutrition
I cannot say enough positive things about this facility. The staff is excellent. Keep in mind that the major hurdle to your experience here will be your insurance company. We have Kaiser which is another blessing that made this experience so positive. Have faith that Muir is there to help your son!
Tobocop
    Do not send your kids here! They make it look so nice on the website saying that you go horseback riding surfing and kayaking and all that but in reality the only thing they care about is the website. They hire actors as clients to say good things about it but it’s actually hell there. Every single person I know that’s been there including me just pretends that it’s helping them because they want to get out of that prison as soon as possible. The staff gang up on the clients and get mad at little things like farting or making a joke. As soon as any of the clients get out they go straight back to drug use because they lie and say they want to be sober and really this place just teaches you way more ways to get high and get around drug tests. Personally I just was sent there for weed and didn’t have any need to use any harder drugs but being around people always talking about how good they are just makes you want to try them so now it’s my first week out and I’ve already tried like 6 different drugs that I never even thought could get me high or never wanted to try only because they don’t show up on drug tests. In conclusion this place is so fake and if your child is only addicted to weed definitely don’t send them to rehab it will only make them worse.
    Jeff
    • Accommodations & Amenities
    • Treatment Effectiveness
    • Meals & Nutrition
    We're grateful to Muir Wood for having helped our family through a terrible crisis. While our son was there, the rest of the family slept easily knowing he was in the care of compassionate, expert staff. The doctors, therapists, and staff there are all excellent. They're experienced, and have seen it all. What a relief! The program my son participated in was comprehensive, from getting great nutrition from an on-site chef, to engaging in personal and group therapy, as well as attending outside meetings. Muir Wood returned him to improved physical and mental health, and he was able to take responsibility for and pride in his sobriety. The family program is excellent, including individual family therapy and multi-family group discussion. Through the expertise of the affiliated guest speakers at the group meetings, our whole family learned a lot about how to manage addiction of our roles. All of us, including our son, are stronger because of Muir Wood's program.

    Show More Reviews

    © 2023 ProjectKnow.com