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Education at Hillcrest

At Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center, we understand that the adolescent years are a critical time for personal and academic growth. For many teens facing mental health challenges, schoolwork can become overwhelming. Whether struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or other behavioral health issues, academic success often takes a backseat. However, we believe that mental health and academic success can go hand in hand.

Our comprehensive approach to adolescent treatment not only focuses on the emotional, behavioral, and psychological well-being of our teens but also ensures they receive the academic support necessary to thrive during their time with us. By combining clinical treatment with robust academic assistance, we offer a balanced, holistic experience that promotes both healing and learning.

To learn more about the ways Hillcrest supports teens academically during treatment, our customized approach to addressing educational needs, and the dedicated professionals who ensure each student has the resources they need to succeed, contact us today.

Academic Support During Treatment at Hillcrest

The academic environment at Hillcrest is structured to help students focus on their studies while they heal. We understand that each teen is unique and that the traditional school setting may not always be conducive to their well-being. For this reason, we offer tailored academic programs that meet each teen’s specific needs. Whether a teen is experiencing difficulties related to mental health or has fallen behind in their schoolwork, Hillcrest’s academic support system is designed to get them back on track.

Our goal is to ensure that each student makes academic progress while also receiving the necessary mental health care. This integrated approach allows students to focus on recovery without the pressure of falling behind academically.

We offer an individualized plan that focuses on the student’s academic strengths, addressing any gaps or challenges. Teens will work with dedicated educators who will assist in bridging any gaps in knowledge and help them prepare for a smooth reintegration into their school system.

How We Help Teens Succeed Academically

Hillcrest’s academic support services are designed to be as unique as the students themselves. We offer a variety of educational interventions aimed at helping teens meet their academic goals. Here’s how we help students succeed academically.

Individualized Learning Plans

Every teen has different educational needs, and we tailor our academic support to match each teen’s learning style, strengths, and challenges. Our educators work closely with clinical staff to ensure that learning plans are aligned with each student’s mental health treatment plan. These customized learning paths allow us to address specific academic difficulties while promoting overall well-being.

One-on-One Tutoring and Support

Some students may need more direct, one-on-one academic assistance to succeed, which is why we offer individualized tutoring. Our experienced tutors work with students on specific subjects they may be struggling with, helping them catch up on missed material or reinforcing subjects they excel in. We also focus on time management and organization skills to foster greater independence.

Therapeutic Integration in Academics

At Hillcrest, we recognize that mental health and learning are intricately linked. Our team ensures that academic efforts are integrated with therapeutic practices. Whether a teen is experiencing stress, anxiety, or other mental health challenges, we work with students to build resilience and coping skills that will help them succeed both academically and personally.

Use of Adaptive Technology

We utilize adaptive technology and resources to accommodate various learning styles and abilities. Whether it’s digital tools for students with learning differences, access to e-books, or software that helps with organization and focus, our goal is to provide students with the resources they need to succeed.

Flexible Scheduling and Support

Teens attending Hillcrest may experience emotional or physical difficulties that can make it challenging to keep up with a full academic load. We offer flexible scheduling to allow students to engage with therapy and treatment while staying on track with their academic responsibilities. If needed, we can also work with the student’s home school to provide the necessary academic accommodations.

Teen Mental Health Programs at Hillcrest

Mental health issues can create barriers to learning, but our treatment programs are designed to help teens heal so they can return to their studies stronger than before. Hillcrest’s adolescent treatment programs include a range of levels of care, all aimed at helping teens succeed in both their academic and personal lives.

Residential Treatment Program

Our Residential Treatment Program provides a 24-hour, structured environment where teens receive comprehensive therapeutic support. This program is ideal for teens struggling with severe mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or substance use. It combines clinical care with educational support to ensure teens continue their academic journey while working through their mental health challenges.

Teens in the Residential Treatment Program receive round-the-clock care and attend our on-site school, which is tailored to their specific educational needs. Our program includes individual and group therapy, family therapy, life skills development, and academic tutoring.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

For teens who may not need the intensity of residential treatment but still require a high level of care, our Partial Hospitalization Program offers a more flexible approach. Teens in PHP receive therapeutic support during the day and return home in the evenings. This program is designed to help teens who are transitioning from residential care or need a structured yet less intensive treatment option.

In PHP, teens receive academic support during the day as they participate in therapy, skill-building exercises, and individualized academic assistance. This program allows teens to re-engage with schoolwork while receiving the treatment they need.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Our Intensive Outpatient Program provides treatment for teens who are working through less severe mental health issues or have completed residential treatment and need ongoing support. Teens in IOP attend therapy multiple times a week and receive academic support to help them stay on track in their education.

The IOP allows teens to participate in academic studies while still receiving necessary therapeutic care. Our team works with each teen’s school to ensure smooth transitions and appropriate accommodations.

Meet Our Director of Education

Our Director of Education, Mark Paladini, is an experienced educator with over 12 years of teaching at the university level, recognized for his innovative curriculum design and lesson planning. He co-created and led the undergraduate program at Regent University and developed a successful online master’s program for high school teachers. Mark holds a degree from the University of Washington and is a graduate of the Los Angeles Teaching Fellows Program. His background includes serving on the university’s recruitment team, providing him with unique insight into the college admissions process.

Before his university career, Mark taught courses for UCLA Extension, middle school English for LAUSD, and mentored students at a National Blue Ribbon Elementary School. With an extensive entertainment background as an award-winning Casting Director, Mark brings his theatre skills into the classroom to create an engaging, dynamic learning environment.

Information for Parents

As parents, it can be difficult to watch your child struggle with both mental health challenges and academic difficulties. At Hillcrest, we want to empower you with the information and resources you need to support your teen’s success.

Our approach to academic support is centered on collaboration. We work closely with parents to ensure that your child is receiving the best possible care. We believe in keeping parents involved in their teen’s treatment and education, ensuring clear communication between our team and your family.

If your teen is struggling academically and emotionally, it’s important to take action. Reach out to us to learn more about our programs and how we can help. We are here to support you and your child through this challenging time.

Get the Support Your Teen Needs Today

At Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center, we offer the comprehensive care your teen needs to succeed academically while receiving the mental health support they deserve. If you are ready to learn more about how we can help your teen reach their full potential, please contact us today. Our team is here to provide the support, care, and resources necessary to help your child thrive.