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Writer's pictureSundance Canyon Academy

Through Collaborative Care, Parents Can Transform Their Children’s Lives.



Empowering parents to make choices that make a difference for their struggling teens. 


If you’re a parent with a child who is struggling with emotional stress and behavioral issues, you naturally try hard to reach out to help, but it’s not enough to ease the heartbreak. For a single parent who must meet the demands of a high-profile job, it can feel even more overwhelming. You’re committed to finding effective help for your teenage son, but the worry of getting it wrong or lack of discretion only creates more anxiety.


When your child’s grades start to tumble and his sporadic outbursts come without warning, you realize the only solution is to find the best professional care. What must happen is to understand the root cause of your teen’s struggles. That’s the start in the healing process.

This kind of scenario is what brings hundreds of parents to Sundance Canyon Academy, a program with a therapeutic, collaborative model involving parents, therapists, educators, and community.


The Sundance Difference


Sundance Canyon Academy does not take a one-size-fits-all approach because we know it simply does not work. We go beyond therapy to create a supportive environment with tailored solutions and shared goals. Only with ongoing support and involvement of parents do children find a tangible path to healing and self-realization.


Our methods emphasize that the opposite of addiction is connection. That means that the 6–9-month program encourages autonomy and freedom to be themselves. Sundance does not have uniforms. Students wear their own clothing, choose their own hairstyle, plan activities by collaborating with other students, select and shop for meals they prefer, and enjoy the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them.


Parents often ask us what the living accommodations are like and they’re pleased to know that Sundance maintains a family-style environment. Each boy will have 1 or 3 roommates. We provide all the amenities of a regular home and offer access to a recreation center with all the sports amenities and a pool. Students may also choose to take part in service projects, participate in group sports, outdoor recreation, music, or art projects.


Therapeutic Treatment. Collaborative Care.


Therapy is a collaborative process at Sundance and it is administered by our licensed professionals and qualified staff. We provide therapeutic intervention in the following three forms:


  • Family therapy usually occurs over the phone or by utilizing virtual technologies, but parents are welcome to attend in person, if available. Therapists schedule weekly family therapy sessions. These sessions provide the opportunity for families to work through sensitive issues together and to support each other, prevent relapse, and plan for returning home after treatment.


  • Individual therapy is a minimum of 60 minutes each week. Multiple check-ins may also be scheduled as needed. Individual sessions are designed to build a relationship based on trust, discuss issues, goal setting, and find personal resolution.


  • Group therapy is facilitated by master’s-level therapists. Groups are held daily. Additionally, each student is assigned to specialty groups that specifically address their individual therapeutic needs.


These specialty groups include, but are not limited to, the following:


  • Attachment

  • Recovery/Substance Abuse

  • Grief/Loss

  • Emotional Regulation

  • Self-Esteem

  • Relationships

  • Recreation

  • DBT (Dialectical Behavior Disorder)

  • Music

  • Life Skills


Our approach includes the Why Try Model, a program that uses visual analogies to provide a relationship-focused and practical guide for discussing personal challenges and solutions to problems that youth face at home, at school, and with their peers. Each of the three forms of therapy are unique and combine different groups within each phase, providing a broad range of interactions.


Life Skills in Action


Life Skills are an essential part of the Sundance Canyon Academy program. Students engage daily in a healthy routine including school, therapy, recreation, and service. They advance in the program through a Relationship Management System and are accountable for the following:


  • Compliance

  • Attitude

  • Personal Hygiene (Self and surroundings) 

  • Interactions

  • Group Participation

  • Academics

  • Personal Chores

  • Responsibility


Students’ accountability will be consistent with the therapy levels and progress within the program. We provide a consistent and effective balance of therapy and self-management.


There are 6-phases in the relationship management system. 


  • Orientation

  • Motivation

  • Reality 

  • Climbing 

  • Character 

  • Leadership 


Sundance Canyon Academy is Effective, Discreet, and Affordable


We have the proud distinction of seeing students come through our program and moving forward into brighter, more successful lives. We understand that parents are sometimes concerned about the discretion and confidentiality of programs such as ours. Our commitment to parents and students who are in the Sundance program is complete privacy, confidentiality, and discretion. Without this level of commitment, our program could not reach the level of success it has over the years.


While many think programs such as ours are out of reach financially, it is agreeably affordable. We have excellent options for financial aid and/or insurance coverage to handle that portion of the relationship. 


If you're looking for a supportive, proven program where your teen can grow, heal, and thrive, Sundance Canyon Academy is here to help. With our collaborative approach, range of therapies, and strong family involvement, we will guide you and your child toward a healthier, happier future together. Contact us at 866.241.3234 for a free consultation or go here to apply.

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