Welcome to Sundance Canyon Academy

Therapeutic, Educational, Compassionate. Life-Changing.

Life throws curveballs, and sometimes those curveballs hit our kids the hardest. As parents, there's nothing more heartbreaking than seeing your son struggle with emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges. You want to help, but you might not know where to start.

At Sundance Canyon Academy, we understand. We've dedicated ourselves to creating a safe and nurturing environment for young men ages 13-17 to get the expert care they need to thrive.

Our mission at Sundance Canyon Academy is to create a safe and nurturing residence where young men ages 13-17 can get the expert help they need to manage the emotional, behavioral, and mental challenges that so many of today’s youth face.

Located in Herriman, Utah, our facility is fully licensed with a staff of certified professionals who are accomplished in the specialized training and professional treatment programs that are essential to individuals who work with youth. 

Our holistic approach at Sundance Canyon Academy increases students’ recognition and resiliency by identifying and addressing the root causes that fuel their anxiety and poor choices. Our Therapeutic Program is administered by licensed professionals and certified staff. We provide therapeutic intervention in Group, Individual and Family programs.

Sundance Canyon Academy employs a variety of therapeutic modalities that include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Child Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT)

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

• Mindfulness Substance Abuse Therapy (MBSAT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches that what we feel affects how we think and act. What we think affects how we feel and act. What we do affects how we think and feel. This helps young men learn to manage behavioral challenges and conquer emotional anxieties. 

We teach Life Skills through recreation and service activities, areas that build relationships, communication, teamwork, self-esteem, self-awareness, accountability, and responsibility. Specific life skills, tools, and practices promote opportunity, self-respect, resiliency, and independence in our students.  

Outdoor Activities and Expeditions provide students the opportunity to implement their treatment in real-life and practical situations. For some boys, outdoor experiences can be key to unlocking the door to their resistance and self-doubt.  

Academically, we provide a nationally accredited curriculum in partnership with Alta Independent, teaching an accredited and useful curriculum which enables our students to continue on their education path towards successful graduation. 

We also provide hands-on Culinary Courses which are effective in developing organizational skills, sharpening communication skills, and promoting group work.  

Live. Learn. Lead. Philosophy

Live. Learn. Lead. is a philosophy which reflects our commitment to each and every student. With purposeful understanding, we know how difficult and often painful adolescence can be. At Sundance Canyon Academy, our goal is to help our students identify their strengths and develop purpose in their lives so they are prepared for a future with a strong foundation and leadership structure to guide them.

As these young men begin to feel their own personal worth, their self-confidence builds and they begin to manifest their feelings and needs to others in a constructive manner. They are then ready to take giant leaps in the direction of commitments, becoming capable and contributing young men who care for their families and for society.

Our Mission

In partnership with students, parents and community, our mission as educators and counselors is to empower young men to overcome emotional, behavioral, and academic challenges, develop resilience, and learn to self-advocate and appropriately communicate their needs. We provide a safe, healing, and empowering environment for young men to discover their authentic self, true potential and prepare for a successful future.

At Sundance Canyon Academy, we believe that every young man is capable of making positive changes in their lives, regardless of the nature of their problems. Our mission is to provide a safe and structured environment, providing direction for our students to begin making positive decisions. 

We advocate the value of respect for each other and every member of society, regardless of race, creed, age, gender, religion, or political affiliation, without compromising personal values.

Over time, extraordinary changes can and do take place as a student becomes aware of his strengths and limitations. The amount of time spent in a program may vary by student. Learning to eliminate inappropriate behaviors and embrace positive behaviors can be more challenging for some than others.

Experiential Program

In addition to our therapeutic and academic offerings, we have an Experiential Education Program that can provide education credits. This program can include learning in social situations and environments that help teach new behaviors, responsibilities, and awareness while fostering awareness.

We at Sundance Canyon Academy recognize that every child is unique, so we don't use a one-size-fits-all approach. Your child will receive a thorough evaluation from our team of professionals to help us understand what they're going through. Based on this, we create a plan that's tailored just for them. We use proven therapies that can include one-on-one time with a counselor, group activities, and even specialized sessions like art or horseback riding to help them express themselves in different ways.

If you're looking for a supportive and expert environment where your child can grow, heal, and thrive, Sundance Canyon Academy would like to speak with you. Our individualized approach, range of therapies, and strong family involvement might be the guide your child needs to become a healthier, happier individual. Contact us for a free consultation at 866-241-3234 or go here for our application.