Youth Town Review
Being dealt the hand of alcoholism or drug addiction is already difficult enough in itself. Having it manifest at a really young age is doubly devastating. But if help is available sooner rather than later, the possibility of a healthier, happier adulthood certainly exists. This is why resources like Youth Town, a Christian-based oasis for troubled young men that’s been in business since 1962 and is just south of Jackson, Tennessee, are essential pillars of the recovery community.
Accommodations and Food
Located on 250 acres of land in the small town of Pinson, Youth House offers residential treatment where clients live in either one of three cottages or one of two dorms. There are 32 beds available for boys between the ages of 12 and 17. The campus boasts an athletic field, an 18-acre lake and a fully loaded gymnasium/fitness center.
Healthy, well-balanced meals are served three times a day in an on-site cafeteria that must meet the same FDA guidelines as a regular school cafeteria.
Treatment and Staff
The primary track at Youth Town is River Quest, a 30-90 day residential addictions recovery program. The treatment here is described as Christian and adventure-based and utilizes a combination of state-of-the-art, evidence-based methods alongside 12-step programming. The Higher Power at Youth Town is Jesus Christ; while sobriety is the ultimate goal, Youth Town believes that the life transformation occurs when the young man establishes a relationship with Christ. According to one team member at Youth Town, “He ultimately provides the healing, even though we offer the treatment.”
Individual therapy occurs once a week at a minimum. Family therapy is on an as-needed basis but is primarily a bi-weekly event. Youth Town also provides outpatient counseling for issues beyond addiction to young men and their families.
A typical day at Youth Town begins with breakfast followed by school from 8 am to 1:30 pm. There is a private, accredited school on campus—the George Thomas Jr. Academy—so residents can continue with their studies. After school and lunch, clients begin a group rotation of three to four different groups. Groups may include addiction education, group therapy, adventure therapy, recreational activities and exercise. Evenings are dedicated to chores and special programming such as the Power Hour, a weekly lecture by a motivational Christian speaker. On Sundays residents are usually transported to church off-site.
Youth Town has an unusually large staff: a total of 47 full-time staff members, including a full time psychiatrist as well as nursing staff, licensed clinicians, program coordinators and recreational therapists. Despite the medical backgrounds of some of these people, no detox services are offered. Youth Town does, however, provide dual diagnosis support.
Extras
In addition to the previously mentioned on-site gym and lake, there is a 15-element ropes course and an obstacle course. Physical activity is huge here and beyond organized sports and the challenge courses, there is paddle boarding and horseback riding. For those who are more creatively expressive; art therapy.
In Summary
Youth Town accepts health insurance. The caring, adventurous staff outnumbers the residents and the cost is more than reasonable considering the offerings. Christian-minded parents should definitely have faith in the treatment offered here.
Youth Town Location
3641 Youth Town Rd
Pinson, TN 38366
Youth Town Cost
$7,500 (30 days). Reach Youth Town by phone at (888) 274-2036 or by email at youth@youthtown.net. Find Youth Town on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube
Sponsored DISCLAIMER: This is a paid advertisement for California Behavioral Health, LLC, a CA licensed substance abuse treatment provider and not a service provided by The Fix. Calls to this number are answered by CBH, free and without obligation to the consumer. No one who answers the call receives a fee based upon the consumer’s choice to enter treatment. For additional info on other treatment providers and options visit www.samhsa.gov.
