Curriculum: Overview | Academics | Personal Growth | Clinical Services

Clinical Services

Clinical Services help to maximize students' success by helping them develop and utilize tools learned through the emotional growth curriculum. Using a relationship-based model, our clinical services are integrated into all aspects of the school, creating an optimally therapeutic environment. Our clinical staff can be found interacting with our students around the fireplace, sharing a meal in the dining hall, and/or playing games with a group of youth. In addition, your child participates in regular individual therapy with a clinician licensed at one of several levels by the State of Idaho.

Care Management

Clinicians are an integral part of your child’s care management team that also consists of a parent communicator, team leader, assistant team leader, counselors, and teachers. This team meets weekly to plan, initiate, and review your child’s progress with the clinician, ensuring that planned interventions are clinically appropriate to meet your child’s therapeutic needs.

Individual Therapy

Your child’s participation in individual therapy is mandatory. A student's relationships with their therapist begin with an initial evaluation during their first week at Northwest Academy. Following this evaluation, your child’s therapist will contact you to gather information regarding family history and your concerns regarding your child’s behavior. In addition, the therapist will share their impressions with you and make recommendations for interventions. Following the initial evaluation, your son or daughter will meet with their therapist at least once a week for a 45 to 50 minute session. In addition to providing individual therapy, clinicians participate in group peer counseling on a weekly basis and provide support for emotional growth workshops.

Family Integration

Your child’s ability to reintegrate into your family is crucial to ensure ongoing success. As the parent of a Northwest Academy student, you may be requested to participate in the therapeutic process during challenging times in your child’s personal growth. These family therapy sessions may take place during on-campus visits or by telephone, and the focus will remain on the student and their growth process.

At least four times during your child’s year at Northwest Academy, or more often depending on student and family needs, you will receive updates from the therapist working with your child.

Psychiatric Support

Psychiatric support for students at Northwest Academy is provided through a contract with Northwest Psychiatric Associates. All students arriving at Northwest Academy who are taking medication for psychiatric issues will meet with either Dr. George Ullrich or Dr. Sandra Nelson for an initial assessment. Dr. Ullrich visits our campus to follow the progress of these students. The psychiatrist will contact you whenever a change in medication is recommended.