Turnbridge continues a mission established in 2003 to effectively assess and address the root causes of adolescent and young adult behavioral health conditions. Today, more than 500 professionals collaborate to deliver levels of clinical excellence, programming individualization, treatment innovation, and client and family alliance that make Turnbridge the referral choice for professionals nationwide. | |
Turnbridge clinicians, executives, and outreach professionals continuously work with families, colleagues, and communities to learn, connect, and share so that we may better serve and support clients, families, and recovery in all its forms. This newsletter highlights some of the people, programming, and partnerships that inspire us. | |
Adolescent Residential Treatment | |
Turnbridge Adolescent Residential Program Highlights
Turnbridge gender-specific Adolescent Residential Programs provide integrated behavioral healthcare for teens 14 - 17. Our Residential Treatment Programs in Woodbury, and Killingworth, Connecticut, offer safe, supportive, beautiful, and comfortable environments in which skilled psychiatrists, psychometricians, psychotherapists, nutritionists, case managers, recreation and wellness experts, and other specialists provide coordinated care and collaborate with clients and families to achieve diagnostic clarity and initiate optimal treatment plans that improve long-term outcome trajectories.
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Adolescent Extended Care Program | |
Turnbridge Adolescent Extended Care Program Highlights
Turnbridge Adolescent Extended Care meets the needs of teens 15-17 who require more time and space in a structured environment. Modeled closely on the renowned phased programming of Turnbridge Young Adult Programs, our Adolescent Extended Programs deliver integrated behavioral healthcare, specialized curriculum, and extensive recreational and wellness programming to treat root causes and address every aspect of client life.
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For Turnbridge alumni Jared Allen, Jiu-Jitsu has become a pivotal part of his recovery journey, serving as both a physical outlet and a source of community support.
After completing Turnbridge’s program, Jared joined Soulcraft, a local gym that specializes in Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Krav Maga after being introduced to it during his time at Turnbridge. With a background in wrestling and MMA from his early 20s, he found a welcoming and encouraging environment at Soulcraft, where he has diligently trained since graduating from Turnbridge.
Jared emphasizes the parallels between the goal-oriented nature of recovery and Jiu-Jitsu training.
“Learning how to do certain moves or progressing through the belt system in Jiu-Jitsu is all about goal-based thinking,” he explains. “You want to get better, and you have to train to get there. That, I think, parallels also with life.”
This mindset has not only helped him in his personal recovery but has also inspired him to give back. Jared is now taking on the role of coach for Turnbridge clients in the adolescent program, sharing his passion for Jiu-Jitsu as a vital part of their recovery journey.
At Soulcraft, Jared appreciates the camaraderie among gym members. “It’s like the whole gym is just constantly trying to help each other get better to achieve their individual goals,” he shares. This supportive community aligns perfectly with the values at Turnbridge, emphasizing the importance of connection and encouragement.
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Turnbridge Young Adult Program Highlights
Turnbridge Young Adult Programs provide extended treatment for young men and young women experiencing mental health and dual-diagnosis conditions. Offering some of the most comprehensive care available, the Young Adult Programs are distinguished by numerous treatment innovations including, non-arbitrary lengths of stay, care models that address every aspect of client life, phased programming to promote resilience, use of behavioral metrics to objectively gauge client progress, and more.
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Recreational Spotlight
Turnbridge Softball
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The Turnbridge softball league season culminated in an exhilarating night for our players and supporters alike. To kick things off, our first-round opponents unexpectedly forfeited, which not only secured our spot in the championship game but also filled our team with a surge of anticipation and excitement.
In a wonderful display of sportsmanship and community spirit, our team chose to take the field for a warm-up game against an all-star crew from CT Healing and Litchfield Builders. This matchup was not just a practice; it was a thrilling preview of the talent and teamwork that would soon be on full display in the championship.
When it came time for the championship game, our Turnbridge team showed remarkable determination and skill. From the very first inning, we set the tone, scoring three runs right out of the gate. The energy was electric as our players continued to rack up runs in almost every inning. By the final inning, we had secured a thrilling 12-9 victory!
This remarkable achievement was made possible thanks to the exceptional coaching of Michael Knechtel and James Joy, who inspired our players with their leadership and passion for the game. We are incredibly proud of all our athletes for their hard work, resilience, and dedication throughout the season.
This season was more than just about wins and losses; it was about building friendships, fostering a sense of belonging, and demonstrating the power of teamwork. Each player contributed to this success, showcasing their unique skills and growing together as a cohesive unit.
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Alyssa Hazelton launched the women’s core art program at Turnbridge nearly nine years ago. Since then, the program has expanded into the adolescent program in Killingworth, the men’s program, and Turnbridge’s adolescent extended care, becoming a cornerstone of treatment.
With a background in art education, Alyssa aimed to create a low-pressure, exploratory space where young clients could embrace creativity.
“I wanted to give them an outlet to connect with their intuition and express themselves,” Alyssa explains.
Her classes often connect art with spirituality. She also introduces clients to various artists, weaving recovery concepts into discussions of contemporary art. Like when teaching about abstract artist Piet Mondrian, conversations about his use of borders often lead to discussions about healthy boundaries.
“The tools they learn in art are applied outside the studio and in other areas of their lives. Many concepts in art are directly applicable to real life,” Alyssa shares.
In the art room, clients explore new ways of thinking about problem-solving, open-mindedness, and self-compassion. For many clients who haven’t previously experimented with art, this exposure provides a fresh outlet in their recovery journey.
“It’s a vulnerable act,” Alyssa reflects. “Engaging in art and sharing your work with others mirrors the vulnerability of presenting yourself to the world in recovery, without the shield of substances.”
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Young Women's Program Resident Spotlight | |
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Growing up, Alex never quite felt like they fit in. Feeling self-conscious for not embracing more "girly" aesthetics, they often felt inferior around their peers. Despite this, Alex longed to belong and would go to great lengths to gain the approval of others.
Struggling with frequent suicidal thoughts, Alex had multiple episodes where they didn’t feel their life worth living. After one of these episodes, they entered an inpatient program and were later transferred to Turnbridge once they had stabilized.
Initially, adjusting to Turnbridge was difficult for Alex. They felt isolated at times and missed being able to talk to their parents whenever they wanted. Adding to the challenge, Alex learned of their twin brother Noah’s death just weeks before their 27th birthday. Noah had always been a guiding star for Alex, and his passing left them devastated. Fearing relapse, Alex leaned on Turnbridge’s support and, through that, found the strength to grieve while maintaining sobriety.
“I was amazed at the support I received. The staff constantly checked in on me, and I really needed that,” Alex recalls.
With Turnbridge’s help, Alex began to work with staff instead of against them. Despite their heartbreak, Alex found inspiration in Noah’s memory.
“He helps me move forward because I know he’d want to see me happy and living a successful life, whatever that looks like. He always wanted the best for me.”
Noah became Alex’s higher power in recovery, guiding them every step of the way. Today, Alex serves as a mentor for girls in Phase One of the program, taking joy in helping them through the recovery process. For those just starting, Alex offers wise advice:
“Take it one day at a time. Don’t think too far ahead. Be patient and kind to yourself. It’s okay to feel your emotions—don’t bottle them up or try to hide them. Allow yourself to go through that process.”
Currently, Alex is saving up for a car, hoping it will be big enough to bring as many Turnbridge clients as possible to AA meetings. With graduation on the horizon, Alex plans to stay connected to the recovery community in New Haven, continuing to offer mentorship and guidance to those just beginning their journey.
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Before Cullen entered the Turnbridge program, his grandmother, Dorothy MacInerney, would hold her breath every time her phone pinged with a text from him. “What trouble might he be in now?” she often wondered.
In the year leading up to COVID-19, Cullen’s life took a downward turn. He dropped out of college, wrecked his car, and struggled to find work. Initially, Dorothy believed he was just having a hard time adjusting to adulthood. However, as time passed, the family became increasingly concerned about Cullen’s substance abuse and mental health issues. After the family held a conversation regarding their concerns, Cullen acknowledged his need for help and sought treatment. He first attended a wilderness program, but Cullen and the family recognized he required ongoing support and found Turnbridge.
Despite the distance between Turnbridge and her home in Texas, Dorothy felt involved in Cullen’s recovery. “I was just so impressed because they kept on top of everything,” she recalls. Turnbridge effectively addressed Cullen’s mental health needs, including medication management and psychological support
Throughout this journey, support groups were a lifeline for Dorothy. Even four years later, she continues attending these groups, finding solace and connection.
“There's always someone further along in recovery who can provide help and hope, and someone who is just starting out that you can encourage,” she shares. “I want to be there to listen to them just like others were there for me.”
One of the hardest lessons for Dorothy was learning to trust the recovery process. She often felt the urge to “fix” Cullen’s problems herself but had to learn to “stay in her lane” and trust the experts at Turnbridge. Support groups and meetings with case managers guided her in being the best support for her grandson.
“Don’t try to fix everything, which is what we all want to do. We want to be in control. But the fact is, we’re not in control,” she emphasizes.
Today, Dorothy enjoys a renewed relationship with Cullen, built on mutual respect, unwavering support, and deep love. Now, when she receives a notification from him, she feels a sense of joy rather than anxiety.
“We have a lot of discussions now. We can talk, and it doesn’t always have to be about sobriety or things I think he’s doing wrong,” Dorothy jokes.
Today, Cullen and Dorothy spend time discussing books they’ve read or movies he’s seen, celebrating the newfound connection that recovery has brought to their lives. With trust and communication at the forefront, they’ve transformed their relationship and embraced a future filled with hope and understanding.
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ABOUT TURNBRIDGE
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Turnbridge is the nation’s preeminent mental health and dual diagnosis treatment provider for young adults and adolescents. Distinguished by a fully integrated care model that addresses every aspect of client life, phased programming, gradual exposure to real-world triggers, extensive parent support and education, and the collection and use of behavioral metrics to verify self-reported progress, Turnbridge is designed to help young people Build a Life Worth Protecting.
In-network
Turnbridge is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Optum, and out-of-network with all other commercial insurance.
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