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. | |
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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For many parents, navigating their child’s mental health and substance use challenges can feel overwhelming and full of uncertainty. For Miranda and Robert, the decision to send their daughter to Turnbridge was one of the hardest but most necessary choices they made in a long series of difficult decisions.
The story began years earlier, when their daughter, struggling to form peer relationships since grade two, entered middle school. Over time, the challenges became more internalized—manifesting in a loss of self-confidence, isolation, and emotional turmoil. By the time COVID hit, things worsened, and their daughter’s emotional struggles escalated, with her eventually being hospitalized twice in her freshman year. A diagnosis of emerging borderline personality disorder (BPD) in her sophomore year was both a revelation and a turning point for her parents.
“Treatment for BPD is difficult and requires hard work,” Miranda reflected. “But for a teenager, that kind of commitment can be hard to accept, and it’s not easy to ask them to make those sacrifices.”
By her junior year, their daughter’s behavior became more destructive as she turned to substances to self-medicate. As her school attendance declined, Robert and Miranda tried various ways to help—restricting her access to money, exploring other treatment options, but her struggles continued. Eventually, they faced the reality that their daughter needed more intensive care than they could provide.
“It felt like a choice between life or death,” Miranda admitted. “If we didn’t intervene, we were going to lose her anyway.” Robert and Miranda made the decision together, with guidance from their family, their therapist, and the staff at Turnbridge, though it was far from an easy choice.
Once their daughter entered Turnbridge, Robert and Miranda faced a new set of challenges. Their role shifted from being her full-time caregivers to simply being her parents, which, while providing some level of relief, was an adjustment in its own right.
“The most difficult part was relinquishing control,” Miranda explained. “For years, we had been her advocate, her therapist, and at times, her enforcer. But once she was at Turnbridge, we had to step back and trust that the experts would take over. That was a huge shift.”
There were moments of frustration and confusion, especially as their daughter resisted the therapy and guidance she was receiving. Yet, over time, their ability to support her without trying to solve her problems allowed them to see real growth.
“We started to notice small signs of change,” Robert shared. “At one point, she actually asked how we were doing, which is something she hadn’t done in years. It was a little thing, but it was a big deal to us.”
Their confidence in the program deepened as they saw their daughter gain insight into the struggles she’d faced. With time, the emotional and psychological support she received helped her begin to build the foundation for a healthier, more stable life.
After months of intensive treatment, their daughter graduated from the Turnbridge program in early August. She had earned her high school diploma and was accepted into a local university’s recovery program—a step that neither she nor her parents had imagined just a year before.
However, transitioning to life at university posed new challenges.
“The first few weeks at the university were tough,” Miranda explained. “She had some issues adjusting, and there were setbacks. But she stuck with it. She’s the only one of three girls who has remained in the program. She’s doing well now, living independently, and even feeling good about herself for the first time in a long time.”
Looking back, the parents expressed deep gratitude for the Turnbridge staff, whose support was instrumental in their daughter’s recovery.
“The staff’s openness about their own experiences was incredibly validating,” Robert said. “It helped us see that, despite how hard it was, this was part of a larger process of healing. We weren’t alone in this.”
The journey is ongoing, but there is a sense of cautious optimism. “We’re just taking it one day at a time,” Miranda concluded. “We’ve seen how far she’s come, and we’re hopeful she can continue to build on that progress.”
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Sam struggled with low self-confidence and substance abuse, trapped in a cycle of self-doubt and self-destructive behavior. After moving from New Jersey to California for school, he eventually returned to the East Coast and settled in Manhattan. There, his life became increasingly marked by reckless actions, using drugs and alcohol to numb his emotions and escape the pressure of others' expectations.
“I was so confident I was going to fail in every part of my life that I took matters into my own hands,” Sam shares. His substance use spiraled as a form of self-sabotage. With no intervention, he stayed stuck in a cycle while those around him moved forward. Eventually, the people in his life—his girlfriend, family, and sister—recognized the severity of his situation and intervened, urging him to get help.
He found himself at a turning point when his parents arrived in New York and insisted he come to Turnbridge. “I was still fighting them, but my body kept moving forward even though my mind didn’t want to,” he recalls. That resistance marked his arrival at Turnbridge, but his openness to change set the stage for his growth.
His early days in treatment were filled with uncertainty. After a detox program, he entered Turnbridge with a mindset of temporary change—focused more on appeasing others than on his own recovery. “I wasn’t doing it for me at first,” Sam admits. “I was doing it for my mom, to get back to my girlfriend, and to look good on paper.” However, his time at Turnbridge helped him realize that sobriety required internal motivation, not just external factors.
Over time, his motivations shifted. “I didn’t think I’d stay sober for life, but as I worked through my recovery, I began to see that it had to come from within,” Sam reflects. His connections with staff members and other residents played a key role in his change. “Seeing people who had been sober for a while, living full and joyful lives, made me realize that sobriety was possible and worth it.”
Now, as he moves into the next phase of the program, he’s managing both work and recovery work. He holds a part-time job in New Haven, balancing the demands of work and recovery. His days are spent in group therapy, individual sessions, and work, giving him structure while also helping him prepare for life outside of treatment.
Looking ahead, Sam’s goals are simple but powerful: “I just want to be content. I don’t need to be happy every day; I just want to find peace in whatever I’m doing.” His focus on being present and content is a reminder that recovery isn’t about perfection—it's about progress, self-acceptance, and making the most of each day.
His advice to new residents? “Just hang on. Take it one day at a time.” It's a straightforward message that reflects the resilience he's found through his journey.
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Recreation Event
Ski Trip
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In a recent adventure, Jeni Fletcher, our Women’s Phase III Program Director, took the female residents on an exciting day trip to Vermont for a skiing and snowboarding outing. The group traveled to Mount Snow, a mountain larger than their usual destinations, which offered new challenges and more space for fun. Despite the long drive—about 2.5 hours each way—the trip was full of positive energy. "Honestly, I've never been on an event where every single client was positive," Jeni shared, noting how the girls, who typically have mixed moods, were all in great spirits. Whether it was the thrill of skiing down the slopes or simply bonding in the lodge over food and conversation, the day was a welcome break from the routine.
The outing was not only about physical activity but also fostering connection. Jeni emphasized the importance of the trip in allowing the residents to connect with each other outside of their usual environment. As they drove through Vermont, the girls chatted about past travels and experiences, deepening their understanding of one another. "They were all just in a good mood, having fun,"
Jeni remarked, highlighting the positive shift in energy. This kind of off-campus activity is part of Turnbridge's approach to supporting mental health, offering young people new experiences that can help build confidence, improve social skills, and provide an opportunity for relaxation and joy. These trips are a reminder of how powerful it can be to step outside, especially in the winter, to experience something new and exciting.
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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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Axe Throwing
A recent axe throwing outing at Oxford Axe Throwing was a smashing success, combining the thrill of a new challenge with the therapeutic benefits of movement, support, and achievement. The event offered participants an opportunity to step outside their comfort zones while having fun in a supportive environment.
The axe throwing experience was more than just a unique activity, it became a symbol of personal growth. As Jules Durr, our recreation program coordinator shared, the excitement of watching clients get closer to hitting a bullseye or even nailing it for the first time was incredibly rewarding. The event not only fostered a sense of accomplishment but also helped individuals recognize untapped talents and strengths.
"The feeling of finally sticking an axe in the target after several tries is a huge confidence boost," said Jules. "It’s like achieving a small goal, and that feeling of success transfers to other areas of their recovery journey."
The event also highlighted the power of peer support, with participants cheering each other on as they stepped up to throw. For many, the social aspect was just as important as the physical activity itself. Watching teammates encourage one another created a positive atmosphere that helped everyone feel part of a community.
Beyond the fun and social support, clients were surprised to find that axe throwing actually provides a full-body workout. "It’s not just about hitting the target," Jules explained. "It takes core strength and control, which is an added bonus for those looking for a way to release built-up tension or stress."
Whether it was the adrenaline of the game or the simple joy of achieving something new, the axe throwing event proved to be a rewarding activity. Clients left feeling empowered, energized, and proud of their accomplishments—a perfect reflection of our values of fitness, wellness, and recreation moving together for holistic healing.
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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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Nick Anderson
Care Team Director
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Employee Spotlight
Nick Anderson’s journey with Turnbridge is deeply personal, having gone from client to working in the Turnbridge kitchen, to his current position as the Care Team Director at Turnbridge’s Killingworth Girls Adolescent Residential Program.
Nick joined Turnbridge as a client in 2013, seeking support during a difficult time in his life. After successfully completing the program, he has now been sober for nearly nine years. His personal experience at Turnbridge, both as a participant and an employee, is a major driving force behind his commitment to helping others.
“I think a big piece of what I do here is share my own experience with the people we work with,” Nick shares. “I’ve been where they are and being able to say that makes a real difference in how clients trust me and the team.”
Nick’s journey at Turnbridge didn’t stop after his recovery. In 2016, he returned to the program as an employee, initially working in the kitchen before moving into various roles, including Life Skills Coordinator, Case Manager, and now Care Team Director. “Turnbridge has been a huge part of my recovery,” he explains. “I started in the kitchen and have worked my way up. I’m proud of the journey and the opportunity to help others in the same way I was helped.”
As Care Team Director, Nick serves as the central point of contact for families and clients. His mornings are spent meeting with the care team, which includes nurses, therapists, prescribers, nutritionists, and academic advisors, to discuss the needs of each client. Afterward, he updates client’s families, providing them with the latest information on their child’s progress.
“I describe my role as the ‘hub’ in a ‘hub and spoke’ model,” Nick explains. “I’m the center, connecting the different team members and ensuring that the families are always in the loop. It’s a lot of coordination, but it’s critical to providing the best care for the clients.”
One of Nick’s greatest strengths is his ability to connect with clients. He has a unique ability to build trust, especially with those who are initially withdrawn or resistant to treatment. “It’s incredible to watch the transformation,” he says. “Some of the kids arrive here very introverted, not willing to engage, but after a couple of weeks, they’re saying ‘hi’ in the hallway, cracking jokes, and opening up. That’s the most rewarding part of my job.”
Nick’s own experience with recovery allows him to empathize with the challenges faced by the clients. “I’ve been in their shoes, and I can relate to what they’re going through,” he shares. “That’s something I think makes a real difference in the way they respond to me and the team.”
For Nick, the best part about working at Turnbridge is the sense of community. “It feels like family here,” he says. “I’ve been with the company long enough that I’ve seen people grow and develop. There’s a real sense of connection among the staff, and I think that helps create a positive, supportive environment for both the employees and the clients.”
Nick’s commitment to Turnbridge and its mission is unwavering. He remains inspired by the success stories and the daily progress he sees in the clients. “I’m proud of the work we do here, and I’m grateful for the chance to help others the way I was helped,” he says.
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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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