At Turning Winds, we deeply understand the unique mental health challenges faced by military teens. From frequent relocations and family separations to the pressures of constant change.
That is why we are proud to partner with TRICARE to provide accessible, comprehensive residential treatment. Our supportive and healing environment is structured to support the specific needs of adolescents from military families. Helping them overcome trauma, behavioral struggles, academic difficulties, and emotional stress with care that truly fits their experiences.
Our Family-Focused Approach to Healing Military Teens
Since its founding more than twenty years ago, the idea of family has been at the heart of everything we do. It remains a guiding principle of our philosophy at Turning Winds. We believe that true healing happens in a supportive, trustworthy environment. And that includes caring for the sons and daughters of military families.
Every Turning Winds team member is carefully selected not only for their professional expertise but for their ability to model the values we hold dear: trust, respect, love, empathy, and compassion.
What Makes Us Different? Our Staff Living Our Values Every Day
Our staff brings a wide range of life experiences, providing the teens in our care with a powerful example of resilience, connection and personal growth. All within a warm and supportive familial atmosphere that promotes healing far more effectively than an institutional setting.
Each team member is a well-rounded and talented individual with diverse life experiences and valuable skills that offer a unique window into the most fundamental aspects of successful human life, including presence, empathy, compassion, and competence.
Turning Winds Proudly Serves Military Families!
Supporting military families is deeply personal to me. One of my ancestors fought in the Civil War, many of my relatives served in the military, and several of my closest friends are veterans who dedicated their lives to protecting this country.
It means a lot to me to be able to serve military families. Offering healing and hope to the sons and daughters of those who serve is a deep honor and a privilege. We proudly serve our military families.
Understanding the Unique Mental Health Challenges of Military Teens
Military teens grow up facing stressors that most young people will never encounter. Frequent deployments of their loved ones, moving to new communities every few years, and the constant uncertainty result in military teens experiencing higher rates of depression, anxiety, and hopelessness, along with lower levels of life satisfaction.
These struggles can deepen with each relocation or separation. Military families are required to move every one to two years. Just finding new connections can be a difficult challenge. .
The Emotional Toll on Military Teens
As John Baisden, Jr., Co-founder of Turning Winds, explains:
"Can you imagine what kind of impact that has on a teenager—having to make new friends and rebuild a community, knowing they’ll have to leave again soon? Some teens may not even finish the school year because one of their parents is redeployed."
The emotional weight of military life doesn’t stop with the teen — it often touches the entire family as well. As Baisden further shares:
"Military families experience a kind of trauma as service members serve our country in combat or just being deployed away from their families for nine months or a year. We feel there should be more support for military families, and we’re fortunate to be able to be a provider for them."
At Turning Winds, we understand these challenges deeply — and we’re committed to providing military families with a stable, supportive, and healing environment where teens can rebuild their sense of connection, resilience, and hope.
COLLABORATING WITH TRICARE FOR YOUR TEEN’S HEALTH
TRICARE is the essential healthcare program for active-duty military members, retirees, and their families. It bridges military and civilian healthcare resources, ensuring access to quality mental health services.
At Turning Winds, we are proud to be a TRICARE-authorized teen residential treatment center, working collaboratively with both TRICARE East and TRICARE West to deliver personalized, comprehensive mental health care for military teens.
Making the TRICARE Process Easier for Families
We understand how overwhelming it can feel to navigate the TRICARE system. Our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way, streamlining the process so your family can fully use your TRICARE benefits to get your teen the emotional and behavioral health care they need. We want your family to focus on what matters most: hope and healing.
From your first consultation to developing a personalized care plan, you can trust Turning Winds to help your teenager access the essential mental health treatment they deserve. Together, we’ll work to ensure your family receives the compassionate support and expert care needed for lasting recovery.
🎧 Hear from a parent who’s been there:
In this episode, a mom describes her journey with Turning Winds — from uncertainty to confidence in finding the right help for her son.
Ready to help your teen? How to get started with Turning Winds
Accessing specialized mental health services at Turning Winds typically begins with a referral from your primary care manager (PCM). As your primary healthcare provider within TRICARE, your PCM coordinates your family’s care and plays an essential in initiating the referral process for residential treatment at Turning Winds.
Our experienced admissions team is here to guide you through obtaining a referral and simplifying your path to beginning treatment. “It’s not easy to find providers who accept TRICARE, but Turning Winds is very experienced at helping military families through the admissions process,” says Eric Loesch, Admissions Director.
“It’s not easy to find providers who accept TRICARE, but Turning Winds is very experienced at helping military families through the admissions process."
Guiding You Through the TRICARE Referral Process
Parenting is hard. Parenting teens can be even harder, especially when one parent is serving in the military. At The Turning Winds, we are here to help.
Our care team is comprised of licensed clinicians, a board-certified psychiatrist, certified teachers, 24-hour nursing support, and the consistent presence of executive leadership. All working together to provide the highest level of care for your teenager.
We recognize the challenging journey military families embark on when seeking mental health treatment for their teens. Our commitment goes beyond delivering exceptional care; we strive to be a supportive guide through each step of the healing journey. By partnering with TRICARE and understanding the unique needs of military families, we aim to make accessing care seamless and effective.
When you are ready, we are here to help!
The path to a brighter future for your teen starts with understanding your options. If you’re ready to take that first step, we invite you to reach out and explore how Turning Winds can help your child reclaim hope, healing and a renewed sense of well-being.
Contact us online for more information, or call us at 800-845-1380 to learn more about our specialized mental health treatment for teens and how Turning Winds can support your family during this pivotal time. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter, healthier future for your child.
