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Therapeutic Boarding School for Troubled Girls: Finding Hope and Healing

Are you searching for a therapeutic boarding school for your daughter? Is she struggling with anxiety, depression, defiance, or school refusal?

Turning Winds offers a compassionate, accredited, safe, structured, and supportive environment where real emotional and behavioral healing begins—and futures are restored.

No pressure. Just clarity, support and hope

Smiling teenage girl wearing yellow hoodie at Turning Winds therapeutic boarding school for troubled girls
Trusted by Thousands of Families. Helping Teens Heal since 2002

Turning Winds is a therapeutic boarding school for girls ages 13–18 who are struggling with emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges. 

We combine licensed therapy, academic restoration, and outdoor experiential learning in a safe, structured setting,
helping girls heal, grow, and rebuild their lives.

Knowing that Turning Winds was fully accredited gave us so much peace of mind. Our son wasn't just healing emotionally — he was staying on track academically and earning real credits that mattered for his future.

Proudly accredited by Cognia, licensed by Montana DPHHS, and recognized by The Joint Commission for outstanding care.

The Real Struggles Teen Girls Face Today

Today’s teen girls are growing up in a world that demands more—and gives them less.

Between social media pressure, academic expectations, identity confusion, and a flood of unrealistic standards, many girls feel like they’re constantly failing at being “enough.”

For some, that pressure turns inward—into anxiety, depression, or self-harm.

For others, it becomes defiance, anger, or emotional shutdown.

It’s not just mood swings. It’s not just “teen angst.” It’s pain—and too often, it’s untreated.

Many parents notice these changes long before they know what to call them.

These are the patterns we hear about most often—subtle at first, but impossible to ignore over time.

therapeutic boarding schools for girls with anxiety, excellent for girls with school refusal. Learn More

Warning Signs Your Daughter Is Struggling

Is your daughter showing these warning signs?

Your daughter isn’t broken—she’s overwhelmed.

What she needs is the right environment to reset, rebuild, and rise.

You are not alone. Read on to see why so many families trust Turning Winds.

Is your daughter out of control? Get help today, call now to speak with an admissions counselor. 

Why Families Choose Turning Winds

Parents don’t choose Turning Winds lightly. They come to us after exhausting options.

After therapy sessions that didn’t go far enough. After school suspensions, emotional breakdowns, or moments of helplessness that no parent ever imagines facing.

They come to us when their daughter’s behavior feels ‘out of control’ and they’ve run out of options.

What they find here isn’t just a school. It’s a place where healing begins, structure returns, and their daughter starts to become herself again.

At Turning Winds, we combine the clinical depth of a residential treatment center with the structure of a therapeutic boarding school—and the breakthroughs of outdoor experiential therapy. It’s all integrated, in one consistent, compassionate environment.

a beautiful young lady enjoying the outdoors while studying outside at Turning Winds, a boarding schools for troubled girls, girls struggling academically and girls that have expressed bad behavior but are in need of compassionate care.

Why This Mom Chose Turning Winds

McKae, a mom whose daughter attended Turning Winds, shares how the program’s whole-person approach—including therapy, nature, and academics—helped restore her child’s hope.

One of the things that really resonated with me is that they advertised an approach to like the whole person. You know, it’s not just therapy, it’s about being outside and being around nature and exercising.

Communication and academics, you know, it was like the whole package instead of, oh, we’re just gonna sit in a circle and talk about our feelings all day and then go back to our room.

The facility was incredible. I liked how it was set up, with separate areas for the girls and the boys, and then overlooking this incredible meadow.

I mean, it was just something out of a Jack London novel. Could possibly be, well, no, there are wolves too, so I won’t say with fewer wolves, but I mean just even the nature and the accessibility of it, it was incredible.

Watch McKae’s video testimonial: What Happens When Hope Seems Lost? A mom’s real story.

(This transcript was edited for readability)

 

We were very happy with Julia’s progress when we had our visit with her the end of February. What a change and all for the good! It was heartening to see a smile on her face, and just for the record, she went out of her way to tell me that she felt TWAI was ‘her home’ — not anything like an institution.

Turning Winds' Holistic Care Model:
Five Pillars of Teen Whole Healing

Diagram showing Turning Winds’ Whole Healing model for teens, with five interlocking puzzle pieces: Clinical Excellence, Academic Restoration, Experiential & Outdoor Therapy, Family Systems & Connections, and Life Skills & Long-Term Growth.

Healing Beyond Academics - The Evolution of Our Therapeutic Boarding School

Turning Winds is known as a leading therapeutic boarding school for struggling teens, but we are so much more. Over the past twenty years, the landscape of teen mental health care has evolved—and so have we. Today, we are proud to be one of the most trusted and successful residential treatment programs for adolescents, combining clinical excellence, academic restoration, and holistic healing.

Our Five Pillars of Whole Healing form the foundation of everything we do. Unlike traditional programs, Turning Winds offers a unique hybrid approach that sees your child as a whole person—mind, body and spirit, thereby addressing your teen’s challenges holistically.

Beyond academics and rehabilitation, our hybrid model of care combines clinical care, academics, family support, and personal growth into a holistic experience that encompasses the mental, emotional, physical, and social well-being of our clients.

These pillars work together to deliver personalized, lasting transformation for every teen who walks through our doors.

"Turning Winds gave us our daughter back — stronger, happier, and filled with hope."

Our Five Pillars of Whole Person Healing

Profile of a human head with a brain symbol, representing evidence-based therapy and psychiatry at Turning Winds

Clinical Excellence

Licensed therapists and psychiatric professionals provide evidence-based therapy (CBT, DBT, trauma-informed care) and support for co-occurring disorders like anxiety, depression, and substance use.

Graduation cap symbol representing accredited academics and confidence building for teens.

Academic Restoration

With small class sizes and accredited academics, girls catch up, rebuild confidence, and rediscover the joy of learning. Many earn two years of credit in just one year.

Icon showing a tree and a figure hiking outdoors, representing adventure-based therapy and nature immersion.

Experiential & Outdoor Therapy

Nature is a powerful healer. Girls hike, ski, mountain bike, and engage in outdoor therapy that strengthens self-esteem, emotional regulation, and resilience.

Two figures holding hands inside a heart, representing family involvement and therapy

Family Systems & Connections

We don’t just treat the teen—we involve the whole family. Through family therapy, parent coaching, and consistent communication, healing begins at home, too.

Circular badge with the word SKILL inside, representing emotional regulation and independence.

Life Skills & Long-Term Growth

Girls develop emotional intelligence, personal responsibility, time management, and social confidence—skills they’ll need not just now, but for life.

Why Co-Ed Matters

Girls participating in outdoor activities during a nature-based therapy session at Turning Winds. A school for troubled teenagers, specifically girls with emotional, academic struggles and risky behaviors.

Some parents ask why we don’t separate boys and girls. Here’s why:

In real life, your daughter will need to navigate friendships, boundaries, and social interactions in healthy ways. Our co-ed model prepares her for that—with structure, supervision, and therapeutic support built in. She’ll learn how to connect with others while honoring her voice and values.

Turning Winds' Holistic Care Model:
Five Pillars of Teen Whole Healing

Diagram showing Turning Winds’ Whole Healing model for teens, with five interlocking puzzle pieces: Clinical Excellence, Academic Restoration, Experiential & Outdoor Therapy, Family Systems &
Turning Winds 5 Pillars of Teen Whole Healing

Healing Beyond Academics - The Evolution of Our Therapeutic Boarding School

Turning Winds is known as a leading therapeutic boarding school for struggling teens, but we are so much more.

Over the past twenty years, the landscape of teen mental health care has evolved—and so have we. 

Today, we are proud to be one of the most trusted and successful residential treatment programs for adolescents, combining clinical excellence, academic restoration, and holistic healing.

Our Five Pillars of Whole Healing form the foundation of everything we do.

Unlike traditional programs, Turning Winds offers a unique hybrid approach that sees your child as a whole person—mind, body and spirit, thereby addressing your teen’s challenges holistically.

Beyond academics and rehabilitation, our hybrid model of care combines clinical care, academics, family support, and personal growth into a holistic experience that encompasses the mental, emotional, physical, and social well-being of our clients.

These pillars work together to deliver personalized, lasting transformation for every teen who walks through our doors.

Our Five Pillars of Whole Person Healing

Profile of a human head with a brain symbol, representing evidence-based therapy and psychiatry at Turning Winds

Clinical Excellence

Licensed therapists and psychiatric professionals provide evidence-based therapy (CBT, DBT, trauma-informed care) and support for co-occurring disorders like anxiety, depression, and substance use.

Graduation cap symbol representing accredited academics and confidence building for teens.

Academic Restoration

With small class sizes and accredited academics, girls catch up, rebuild confidence, and rediscover the joy of learning. Many earn two years of credit in just one year.

Icon showing a tree and a figure hiking outdoors, representing adventure-based therapy and nature immersion.

Experiential & Outdoor Therapy

Nature is a powerful healer. Girls hike, ski, mountain bike, and engage in outdoor therapy that strengthens self-esteem, emotional regulation, and resilience.

Two figures holding hands inside a heart, representing family involvement and therapy

Family Systems & Connections

We don’t just treat the teen—we involve the whole family. Through family therapy, parent coaching, and consistent communication, healing begins at home, too.

Circular badge with the word SKILL inside, representing emotional regulation and independence.

Life Skills & Long-Term Growth

Girls develop emotional intelligence, personal responsibility, time management, and social confidence—skills they’ll need not just now, but for life.

Why Co-Ed Matters

Teens participating in a co-ed outdoor group activity at Turning Winds therapeutic boarding school, promoting emotional growth and social skills

Some parents ask why we don’t separate boys and girls. Here’s why:

In real life, your daughter will need to navigate friendships, boundaries, and social interactions in healthy ways.

Our co-ed model prepares her for that—with structure, supervision, and therapeutic support built in. She’ll learn how to connect with others while honoring her voice and values.

Clinical & Academic Care That Transforms

When your daughter struggles, the whole family feels the weight of it.

You’re not alone, and there is a proven path to healing. Turning Winds is here to guide her back to confidence, joy, and success.

At Turning Winds, we understand that emotional healing and academic success aren’t separate—they’re deeply connected.

When a teen girl feels emotionally safe and supported, she can re-engage with her education. And when she starts to achieve again in school, her confidence grows.

That’s why we combine therapeutic excellence with accredited academics in a single, integrated, and structured environment.

Our clinicians use evidence-based methods, including:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Rogerian relationship-building
  • Family systems therapy

Therapy happens daily—not once a week. And it’s woven into every interaction, not siloed into office time.

  • Individualized education plans
  • Hybrid scholastic model (teacher-led core subjects and teacher/tutor-supported electives)
  • Accredited by Cognia and National Independent Private Schools Association
  • Certified special education teacher
  • Dual-credit recovery: earn up to two years of high school in one year
  • Academic study skills and executive function support
  • Small class sizes, structured support, and built-in tutoring
  • ACT and SAT test prep

This isn’t a short-term fix. Turning Winds is built to create lasting, measurable change.

At Turning Winds, outdoor adventure therapy isn’t a supplement—it’s part of our core.

Whether it’s mountain biking, hiking, camping, fishing, or skiing, our students participate in carefully designed outdoor experiences that help them:

  • Regulate emotions through movement and reflection
  • Build trust and confidence in themselves and others
  • Practice patience, perseverance, and healthy risk-taking
  • Learn how to unplug and reconnect—with nature and with themselves

“I saw her smile in a photo for the first time in months—she was hiking with her group, proud of herself. That’s when I knew she was coming back to life.”
— TW Parent

Life Skills That Empower Her Future

We help girls learn to:

  • Manage stress and emotional impulses
  • Set and reach personal goals
  • Build healthy relationships and communicate assertively
  • Take personal responsibility for their choices
  • Develop a sense of independence and direction
beautiful girl at a boarding school for girls in Montana, reflecting on her experience and behaviors in the beautiful campus.

How Turnings Winds Helps

Beyond recovery, we build strength, resilience, and hope. At Turning Winds, they gain: 

Healing Through Clinical Excellence

Building Self-Confidence and Resilience

Emotional Growth and Life Skills

Motivation and Goal Achievement

Frequently Asked Questions From Concerned Parents

Turning Winds is a therapeutic boarding school for “troubled” girls who are struggling with emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and other behavioral heath concerns. 

We provide licensed therapy, structured academic support, and outdoor experiential learning to help girls heal, rebuild confidence, and thrive in a safe, supportive environment.

Yes. At Turning Winds, we take a very different approach than disciplinary or military-style programs.

Unlike reform schools or disciplianry schools, we don’t punish, isolate, or break teens down.

Instead, we guide them through evidence-based therapy, support them within a nurturing environment, and help rebuild their self-esteem and healthy coping skills.

Our program is centered around therapeutic connection, clinical excellence, and emotional growth—never fear or force.

At Turning Winds, healing begins with trust, compassion, and real human connection.

Academic success is a key part of the healing journey at Turning Winds.

Many of our students arrive behind due to school refusal, academic struggles, or absenteeism. Through our fully accredited academic program, they not only catch up—they often surpass their peers.

Our students typically earn up to two years of high school credit in just one year, rebuilding confidence and opening doors to new opportunities.

At Turning Winds, clinical excellence and academic growth go hand in hand, helping teens heal emotionally while preparing for a brighter future.

Families reach out to Turning Winds when their teen’s emotional pain and behavioral struggles have become too heavy to manage alone.

Others come to us after traditional treatments, such as therapy, hospitalizations, or short-term programs, have fallen short of creating lasting change. 

We encourage parents not to wait until their teen is in full crisis. Early intervention can make all the difference.

 

Who We Help

At Turning Winds, we help teens overcome a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges, including:

Every teen’s journey is different.

At Turning Winds, we look beyond surface behaviors and emotional pain to understand the root causes of emotional pain.

We help rebuild resilience, restore self-worth, and guide each teen back toward hope, connection, and long-term success.

 

At Turning Winds, we believe true healing happens beyond four walls.
Our 150-acre Montana campus is designed to integrate outdoor recreation and experiential learning into every part of your teen’s therapeutic journey.

Here’s what students experience:

Diverse Outdoor Experiences

  • Equine therapy that builds emotional connection and trust

  • Hiking, skiing, snowboarding, kayaking, and boating adventures

  • Basketball and volleyball courts; soccer and baseball fields

  • Organized team sports that foster resilience, leadership, and a sense of belonging

Therapy That Moves Beyond the Office

  • Wilderness excursions and adventure challenges are fully integrated into therapy

  • Activities help teens develop emotional regulation, teamwork, and lasting personal confidence

Expanding Horizons Through Global Opportunities

  • Qualified students may participate in international service and leadership trips

  • Experiences that broaden worldviews and build a deeper sense of purpose and global responsibility

At Turning Winds, outdoor recreation isn’t just an activity.
It’s a powerful catalyst for emotional healing, academic growth, and lifelong transformation.

Yes, Turning Winds provides expert care for teens facing a variety of mental health, learning, and medical challenges, including:

  • Attachment disorders and challenges forming healthy relationships

  • Anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

  • Depression and other mood disorders

  • ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), NLD/NVLD (Nonverbal Learning Disorder), ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), and other learning differences

  • Substance use, gaming addiction, and other behavioral addictions

  • Medically complex teens requiring coordinated mental health and physical health support

Our multidisciplinary team ensures that each teen’s therapeutic, academic, and medical needs are addressed holistically.

We create an integrated environment where healing, learning, and growth happen together, helping teens reclaim their health, confidence, and future.

Yes, Turning Winds works with many major health insurance providers to help families offset the cost of treatment.

Our admissions team can verify your insurance benefits, explain what services may be covered, and help you understand your financial options.

What is covered by Insurance? 

Coverage typically depends on your individual plan, the clinical needs of your teen, and whether residential mental health treatment is authorized. We’re here to guide you through the process and answer all your questions.

To find out if your insurance covers treatment at Turning Winds, contact us for a free insurance verification.

Most students stay between 9 and 12 months, depending on clinical need and academic goals. Every plan is personalized.

This is such a difficult decision for any parent, but if nothing else has worked, if your daughter is slipping away, or if you’re feeling scared and out of options, you’re not alone.

And yes, this might be exactly the next step that leads her back to herself, and your family back to hope.

Contact us online for more information, or call us at 800-845-1380. If your call isn’t answered in person, someone will get back to you as soon as possible.

Don’t Wait for Rock Bottom. Start the Healing Now.

Turning Winds has helped more than 2,000 families rebuild trust, safety, and connection. If your daughter is in crisis—or heading there—you don’t have to wait.

Get started today and call us at

Our mission is to achieve positive change in this world and reach young men and women at a time early enough in their lives to create a profoundly different outcome. We hope that you will allow us to play a small part in getting your teen and family the help that is needed. Together we can make a difference in the life of your child.

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