Overview
AT THE CHARLTON SCHOOL, we know that some students too often get broadly categorized. Healing happens differently for each indivudual so our approach varies for every student. The aim is always the same, though. Students leave Charlton able to independently self-regulate their behavior, set goals, and care for their own intellectual and emotional needs. Our integrated behavior strategies lead to emotional balance, clarity of self, and healthy habits that are sustainable.
We understand.
To us, behavior is a form of communication which we view as an invitation to help. We base each student’s program on an ongoing functional behavior assessment, monitoring progress and adjusting therapies and education as needed.
We focus on the positive.
For each student, we create a positive behavior support plan that rewards problem-solving, makes each individual accountable for behavior and decisions, and supports efforts in social, academic, and vocational settings.
We keep the momentum going.
Residential treatment at Charlton is integrated throughout a student’s entire day—from time spent in our residence cottages, to classroom experiences, and from extracurricular activities to, of course, a wide range of clinical interventions.
Integrative Treatment
At The Charlton School, we focus on delivering the right treatment—one that’s individualized and customized specifically to the needs of each student. We base each student’s program on an ongoing functional behavior assessment, monitoring progress and enhancing or adjusting our therapies as necessary.
Students on The Charlton School campus are typically struggling with:
- Emotion Regulation
- Attachment Issues
- Trauma
- Symptomatic Behaviors
Message from the Director
“We are not your typical residential treatment center. We are a therapeutic learning community where students learn to trust and develop a positive sense of self.”
I have been a part of The Charlton School since 2003 in the positions of Therapist, Clinical Director and now as Executive Director. Our clinical, residential, and educational staff are in constant collaboration to ensure that the efficacy of the highly individualized, therapeutic environment we have created remains. We understand the overwhelming feelings that come with sending your child away and the struggles that come with trying to explain this as a selfless act of love. This important process starts with new student admissions and is the reason why I remain a central part of our admissions team.
We are not your typical residential treatment center. We are a therapeutic learning community where students learn to trust and develop a positive sense of self. We often hear our program “has a feel” that is different than other experiences families have when touring other programs. I would encourage you, family members, and all professionals supporting your continued success to come and see us and see if you feel the same.
If all other options have been exhausted, perhaps it is the right time for a residential program and perhaps The Charlton School is the place. Please feel free to call me anytime.
Respectfully,
Alex Capo
Therapy and Aftercare
INDIVIDUAL & GROUP THERAPY
Each student is involved in weekly therapy sessions with her assigned therapist. Students also participate in regular meetings with our school psychologist and psychiatrist.
Positive Behavior Support plans, medication adjustments, and other modifications to a student’s treatment plan are addressed during various weekly clinical meetings that include the:
- Clinical Team
- Child Study Team
- Staff
- Supervision
Group therapy occurs weekly as well and includes discussions on self-exploration, the impact of trauma on development, self-regulation, emotional management, art therapy, and equine therapy.
Family Therapy
The faculty and therapists at The Charlton School know that placement here is a difficult transition for the entire family. That’s why the family is expected to be involved in the change process while the student is residing at The Charlton School. Family therapy usually includes bi-month family sessions on campus with encouragement to continue to resolve past issues and strengthen family relationships at home.
If the family cannot participate in family sessions on-campus, arrangements are made to conduct family sessions via Google Meet videoconference or telephone.
AFTERCARE
Students and families are encouraged to participate in Charlton’s one-year, voluntary AfterCare Program. Aftercare planning begins prior to discharge and is designed to provide support, assistance, and feedback to former Charlton students in managing both daily living tasks and crises after discharge.
This intense, one-year program is divided into four quarters and includes weekly phone calls and face-to-face visits in a variety of settings and circumstances—from home, school, Charlton, and job-hunting to medical appointments. More
Testimonials
PARENT
“Parents recognize The Charlton School model is less about penalizing girls and more about respecting girls for who and where they are when they come to Charlton.”
PSYCHIATRIST
“In referring patients, I look for a standard of care based on evidence-based treatments, the flexibility to tailor a treatment program to each child and family, and a willingness to include and communicate with an outside psychiatrist. Charlton does all of these things well.”
STUDENT
“Since I was young, I have always known that this life damages us, everyone. We can’t escape that damage. But now, I am also learning this: We can be mended. We mend each other.”
CSE
“Charlton is for students who are fragile and present with emotional issues such as depression, bi-polar disorders, anxiety, and personality disorders.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the frequency of therapy provided at Charlton?
Our program is a therapeutic microcosm. Every interaction is a potential therapeutic intervention or mishap. Through this lens, the amount of ‘therapy’ a student receives can vary. Students formally participate in individual therapy a minimum of one hour per week, family therapy twice a month, and group therapy two times a week. Licensed therapists and our consulting psychiatrist, psychologist, and school counselor deliver these more traditional therapies.
What treatment model do you use?
We do not have a model for treatment at Charlton for a simple reason—as soon as we subscribe to one, we begin to lose our individualized approach. We draw upon various models that result in customized treatments and encourage collaboration between our students and their families. Much of our understanding of a student’s struggles is informed by the research of Bessel van der Kolk, MD and Dr. Ross Greene.
Do you use a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) model?
We do not. We draw on several concepts to assist with our ultimate goal of teaching students to independently self-regulate their emotions and behaviors. Through years of trial and error with various models, we have come to understand that committing to one model often dilutes the efficacy of our individualized approach.