Nexus Academy | Personalized Drug & Alcohol Rehab

Teen Residential Treatment Near You in Scottsdale, Arizona

Nexus Teen Academy's Teen Mental Health Arizona

Nexus Teen Academy

NEXUS TEEN ACADEMY MISSION

Navigating Adolescent Struggles in Scottsdale, Arizona

It’s tough seeing your teen struggle, isn’t it? Whether they’re making endless excuses, getting bullied, gender discrimination, having bloodshot eyes, poor hygiene, lack of motivation, or something else entirely, it can feel overwhelming for both parents and teens in Scottsdale. But you’re not alone.

At Nexus Teen Academy, we specialize in helping teens aged 13-17 overcome anxiety, depression, school stress, substance abuse, and other teen mental health issues through our personalized treatment programs and help them get back on track. We provide services in Scottsdale, Arizona, and offer an intensive residential treatment program to help your teen heal and thrive.

Our staff has helped countless teens like yours get back on track and move towards a more confident, emotionally stable, and happy life. Every Scottsdale teen’s journey is unique (and you don’t need to feel ashamed about it), so we tailor our treatment program to their needs.

So, don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation today. Give us a call & we’re here to listen and support you. Our teen residential treatment program, verified by the Arizona Department of Health Services, is crafted to offer the specific support and care your teen needs right now, helping them through these tough times.

Trapped in Silence: Why Scottsdale Teens Need Help, Now

A recent study by Forbes Advisor (The Worst States For Mental Health Care, Ranked) examined all 50 states in the US, examining them across seven key mental health metrics to uncover the states with the highest and lowest rates of mental illness. You might be surprised to learn that Arizona ranked 7th in this comparison.

But here’s something that might surprise you even more: Arizona has the 4th highest rate of youth who went through a depressive episode in the past year (2022-23) and did not receive mental health treatment, 70.1%, to be exact. It’s tough because many teens out there are battling their inner turmoil—sadness, anger, or even nothing—and they don’t get why.

Looking back, these same kids might one day wonder, “What was going through my head back then?” But right now, for parents observing their kid’s unpredictable or withdrawn behaviors, it’s scary. They know these signs can lead to really serious problems down the line. That brings us to what we’re all about at Nexus Teen Academy. We’re not just another program.

We’re a facility that truly believes in the power within every teen to fight back against mild to severe addiction and mental health symptoms like loss of appetite, frequent sickness, muscle tension, seizures or vomiting, and more.

Our approach is unique. We focus on understanding each teen individually and tailoring our support to their specific needs. We provide a nurturing environment where teens can take a moment to heal and find the strength to change their lives.

We’re here to build a bond, to show them that anything’s possible if your teen sets their mind to it. Our goal? To give them a clear vision of their future that they can hold onto, making real, lasting changes for themselves and their loved ones.

Here’s a short list of teen therapy services that we provide to Scottsdale teens.

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PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can affect teens who have experienced or witnessed traumatic events. It can lead to flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.

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Trauma

Traumatic events in teens can cause overwhelming anxiety or distress and include experiencing, witnessing, or being confronted with physical, verbal, and emotional abuse or another event that involves actual or threatened death or serious injury to oneself or someone else. When fight, flight, or freeze are triggered, the body responds to the perceived threat by sending more blood and oxygen in vital organs, which can result in increased heart rate, nausea, clammy hands, blurred vision, and/or feeling spacey to name a few trauma reactions.

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Teen Self Harm

Adolescent self-harming behaviors are often a coping mechanism for teens grappling with emotional distress. Our experienced clinical team will help discover the root causes and guide your teenager in developing long-term emotional well-being and happiness strategies.

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Anxiety

Anxiety disorders in teens can cause excessive worry and fear, impacting daily life. Our treatment strategies offer residents space to process, investigate triggers, and establish tools to manage anxiety and build resilience.

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Suicidal Thoughts

Suicidal ideation in teens can be scary for both the person experiencing those thoughts and their family. Beyond monitoring your teen's behavior, it is not uncommon to feel at a loss about how to support your child. Our clinical staff will provide your loved one with the compassion and care this critical situation requires.

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Depression

Teen depression is a common mental health condition that can affect how your teenager thinks, acts, and behaves. While depression can occur at any age, symptoms vary between adolescents and adults. In teens, symptoms can chronic irritability, cause a lack of interest in activities and a persistent feeling of sadness

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Low Self-worth

Low self-worth can hinder a teen's personal growth and ability to create secure relationships. Our program uses trauma-informed modalities to address teenager's low self-worth. We work together to help them heal those wounds, and start establishing tools to support them in creating a healthier self perception.

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Mood and Behavior Disorders

Teens who are chronically acting out, demonstrating aggressive behaviors, or chronically irritable moods may be suffering from Disruptive Mood Deregulation Disorder, Dysthymia, Oppositional Defiant Disorder(s), or other Mood Disorders. At Nexus Teen Academy, teens chronically challenging authority, fighting with peers or family members, or demonstrating explosive moods will get the support they need.

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ADHD/Impulse Control

A teen with ADHD might have trouble staying on task. They may start on a project only to end up starting five others before finishing. Being easily distracted can lead to stress, anxiety, and careless mistakes at school and at home. At Nexus, inattention, restlessness, and impulsivity that continue to cause issues at home or school will be addressed.

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Psychotic Disorders

Teens with psychotic disorders may experience hallucinations or delusions. We have specialized treatment plans that provide the necessary support for managing these challenges.

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Personality Disorders

Personality disorders can disrupt a teen's sense of self and relationships. Learn about our therapeutic techniques to help teens navigate and conquer these complex issues.

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Mood Swings & Anger

Teens often struggle with mood swings and anger issues. Find out how our programs teach teens healthy ways to express their emotions and improve interpersonal relationships.

Also, our doors are open to families and their teens from every corner of Scottsdale, whether you’re from Cave Creek, Gainey Ranch, McCormick Ranch, North Scottsdale, Old Town, Paradise Valley, or South Scottsdale.

FAQs About Nexus Teen Treatment Program

The length of the program is tailored to meet the specific requirements of your teenager. Our treatment approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, and we conduct weekly evaluations to assess your teen’s progress. Our primary goal is to equip your teenager with the essential skills necessary for long-lasting success, not just temporary victories.
We will move as fast as we can to help your family. If everything moves smoothly, we can admit your teenager within a few days.
Yes, we do accept most major private pay insurance plans. We unfortunately don’t accept AHCCCS or medicare/medicaid.
Yes! It’s a requirement. Our program is extremely family-focused. A major part of our ethos is ensuring your teen goes home after treatment in a healthy and positive situation. That involves quite a lot of involvement from the family, including family therapy sessions.

Unfortunately, due to ongoing COVID precautions and HIPPA regulations, we do not open the house to tours prior to admission. However, we do offer extensive resources to help you make an informed decision. We are, however, able to give families a sense of our Nexus community and house ethos through virtual tours, photos, and conversations with clinical, medical, and educational leadership.

We understand the sensitivity and often urgency that comes with deciding to admit a loved one to treatment. This is why we are committed to returning all admissions calls within 24 hours. If you, for some reason, don’t hear from us within that time frame, please do not hesitate to call the Admissions line again.

  • Teen Anxiety
  • PTSD/trauma
  • Teen Depression
  • Suicidal Ideation/Self-Harm
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • Teenage Substance Use Disorder
  • Parent-Child attachment wounds
  • Phobias
  • Social Anxiety
  • ADHD
  • Bipolar Opioid-related disorders
  • Stimulant-related disorders
  • Impulse Control
  • Oppositional Defiance Disorder

While the specific nature of each resident’s treatment is customized, a few elements remain the same. Every teen in treatment receives guidance from a passionate and well-qualified team that includes an adolescent psychiatrist, an individual therapist, a family therapist, a medical team of doctors, nurses, and medical assistants, academic supervision, a dietician-vetted menu prepared by our executive chef, and our family manager dedicated to supporting your transition from our care back into day-to-day life.

At Nexus Teen Academy, we have a unique approach to academics while in treatment. We believe each resident in our care is here, first and foremost, to improve their mental health by adhering to their clinical goals. We also, however, believe that it is often not in a teenager’s best interest to be in residential treatment without continuing to progress academically. After all, school will continue to be their primary job into the forseeable future. This is why we have a dedicated Ivy League-educated teacher who supervises each teen’s coursework, corresponds with families about their progress, and helps them develop and maintain study and Executive Functioning skills to support them in school and beyond.

Of course! After each resident’s initial orientation period, they will be able to call you during designated hours most days of the week. Family engagement in treatment is expected. Each Saturday there is weekly family visitation and a weekly parent empowerment group.

Nexus Teen Academy’s clinical team wants residents’ time with us to be free from distractions that may have been contributing factors in their need for treatment. For this reason, we would like to ask that all personal devices stay at home. We do have game rooms with PS5s that are loaded with age-appropriate games, computers for schooling, and tablets for video calls to those on their approved contact list.

Our family therapist will contact you by phone or video (whichever is best for you). The rest of the team will primarily communicate with families through our electronic medical records system, KIPU.

We always have staff able to take your call or get back to you immediately in the event of an emergency. At intake, you are given an Emergency and Non-Emergency phone number.

Yes, Nexus Teen Academy serves all genders. All common spaces, including the living room, kitchen, game rooms, dining, and education, are co-ed. The bedrooms and bathrooms are separated by gender identity. If you prefer your teen not to share a room, we have a private room available at an additional cost.

Yes! We believe it is imperative for all residents to have an opportunity to move their bodies during treatment. We offer stationary cardio equipment, weights, group exercise classes, and more. Additionally, your teen will not just be sitting in rooms processing feelings; we often get out into the serene nature surrounding our property for therapeutic groups and individual therapy sessions.

No, we adhere to Arizona’s state law that no minor under the age of 18 can legally smoke or vape. Our properties are smoke-free zones.

teen residential treatment insurance

We Accept Most PPO and Private Health Insurance Plans

Insurance may cover up to 100% of your teenager’s treatment costs. We don’t work with AHCCCS. You can confidentially verify your insurance benefits here online.

We work with most major insurance providers. You can confidentially check to see if your treatment is covered by insurance. Our admission experts are here to guide you through the process.

Our services

Effective Clinical Treatment Programs for Teens & Families

How To Get Started?

Whether your child is beginning or continuing their recovery, getting into Nexus Academy’s Program is a simple 3-step process that begins with one simple outreach.
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The initial phone call

Tell us your teen’s story, explore treatment options, and discuss payment options.
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Pre-screening

Confirm treatment, verify insurance coverage, and review details about what to expect.
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Start Therapy

Arrive at Nexus Teen Academy, meet our staff, tour the facility, and get settled in.

Meet Our Clinical Director

Hannah graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. She began her work as a therapist ten years ago in South Phoenix with an intensive outpatient program for teens and their families. In the program, she worked with teens and their families, specializing in intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment, adverse childhood trauma, and other mental health concerns using group, individual, and family therapy modalities.

Hannah Carr LPC, BC-TMH

Clinical Director of
Nexus Teen Academy

Scottsdale Teen Substance Abuse Therapy & Counseling

We get how tough it is for families when it comes to finding the right help for a teenager struggling with substance abuse and other issues. It’s heart-wrenching to think about sending your child away for treatment. We’re here to say it’s a brave step towards bringing back peace and happiness to your family.

But the journey to recovery begins with understanding the challenges and seeking professional guidance. The first step for families in Scottsdale, Arizona, is to consult with a licensed teen therapist who is equipped with the knowledge and experience to navigate the complexities of teen substance abuse and related issues. That’s why we highly recommend parents connect with one of the following Scottsdale licensed teen therapists for an initial consultation:

Scottsdale TherapistLicense No.
Stacey BruenLPC-10342
Carolyn DolejsLPC-22654
Erin McGuireLPC-21327
Cynthia RamosLPC-21232
Jaclyn KimmelLPC-1763
Cristina YturraldeLPC-15764

Note: These names have been carefully verified by the Nexus Teen Academy team to ensure that you are receiving trustworthy and professional advice. Each therapist is an active licensed practitioner approved by the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examineers.

Moreover, if you would like the highest level of care for your teenager, then contact us to learn more about Nexus Teen Academy’s Teen Residential Treatment Program. It’s typically a 30-60 day stay at our beautiful 9,000 sq ft house in Cave Creek, Arizona. We have a private chef and many daily activities, including therapy, group therapy, outdoor activities, and, most importantly, self-growth.

Education and Mental Health: A Winning Combination for Scottsdale Teens

At Nexus Teen Academy, we understand how crucial high schools are in guiding Scottsdale, Arizona’s teens. It’s more than hitting the books and scoring grades; it’s about growing up sound in mind and body.

That’s why we’ve compiled a thoughtful selection of Scottsdale high schools known for their commitment to student mental wellness, including Saguaro High School, Coronado High School, Desert Mountain High School, and Chaparral High School. These schools excel in education and provide robust support systems and counseling services to ensure students thrive in every aspect of their lives.

Furthermore, these schools are part of the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD), known for offering various support services, including counseling.

Scottsdale SchoolsCounselling Details
Saguaro High SchoolCounseling Information
Coronado High SchoolCounseling Information
Desert Mountain High SchoolCounseling Information
Chaparral High SchoolCounseling Information

Note: While curating this list of schools, we have considered myriad factors, including, but not limited to, test scores, equity, parental reviews, and school curricula. We recognize that each teen is unique, and a perfect school for one might not be right for another. Please be aware that Nexus Teen Academy isn’t officially connected to any of the schools we discuss.

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Call Now

Our admissions specialists and clinical team are here to answer your questions.
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Schedule a Consultation

Schedule a confidential conversation with our team to discuss the next important step for your family.

Recreational Centers, Clubs, Youth Development, Reading Programs, and Community Centers In Scottsdale, Arizona

McDowell Sonoran Preserve scottsdale arizona

Like Scottsdale’s high schools prioritize student well-being through counseling, the city is filled with a wealth of community, recreational clubs, community leagues, youth development, and volunteer programs designed to empower teens in amazing ways.

But why these centers? Stigma and fear of society’s judgment among teens often create a barrier to seeking help. These centers offer a friendly, non-medical setting that feels more welcoming and less intimidating than traditional therapy settings.

These centers and programs foster social interaction and support, which is crucial for teens’ mental health. Being part of a community or program can help teens feel less isolated (which peaks in adolescents’ years, says a study by NIH), understand that others share their struggles, and foster a sense of belonging.

Imagine this:

  •  Your teen is dealing with Juvenile Primary Fibromyalgia (JFM). Getting involved in activities at the City of Scottsdale – Aquatics program can help teens lessen their anxiety.
  • Or maybe they’re over at Mountain View Park, where they can nurture their mood, feel more positive, and even lower their cortisol levels.
  • Let’s say they’re exploring Horizon Park and McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
  • They might also participate in multi-sports programs or volunteer opportunities, where they acquire life skills and essential tools like resilience, teamwork, sportsmanship, and preparation for future endeavors.

Note: These centers and programs are part of the City Of Scottsdale.

horizon park scottsdale
arizona department of child safety office

Youth Development & Volunteer Programs in Scottsdale​

Youth development programs for teenagers in Scottsdale can become an important part of their lives. It’s not just about helping your teenager prepare for future jobs or doing better in school. The plan is much bigger, looking at really essential aspects like mental health, how to handle sadness, staying away from bad substances, and more. The programs here are built to give teens the tools they need to grow personally and succeed in their future careers. And one of the best parts? They focus a lot on ensuring teens can bounce back from challenging times, which is quite essential.
The City of Scottsdale Volunteer Opportunities is leading this effort. They’re all about strengthening the community by helping Scottsdale teenagers feel better and do better. This effort is laying down a strong foundation for a future that’s not just healthier but also wealthier. If you’re curious and want to know more, checking out their website will give you all the necessary information.

Find Your Teenager's Fitness Flow in Scottsdale

Picture this: gyms, dance studios, and martial arts centers all around, each with classes for teenagers. So, if your teen is into busting moves, learning how to protect themselves, or just want to get stronger and healthier, Scottsdale has got you covered.

Imagine stepping into a dance class where the music lifts your teen, and they’re learning new moves that make them feel like a star. Or maybe your teen is more into martial arts, where every kick and punch builds their strength and confidence. And if they are looking to get fit, the gyms around here are packed with equipment and courses meant to challenge and excite them. It’s more than just working out or learning new skills. It’s about pushing your teen’s limits and discovering what they’re capable of. It’s about joining a community of teens who are all about supporting each other.

Note: (All of these are paid)

Gracie Barra Brazilian

  • Address: 16033 N. 77th St. Suite B, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
  • Phone: (480) 717-0222
  • http://www.fxbanthem.com

Mountainside Fitness GYM

  • Address – 11611 E, Sahuaro Dr, Scottsdale, Arizona 85259 N.E. Corner of 116th St & Shea Blvd.
  • Phone – (480) 889-8889
  • https://mountainsidefitness.com/locations/scottsdale-shea/

Arthur Murray Dance Center

  • Address – 7835 E Redfield Rd, Ste 206 Scottsdale, AZ 85260
  • Phone Number – (480) 946-4241
  • https://arthurmurrayscottsdale.com

Euro Rhythm Dance Studios

  • Address – 15050 N. Northsight Blvd, Suite #105 Scottsdale, AZ 85260
  • Telephone – (480) 443-0205
  • https://www.eurorhythm.com/

Resources For Parents of Teens Facing Substance Abuse:

Helping A Teen Who is Using Drugs
Ted Talk from a parent