Insight Intensive at Gold Lake Launches Residential Program

Recovery and behavioral-health expert Joseph DeNucci proudly introduces Insight Intensive at Gold Lake, an innovative, therapeutic residential program for young men who are unprepared to meet the demands of adulthood. Located 30 minutes west of Boulder, CO., on a 100-acre retreat campus in the majestic Rocky Mountains, Insight Intensive at Gold Lake is the only short-term program specifically designed to address America's "failure to launch" epidemic.

According to a 2009 U.S. News & World Report article, 30 percent of college and university students drop out after their first year, and half never graduate. In 2010, the New York Times reported that 40 percent of those in their 20s move back home to live with their parents at least once. Similarly, in 2010, Pew Research noted that 37 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds are unemployed or out of the workforce, the highest share among this age group in more than 30 years.
"Thousands of young men are reaching adulthood completely unprepared for its responsibilities and demands," said DeNucci. "They're 18-25 years old and still living at home-often after failed attempts at college or work. They might be depressed and anxious, obsessed with video games, or living on the internet; some are using drugs. They're overwhelmed, underprepared, and terrified of a future they can't imagine."

The program prepares young men for college or work and independence using a comprehensive, integrated approach that supports the whole person's development. The Insight Intensive Approach� includes a personalized, goal-oriented program of therapeutic mentoring; individual, group and family therapy; life skills coaching and life planning; peer support; health and wellness; recovery support; experiential learning and academic or vocational preparation. The length of the program is dependent on individual needs, but the average length of stay is approximately 90 days and typically follows another form of treatment or an unsuccessful or delayed attempt to launch.

No other program like it exists to meet this specific niche of young men, who do not require an inpatient psychiatric setting or a primary chemical dependency program-but something in between. As a result, Insight Intensive has seen great success since its introductory launch last summer, as well as significant interest from potential participants interested in the innovative program.

"I sent a very challenged and challenging young man to Insight Intensive. From my first call of inquiry regarding the program, I knew that it would be the perfect setting for my client to receive care, guidance, and mentoring that would not only make his life livable, but also exciting and deeply satisfying," said Sonnee D. Weedn, Ph.D. "That is exactly what is happening. His enthusiasm and hopefulness are exciting to realize given the desperation with which he entered. The program is solid and beautifully designed. I highly recommend it."

"I've known and worked with Joseph for more than 12 years," said Bill O'Donnell, founder of Sierra Tucson and Miraval. "He's a passionate, committed guy, but this project is clearly special. It's part of his personal story." DeNucci, who was raised by priests in a Catholic boarding school, was living on his own by the time he was 16. "I was essentially an orphan; I had to 'grow myself up,'" he said. "Consequently, I have a lot of understanding and compassion for these young men who don't yet have the competence, confidence, or clarity to engage effectively with adulthood."

After struggling with drugs as a young man, DeNucci eventually found his own way, earning a college degree, and beginning a long, successful career helping, others recover. He became a well-known innovator in the burgeoning fields of integrated health and wellness, having developed, owned, and run successful programs for numerous companies including Sierra Tucson, Miraval, and Duke University. DeNucci partnered with the founders of Organic India, a wellness and sustainability-oriented tea company, to create Insight Intensive.

Insight Intensive at Gold Lake is an innovative, therapeutic residential program that serves young men, ages 18-25, in need of clinical services, mentoring, coaching and life skills.