Insight Intensive Celebrates Two Years

Since our introductory launch in July of 2010, Insight Intensive has graduated over 100 young men! We are profoundly grateful and honored to have the opportunity to work with so many young men and their families and to be an integral part of their journey towards a better life. Over 100 professionals have toured our campus and we appreciate all of the support and positive feedback we have received. We have enjoyed working with many referral sources across the country and look forward to more opportunities for collaboration in the future!

Insight Intensive was created to meet the specific niche of young men who did not require a psychiatric inpatient setting or a primary chemical dependency program- but something in between. Many of the young men we work with are depressed, anxious, unmotivated, obsessed with video games or living on the Internet, and struggling with substance abuse...basically looking for a way to escape life and the responsibilities and challenges of young adulthood. Most attempted college but found themselves unprepared and overwhelmed and spiraling downward. Our goal at Insight Intensive is to give young men the competence, confidence, and clarity necessary for success in early adulthood. We have experienced great success working with young men coming to us after completing a wilderness program or a primary treatment setting as well as guys coming to us directly from home and having their first treatment experience.

Getting My Life Back
Bryan's story...

Before coming to Insight, the best way to describe how I was feeling was "stuck." When I went away to college I thought that by getting away from home I could start over. I love my parents but we have definitely had our ups and downs. I never really liked school. My parents and teachers would say I was lazy and unmotivated; they never really got me. I was diagnosed with ADHD in the seventh grade. When I got to college I really started to struggle. I found myself feeling anxious and depressed most of the time and started to get behind in my classes. Instead of studying and going to class, I stayed in my room most of the day playing video games and on the internet. The thought of telling my parents and disappointing them "again" was too much so I avoided telling them. When semester grades came out and they realized I failed most of my classes' things got worse. I ended up back at home and feeling completely lost. All my friends were moving forward and I was back at home with my parents and without a plan. When I came to Insight, I have to admit I was a little skeptical. However, once I started to build relationships with the other guys and staff...I got it. Being at Insight has helped me figure out who I am. What I needed most was the time and space away from everything to figure out who I am and what I want (not what others want for me). When I first arrived at Insight I was pretty anxious about not having my own computer. Staff said that it was important for me to "unplug" and to start focusing on myself. Being away from the distraction of my computer, phone, and pressures of college and parents, I was finally able to learn about myself and get my head on straight. My senior mentor and therapist really helped me throughout this process....I couldn't have done it without them.

Who's Right for Insight Intensive?

Young men who do not require a wilderness program, primary CD program, or acute psychiatric setting.

Young men struggling with depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, substance abuse and addictive behaviors.

Completing a treatment program or school and would benefit from a therapeutic environment to work on a Life Plan (i.e. completed a wilderness program but not ready for independent or semi-independent living and may need more time in a sober environment with structure to develop life skills and the planning necessary to effectively move forward.)

At home- "failures to launch", not engaging in school/work, unmotivated, drug use, addictive behaviors (Internet, gaming).

Attempted college but withdrew due to emotional or behavioral issues.

Need an interim, semester, or gap program to solidify plan for the next step while continuing to address therapeutic needs.

Insight Intensive at Gold Lake is a therapeutic residential program on a 100-acre campus that serves young men ages 18-26 in need of clinical services, mentoring, coaching, and life skills. At Insight Intensive, we prepare young men for independence using a comprehensive, integrated approach that supports the whole person's development. Typical length of stay is 4 months.