La Europa Academy is the newest addition of residential treatment facilities owned by CERTS (Certified Educational Recreation and Therapeutic Schools). The program is a six- to nine-month clinically intensive program for girls ages 13-17. Appropriate behaviors include depression, mood disorders, low self-esteem, eating disorders, all types of addiction, family conflict, oppositional defiance, sexual addiction, physical abuse, learning disorders, anger management, trauma, ADHD and more. Since the grand opening on February 21, 2005, La Europa Academy currently has 12 students enrolled with a capacity to admit 30 girls.
La Europa employs masters' level therapists to help students and families work through difficult issues, learn new coping mechanisms and overcome negative patterns or behaviors. The therapeutic component consists of two-to-three individual weekly therapy sessions, daily groups, weekly art therapy, equine assisted psychotherapy, weekly family therapy (via telephone), recreation therapy and music/drama programs.
The academic component is "child-focused rather than curriculum-focused," using IEPs to accommodate special education needs. Courses include art, science, horsemanship, foreign language, drama and basic academic coursework. The program places a strong emphasis on combining the therapeutic curriculum with educational goals, study skills, organization, planning, respect, responsibility and motivation to help the girls reach their academic potential.
La Europa will not accept students who are medically unstable, pregnant, fire starters, have psychotic disorders, are sexual perpetrators, have conduct disorders or have prior felony convictions.