Northwest Passage Riverside

Northwest Passage Riverside Review

Northwest Passage Riverside is a residential treatment organization that specializes in the care of adolescent males between the ages of 12 and 17 struggling with behavioral and learning conditions as well as substance use disorders. Founded in 1978, Northwest Passage is 100 miles northeast of Minneapolis in the small town of Webster, Wisconsin.

The facility seeks to not only treat clients but to empower them by concentrating on their strengths. Dual diagnosis support is an important aspect of the programming. The treatment team offers medication management, assessment and medical services.

Accommodations and Food

Northwest Passage is on a beautiful 70 acre campus surrounded by nature. Residents stay in one of three rustic-style homes, each equipped with eight beds. The facility also offers an indoor gym, an outdoor play area, basketball court, arts and crafts area, a fishing dock and multiple classrooms. Every client can have visitors and make phone calls. The facility is under supervision 24 hours a day. When needed, the staff can provide transportation for visitors, medical and therapeutic appointments.

Residents enjoy a delicious and nutritious menu that a culinary team prepares. They can accommodate clients with dietary restrictions, preferences and allergies.

Treatment and Staff

Before beginning care at Northwest Passage, clients go through a comprehensive assessment that helps determine the most effective individualized treatment strategy. They customize it to address the unique needs, goals and circumstances of the individual. The interdisciplinary evaluation includes the STAR academic achievement test, a personal and family history, psychiatric assessment and account of substance use. While the length of the program varies from client to client, a typical stay lasts between eight and 12 months.

The facility promotes a model empowerment that focuses on enhancing strengths through life skills training, relationships and accountability. As a result, Northwest Passage provides an integrative approach that includes holistic practices, experiential therapy, life skills and recreation. Clients engage in group sessions, family therapy and outdoor experiential activities like swimming, sledding, hiking and kayaking.

It’s worth noting, the treatment here places a premium on education. Consequently, Northwest Passage incorporates academics as a major component of the program. Teachers work with both the parents and the school to offer individualized curriculums and even a specialized GED preparation. Class sizes are small with clients receiving a lot of personal attention.

The multidisciplinary Northwest Passage team is comprised of neuropsychologists, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, licensed social workers, teachers, youth development specialists and case managers. With a board-certified pediatric psychiatrist on staff, clients with co-occurring mental health conditions receive comprehensive dual diagnosis support through medication management. Qualifications includes Master’s, MDs and PhDs. The staff-to-client ratio is one-to- four.

Extras

Finally, Northwest Passages also offers comprehensive aftercare services for any client that has completed the program. The facility offers 60 days of follow-up care at no cost.

In Summary

Above all, Northwest Passage seamlessly integrates an academic curriculum with experiential activities and mental health care. For young men seeking a world-class program that specializes in strengthening adolescents struggling with mental health and learning disorders, as well as substance use disorders, Northwest Passage is an excellent choice.