Oak Plains Academy

Oak Plains Academy Review

Oak Plains Academy is an adolescent treatment facility northwest of Nashville in Ashland City, Tennessee. While this program primarily caters to young people whose initial diagnosis is a psychiatric disorder, treatment is also available for those with a dual diagnosis of mental health issues and substance use disorder. Programming includes therapy and a psychoeducational curriculum within two main tracks. One is the 90-day assessment program, and the other is the neurobehavioral program. In addition to mental health treatment, clients also attend state mandated classes to keep up with their school work.

Accommodations and Food

The Oak Plains campus is on over 20 acres in a secluded area about 45 minutes outside of Nashville. The sprawling rolling grounds contain four dorm buildings, a full gym, educational building and treatment facilities. There is also a large space for recreational activities that includes group sports like basketball and softball. Other common areas on campus are the greenhouse, a playground structure, climbing wall, and a covered outdoor dining space.

The dorm rooms sleep four clients in two bunk beds. In total there are 58 beds. The rooms have simple furnishings. In addition to the beds, there are shared desks and dressers.

Clients eat their meals in the campus cafeteria. There are plenty of options to choose from food-wise.

Treatment and Staff

Treatment is for clients who are between the ages of five and 17. They separate clients into age appropriate groups and classes. The average length of stay is between three and six months. At every stage of treatment clients have structured days that include a full day of school, group and process groups, recreation and various skills groups.

The 90 day assessment program evaluates children ages seven to 17 who experience complex psychiatric symptoms. During treatment clients in this track receive a substance abuse assessment and services if necessary, five hours of individual therapy per week, group therapy, drug screens, and milieu skills groups.

The neurobehavioral program treats clients with specific disorders, such as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), developmental disabilities and autism. Treatment includes neuro and biofeedback, recreational therapy, psychiatric treatment and monitoring and social skills building groups. There are also specialized services for this level of care that include occupational therapy and speech therapy.

Treatment uses evidence-based approaches like trauma-informed CBT, DBT and EMDR. Additionally, clients work on their communication skills, team building, personal health, hygiene, money management and career building.

The staff has psychiatrists, psychologists, LCSWs, Master’s-level therapists, CADCs and nurses.

Extras

Holistic coping methods include yoga and meditation. It’s also worth noting, clients frequently go on fun excursions to hike or fish.

As clients move through their programs and start to show progress, they receive overnight and weekend passes to see their families.

Finally, family therapy is essential to the success of clients at Oak Plains. Consequently, family sessions are available either in person at the facility, or over the phone.

In Summary

Oak Plains Academy offers specialized care for children and adolescents who are experiencing mental health issues. Above all, the facility customizes treatment to accommodate their needs, and the needs of their families. Oak Plains Academy provides age appropriate treatment within an environment that has around the clock supervision.